Upright Canine Brigade Cookbook

UPR IGHT CA NINE BR IGA DE COOK BOOK M EG A E S OPH AGUS R ECIPE S

&

F R IEN DLY

T R E AT S

Designed by Danyelle Ware in collaboration with members of the Upright Canine Brigade Inc. www.caninemegaesophagusinfo.com We are not veterinarians, and we are not speaking on behalf of any companies or others. We are a community of pet parents with ME/MG dogs. The information contained in this book is not meant to diagnose, treat, or take the place of advice from your vet. The recipes included in this book may or may not work for your ME pup. Please refer to your vet with any questions or concerns. Utilize recipes at your own risk.

2

UPR IGHT CA NINE BR IGA DE COOK BOOK M EG A E S OPH AGUS R ECIPE S

&

3

F R IEN DLY

T R E AT S

INDEX OV E R V I E W..................................................................7 SLUR RYS................................................................................8 Hobie’s Classic Slurr y................................................................10 Penny’s Pumpkin Slur r y..............................................................11 M e l e’s T u r k e y Ve g e t a b l e S l u r r y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 Rich Feed Slur r y..........................................................................13 Jake’s Picky Puppy Liver Pâté......................................................14 Gourmet Puppy Slurr y................................................................15 Mi ska’s Har vest Slur r y...............................................................16 Slow Cooker Slurr y......................................................................17

M E AT BA L L S ......................................................................18 Nomi’s Teeny Tiny Meatball s.......................................................20 Cind erElla’s Cravta st ic Meatball s............................................... 21 Tato r’s Kibbl e Meatba ll s............................................................. 22 Reno’s Raw Meatballs.................................................................24 Molly’s Chunky Greens................................................................26 Ja ck so n’s Froze n Me a tba l l s .......................................................... 2 7 Cooper’s Three Step Meatballs......................................................28 Ted dy’s P umpkin Meatball s.......................................................... 29

T R E AT S .................................................................................30 Ha r l o w’s Wa t e r m e l o n P u p c i c l e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 Birthday Peanut Butter Ice Cream...............................................34 Mix and Match Knox Blox............................................................35 Sake’s Pawfect Pudding..............................................................36 Frosty Breath Treats..................................................................37 Gracie’s Fish Pate Treats.............................................................38 Yo s h i ’ s H o m e m a d e P i l l P o c k e t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9 Tigerlily’s Fr uit Icees.................................................................40 Mixand Match Fruit Smoothies...................................................42 Peanut Butter Cinnamon Treats....................................................43

Harlow’s recipe page 32

6

OVERVIEW If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives dogs would outlive us all.

need to get creative (baskets, boxes, high chairs, baby

h at i s Mega esoph a gu s?

front packs, you name it, an ME parent has tried it!) Up-

Normally, when the animal’s esophagus

right time depends on how quickly your dog can digest

is functioning properly, it acts as a

their meals. Typically, the absorption rate is anywhere

muscle and pushes the food down the esophagus into the

between 10 and 45 minutes. Experiment with times, if

stomach. However, when an animal has megaesophagus,

your dog regurgitates their food shortly after eating try

the esophagus stays enlarged and does not push the

adding more upright time to let gravity do its thing.

food down to the stomach. Therefore, the food fails to enter the stomach and often stays in the esophagus, and is eventually regurgitated, or enters the lungs through

THE RIGHT VETERINARIAN

breathing, causing aspiration pneumonia.

