Baths and Beds and Bones. Oh My!

Well, I finally got a bath today. I had to go roll around and tumble about in the garden and get really dirty to force the matter. And now I feel like a new girl. The things you have to do to get a little attention around here now that the dog population has exploded. I used this amazing Italian moisturizing shampoo from a company called Davines that my dad picked up for me in Brentwood, CA. I know, it doesn't sound Italian to me either. It contains arugula extract. Can you imagine? RIDICULOUS! That reminds me of the time that Toby (the pups' dad, remember) told me that I have a ridiculous little butt. I think it was a compliment. But, hey now, lets get back to the subject at hand: presents. My parents are always bringing me presents when they come back from trips. So the shampoo didn't really surprise me. But the yogurt conditioner, now that was a surprise.

I travel a lot with them too. All over. I have stayed at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and even took a dip in the pool there. I love their lobby bar (not the Bar Marmont) and have met quite a few Hollywood types in my day. I think my parents take me along to attract them (they're a bit starstruck, I think). I met Rosie Perez. She was so nice. Even rolled around on the floor with me. She was there attending a party for some HBO show and she included me in everything. Of course, we saw Paris Hilton and her little dog, but they ignored me. Courtney Love was there too and boy was she a mess. And Robbie Williams. Do you know who he is? And, oh yeah, I almost forgot Greasy Bear. I liked the way he smelled.

One of my favorite hotels is the Peninsula in Chicago and the kids and I recently stayed at the Peninsula in New York. I also like the Ritz in DC. And if you go to Austin you have to stay at the Hotel San Jose. I'm a bit of a hotel snob you see. These places are so pup friendly that it makes me feel all warm inside. They always provide the cushiest of dog beds and, usually, bottled water. Just for me. All for me. And speaking of dog beds, my favorite dog bed (and I know the pups agree) is the puff from a company called Animals Matter. It's so soft and yummy and it has a little hollow area in the center for me to curl up in. It is DELICIOUS. We saw it in a store in Beverly Hills, but bought it online somewhere.

Closer to home, my hotel of choice is the Four Seasons Boston. They make their own dog biscuits just for their four-legged guests. I was able to get the recipe just for you.

DOG BONES from the Four Seasons Hotel Boston

3 cups WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR

1 1/2 cups COURNMEAL

1 cup RICE FLOUR

1 cup CHICKEN STOCK

1/2 cup WHOLE MILK

2oz. MELTED BUTTER

1 WHOLE EGG

1 EGG YOLK

Preheat oven to 350 egrees. Blend together whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and rice flour. Stir together chicken stock, milk and butter. Stir liquids into dry ingredients and then add eggs. Knead dough well until it is very stiff. Roll out 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick and cut out into bone shapes (or other shape desired). Place on cookie sheet that has been lightly greased and bake 45 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container

Makes 24 -30 biscuits.

I hope that Toby reads this and decides to surprise me with a batch.

You can find little doggie cookie cutters online or you can just use a small drinking glass to cut out circle shapes. I like those because they remind me of my ball toys.

My friend Dara in New York also makes EXCELLENT dog treats. She sent us some during the holidays last year. I will see if I can get the recipe out of her. If I do I will be sure to share it here.

I know that I wasn't going to take any pics of the pups until their eyes open. But rules are made to be broken. And bones are made to be eaten. Right? And who can resist a ridiculous little puppy butt? You know what they say...like mother...like daughter.