Because canine megaesophagus is not a mainstream disease it can take some work finding a veterinarian who

Megaesophagus can be classified as either congenital or

has experience with, or is willing to walk this path with

acquired. Congenital ME is seen in puppies typically after

you. Don’t get discouraged, as many vets give grave pre-

they are weaned from their mothers and started on solid

dictions, simply because of lack of knowledge that is out

food. In order to diagnose this, it is important to rule

there about this condition.

out all the causes of acquired ME. Some of the acquired secondary diseases that can cause megaesophagus are

A SPIR AT ION PN EU MON I A

myasthenia gravis, hypoadrenocorticism, hypothyroid-

Always be on the lookout for signs of pneumonia. The

ism, some neoplastic diseases such as thymoma, or due

most common symptoms include: lethargy, inappetence,

to an abnormal vascular anatomy around the esophagus that causes a stricture.

increased breathing rate or effort, breathing with head

Dogs with megaesophagus can live long, fulfilling lives

fever, or any other concerning change in behavior. If your

or neck extended, pale or blue gums/tongue, coughing, dog is showing any of these signs contact your veterin-

with patience and proper care. The two most important lifestyle modifications involve food and gravity.

arian as soon as possible.

UPRIGHT FEEDING

KEEP A JOURNAL After each meal write down time, quantity fed, amount

Feeding your dog upright is key to making sure your

of time upright and the digestive results. This may sound

dog is getting proper nourishment and avoiding food

like a tedious task but it can definitely help out in the

and water from ending up anywhere but to their stom-

long run. A large amount of managing this disease in-

ach. A bailey chair is the most common way of keeping

volves trial and error so by recording your daily routine

your dog upright and comfortable. If you have a growing

it is possible to pinpoint patterns.

puppy or haven’t gotten a chance to build a chair you will

7

SLUR RYS

HOBIE’ S CL A SSIC SLURRY

G R E AT

R E C I PE

F OR

YO U R

L A RG E

A N D

X-L A RG E

B E S T

F R I E N D

M A K E S 2 DAY S OF ME A L S

•

4 cups of ground kibble

•

4 cans of dog food

•

2 cans of baby cereal

•

½ large can of pumpkin

•

water for blending

•

1/2 cup of goats milk

•

1 tbsp slippery elm powder

DIREC TIONS Soak ground kibble in water overnight.

Blend all ingredients until milkshake consistency.

Divide into 9 containers two cups of slurry for each.

Refrigerate.

At meal time add goats milk and slippery elm powder.

H A NDSOME

HOBIE

SAYS

HEL LO

Heat slurry to warm and serve.

10

PENNY ’ S PUMPKIN SLURRY

H IG H

C A L OR I E

P U PP Y

R E C I PE

F OR

YO U R

G ROW I N G

MAKES 1 SERVING

DIREC TIONS

• 1/3 can of puppy food

Place all ingredients into blender.

• 1/3 - 1/2 cup of dehydrated honest kitchen or spot farms

Blend until milkshake consistency.

• 1 tbsp baby/rice cereal • 1 tbsp pumpkin purée • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 1 tbsp high calorie boost (dyne or nutri-cal) • 1/2 - 1 cup of goat milk

SW EET DUR ING TIME TA ST Y

PENN Y UPR IGHT

A F TER

A

SLUR RY

11

B U DDY

MELE’ S TURKE Y VEGE TABLE SLURRY

MAKES ABOUT 76 OUNCES

DIREC TIONS

• 50oz cooked turkey meat • 1 can peas • 1 can carrots • 1 can green beans (Makes 2 - 30 oz containers) • 4 cooked eggs • 1 cup kibble • 1 cup cooked egg noodles or 1 can of diced potatoes • 1 can of flaked chicken breast • 1 scoop Dinovite vitamins • 1 scoop Slippery Elm • 1/4 cup powdered goats milk • 1 tbsp pumpkin baby food • water

Soak kibble in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of boiling water until soft.

Mix together cooked turkey, peas, carrots and green beans, set aside.

Mix the remaining ingredients together.

Add half of turkey mixture and place in blender.

Store the second half in an air tight container in the refrigerator for a second batch.

Blend until a smooth milkshake consistency. Add additional water as needed.

ele is a Gordon Setter Mix who is just under 2 years old.

She was found on the streets of Annapolis,

Maryland with her brother and they were both adopted out together but she was returned due to her ME. She spent 9 months in the shelter where she got the best care she could for the environment that she was in. They loved her and did their best. When I adopted her her name was Lilo (her brother was Stitch). I renamed her Mele Kalikimaki, keeping the Hawaiian theme but it was a Christmas adoption so her name means Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. She has done well since she has been here.

We started Sildenafil in April and that was a big game changer.

She still has regurge, but it is usually pretty small and infrequent.

Every once in a while we will have a bad day or two, but they she is back to herself and crazy, crazy, crazy. Her best friend is my other “puppy” Chance. I also have another “puppy” Dexter. They all get along great but sometimes I ask myself what did I do? It’s like having three toddlers. Mele makes me laugh all the time. She has a wonderful personality and a sweetness that just wraps around my heart. My prayer and hope is that she will live long enough to have a lot of grey hair. I also pray that the time between now and then is a quality time that allows her to be a “regular” dog and mainly a healthy dog.

12

RICH FEED SLURRY

MAKES 4 16.5OZ SERVINGS

DIREC TIONS

•

6 large carrots

Boil water in a large saucepan. Put in the carrots and sweet potato.

•

red sweet potato, peeled

•

14 oz chicken breast

Bring to the boil again. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cabbage. Bring to the

•

14 oz cabbage, chopped

boil again.

•

3 1/2 oz brown rice

•

1 1/2 oz pink salmon

Simmer another 5 minutes. Turn off stove and leave lid on for another

•

4 cups water

2 minutes.

Drain water and puree with a blender. Set aside.

Mince chicken breast. Lightly steam the meat in a frying pan to cook it, with a little water, breaking it up with a spoon.

Prepare brown rice.

Add chicken, rice and pink salmon to blender and puree.

13

JAKE’ S PICK Y PUPPY LIVER PÂTÉ

U S E

T H I S

T O

T OP

OF F

N OR M A L

F O OD

T O

E N T IC E

YO U R

PIC K Y

DIREC TIONS

MAKES 8-10 CUPS

In a medium saucepan boil chicken livers until cooked,

•

20oz chicken livers

•

8 cups of cooked rice

•

2 cups of water

about 10 minutes. Do not drain broth, set aside to cool.

In a large blender add 4 cups of cooked rice.

E AT E R

Add 2 cups of cooled chicken livers, along with one cup of the broth.

Add one additional cup of water and blend to desired consistency.

Add more water to make thinner like a slurry, or less water to make thicker like a pâté.

Repeat process with the remaining ingredients.

Store in airtight containers in fridge for up to 4-5 days, or freeze.

NOTE: This recipe can be easily modified to be a complete meal. Simply add boiled sweet potatoes, carrots, or eggs.

JA K E

H A S

CONGENITA L

IDIOPATHIC

ME .

DI AGNOSED

AT

OLD Y E A R FOR

A ND OLD.

NOW

JA K E

PR AC TICA L

GI V ES DOES

IS

5

HE

WA S

W EEK S OV ER

H A S

A

JOK ES

EV ERY THING

110% .

HE

LOV ES

A

LOV E A ND HE LIFE!

14

GOURME T PUPPY SLURRY

•

1 can Merrick canned puppy plate

•

1 cup Primal beef ground raw mix

•

1 egg - with egg shell

•

2 tbsp coconut oil

•

1 piece of cube steak chopped up

•

1/4 cup coconut milk

•

1/4 cup coconut water

•

1 tsp Tomlyn Nurti-Cal

DIREC TIONS Blend until a smooth milkshake consistency.

Add additional water as needed.

15

MISHK A’ S HARVES T SLURRY

S W E E T

P O TAT OE S

•

1 1/2 cup ground kibble

•

1 cup of water

•

1/2 cup chicken broth

•

1 sweet potato

•

2 tbsp of canned pumpkin

•

1/4 cup goats milk

A R E

A

G R E AT

S O U RC E

OF

F I B E R

A N D

I RON

DIREC TIONS Soak ground kibble in 1 cup of water and chicken broth.

Boil sweet potato.

Add 2 tbsp sweet potato and canned pumpkin Add 1/4 of goats milk.

Stir until well mixed and serve.

BE AU T IF UL IN

HER

CH A IR SLUR RY

16

MISK A

BA IL E Y A F T ER

A

DINNER

SLOW COOKER SLURRY

•

2 1/2-3 lbs boneless skinless

•

1 sweet potato, cubed

•

2 carrots, sliced

•

2 c. frozen green beans

•

2 c. frozen peas

•

1 large apples, cored and cubed

•

1 can kidney beans,

chicken thighs and breasts

drained and rinsed •

2 tbsp olive oil

DIREC TIONS Place meat in the crockpot and add water so that it just covers the chicken. Then, add potato, carrots, kidney beans, green beans, and apple.

Cook on low for 8-9 hours, when it is about finished, add the frozen peas and cook for another 30 minutes.

When finished, drain off excess liquid, add olive oil, and blend in a food processor or blender.

When cooled, scoop daily servings into individual ziploc bags and freeze. Each night, remove one bag from the freezer and place in the fridge to defrost overnight.

17

ME ATBA LL S

NOMI ’ S TEENY TINY ME ATBALL S

MAKES ABOU T 640 MEATBALLS

• • • • •

The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Fish Formula Project Paws Hypoallergenic Hip & Joint chews NaturVet Bladder Support chews NaturVet probiotic powder Filtered water

•

4 Silicone Mini Ice Cube trays

•

Kitchen scale

Nomi is a rescue angel, adopted by her moms in November 2016. A month later they got the fright of their lives when Nomi developed aspiration pneumonia. But with love, dedication, and the help of wonderful vets and community, she is now a happy, energetic upright eater who loves life!

DIREC TIONS Finely grind The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Fish Formula in hand blender.

Place a large bowl on a kitchen scale and turn on the scale. Put 2 Project Paws Hypoallergenic Hip & Joint chews and 4 NaturVet Bladder Support chews in the bowl. Using your hands, break them into pieces and crush them until they are a powder-like consistency. Add 230g of The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Fish Formula and 6g of NaturVet probiotic powder. Use a spoon to thoroughly blend dry ingredients. Add 357g of water and stir. Once the mixture has thickened, look for clumps of dry ingredients that need to be integrated. After everything has been completely combined, cover the bowl with cling wrap and let sit for ~10 minutes while the water rehydrates the food.

Place a silicone ice cube tray on a large cutting board. Turn on/tare the scale and spoon 155g of the food mixture onto the silicone mini ice cube tray. Replace the cling wrap. Using your hands, spread the mixture evenly into the tray. Rinse your hands, then clean off the tray, being careful not to have water soak into the food cubes. Repeat with the other 3 trays.

NOTE: depending on humidity, fineness of grind, and other factors, the last tray may not get completely filled.

Stack the 4 trays and place the cling wrap over the top tray (add inbetween each tray, if desired, for easier separation).

Gently press the wrap down so that it clings to the food. Place the trays into the freezer and let chill for 12 hours.

Remove the trays from the freezer and allow to thaw for 1 minute. Pull one tray apart from the rest and begin popping food cubes out over a cutting board, beginning with the perimeter. Repeat with the other 3 trays. Place the cubes into a tupperware container and store in the freezer. When ready to serve, put the desired number of cubes on a plate and let sit at room temperature for ~15 minutes. Roll each one into a ball before you feed.

CINDERELL A’ S CR AV TA S TIC ME ATBALL S

•

1 can Royal Canin Gastrointestinal

•

1 packet Fortiflora

•

2 tbsp Organic Pure Pumpkin Purée

•

2 tbsp Red Mills Oat Bran

High Energy

DIREC TIONS Mix together until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Using hands covered in coconut oil or a melon scoop roll and form the meatballs.

Place meatballs in freezer until harden and then divide into individual serving sizes placed into plastic tubs or baggies.

Before each meal set in refrigerator or at room temperature until partially thawed. Serve semi frozen.

DA R L ING CINDER EL L A WA I T ING HER

FOR

FAVOR I T E

ME AT BA L L S

21

TATOR ’ S KIBBLE ME ATBALL S

•

7 cups ground kibble

•

2 - large (22oz) Pate style canned wet dog food

•

1 can plain pumpkin

•

2/3-1 cup Dyne

•

1 cup water

DIREC TIONS Blend all but kibble with blender or mixer.

Add the dry kibble (1 cup of ground kibble at a time) to the slurry.

Use a small hand scoop to make meatballs, layering in a large rectangular container, layered, with wax/freezer paper between each layer.

Freeze.

Take out from freezer enough for three days at a time, storing in a smaller plastic container in the refrigerator.

22

T

ator was born on July 13, 2006, he became my baby and my heart on September 6th, 2006 in Three Rivers, Tx. He became the “Cutest Corgi in the World.”

In September 2007 at 14 months, he started to vomit and drool. After a vet appointment and X-rays with my local vet he was sent to TX A&M university for diagnosis of Megaesophagus. After 2 days of testing the diagnosis was not only ME but Myasthenia Gravis And Pneumonia! In 3 days he couldn’t eat, blink or walk correctly! They said he’d die from starvation and most were put down unless he could get nutrition... I elected to spend my children’s Christmas money and have a feeding tube put in! 7 Days later we where on our way home. Slowly he got better from the MG and finally after 15 months of having his feeding tube and not a drop by mouth, his MG was in remission at the surprise of all his doctors at TX A&M. We weaned him off the feeding tube and moved to a slurry and ate elevated.

From then on he had good months and bad: he’d regurge most days. We’d rate his day by how many paper towels we used, the lower the number the better the day... I loved those 1-2 days! But through it all he had a smile, a nubby wag and a sweet kiss for me!

In August of 2017 he got very very sick while traveling in Washington State. We took him to WSU Vet Hospital where he was diagnosed with another bout of pneumonia, but he was under the care of ME specialist Vet: Dr Haines. What great luck! She adjusted all his meds and he got a neck hug and we ordered a Bailey Chair, and made a upright waterer! What a difference: he did so much better with those!

We adjusted his diet yet again adding 7 meatballs after his slurry in his Bailey chair! Oh how he loved that, worked like a charm! He thought he was King!

We had joined several ME support Facebook groups and got and gave many tips and tricks, one of which was Slippery Elm Powder that was a game changer for Tator, after we started using that, we had very few episodes of regurge. What a life extender and great group of people!

I believe that his last year was one of his best, until the last week! One month later he again got Pneumonia...#16... and he couldn’t shake it, meds didn’t help,, we were on a trip in Tennessee... he refused to eat or drink , wouldn’t walk, couldn’t breath... he couldn’t even give me his infamous “high-five... Poor Tatty was drowning, he gave me the “look”. We stopped our trip and made the heart wrenching decision to let him rest!

We found a wonderful vet clinic in Newport, TN and I carried and cradled him in my arms he looked into my eyes with a smile and as I leaned down to say bye and say “ I love you”, he gave me the best and sweetest kiss of his life, I felt it in my pores!

The “Cutest Corgi In the World” lived 12 years, 17 days old. He was a ME survivor for 10 years 10 months and 23 days. The outpouring of sympathy, love, prayers and condolences from the ME Facebook support groups were my saving grace those first few days and weeks!

I hope that he greets all those sweet ME babies with a smile, a nubby tail wag and off to romp and play! Love your fur babies hard and I wish all those battling this terrible disease the best and hope that they find Peace!

RENO’ S R AW ME ATBALL S MAKES 2-3 MEALS

G R E AT

R E C I PE

T O

Q U IC K LY

H E L P

YO U R

B E S T

F R I E N D

P U T

ON

W E I G H T

•

5 lbs ground beef

•

6 1/2 cups of vector cereal (or total)

•

7 1/2 cups of quick oats

•

5 raw eggs with shell

•

2 cups organic wheat germ

•

5 packs of unflavoured gelatine

•

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

•

2/3 cup of molasses

•

2 tbsp of elk velvet powder

•

6 tbsp of esbalac powdered puppy milk

DIREC TIONS Mix together all ingredients.

Roll mixture into meatballs that can swallowed without chewing.

Store meatballs in sandwich size bags in refrigerator.

Feed 2-3 bags full per day.

24

•

4 tbsp of cranberry powder

•

4 tbsp of kelp

R

eno came to me from Reno, Nevada after he was posted by a rescue who wanted to pull him from a shelter where he wasn’t receiving adequate care for his condition. When we got him, his name was Nelson. And he was given a death sentence. Thankfully the people of the megaE community rallied, not only by trying

to provide education to the wonderful rescue who saved him from the shelter, but also by trying to find someone who knew about the condition who would be able to take him. When they were talking about him not making it my heart sank and I had to do something so... I opened my big mouth and said - if you can get him to Canada, I’ll foster him! I never dreamed they’d do it! Well... Not even a month later Nelson, who we re-named Reno was on an airplane headed all the way from Reno, Nevada to Alberta Canada. He touched the lives of many friends along the way who also helped to get him home to me and holds a special place in their hearts as well. When he arrived we quickly put him on meds and a food regiment that would help him get over his URI (upper respiratory infection) and prevent further aspiration. The amazing people at Bailey Chairs 4 Dogs built and donated a chair and a wonderful woman who I’ve never met in person paid for the shipping on it. While this disease is a terrible horrid thing, it really brings people together. Reno was supposed to be a foster... Well I’m proud to say that he was my foster failure, and I was his forever. Reno was spunky, fun and hilarious. He knew how to brighten a day with kisses and snuggles and was a

YOU

CA N

SEE

T HE

IMPROV EMEN T A F T ER F EW T HIS

ONLY

DAYS

A

ON

R ECIPE!

favourite at his doggy daycare. He was what we call an old soul and while he wasn’t even a year old he seemed to be a sage of sorts. He loved so deeply and shared of himself so generously, if only we could all be just a little more like him.

He knew how to enjoy life and really appreciated his family. Reno became my 9 year old’s best friend and confidant, and he knew somehow that his job was to be that boys dog - and man he did a good job of it. Unfortunately Reno’s forever didn’t last long and while his last few months were full of absolute total unconditional love, and affection - his body was just being ravaged by numerous issues both related to and unrelated to his megaE. In the last days he was regurging bits of lung and esophageal tissue and it was time to end his suffering. It was by far the hardest decision that I have ever had to make because Reno was so young, his soul was so vibrant and it just felt so wrong. But there was nothing left to do and I knew deep in the pit of me that I had to find the strength to let him go. He wouldn’t have survived a surgery for a feeding tube and he was starving and so incredibly riddled with infection. My heart aches for Reno, and I think of him often. I think of how unfair it is that he had to leave us so soon but in the same breath I am so thankful for the time we had. He will forever be our angel and if love could have saved him, he would have lived forever. I’m confident that we will get to have Reno back one day and I picture him over that Rainbow Bridge being the best pal and go-to listener of all the other dogs up there. I picture him still guarding his boy - just as his angel now instead.

MOLLY ’ S CHUNK Y GREENS

A

H E A LT H Y

R E C I PE

T H AT

C A N

B E

E A S I LY

MO T I F I E D

F OR

A N Y

D O G

MAKES 1 SERVING

DIREC TIONS

•

protein of your choice

Mix all ingredients together and choose desired consistency.

•

broccoli

•

cauliflower

Blend for slurry and spoon-feed feeding, use a food proccessor for

•

beans

meatballs, or serve as chunks.

•

blueberries

•

hemp seeds

•

sardines

•

bone or chicken broth

•

1 bell pepper

•

beef liver

•

1 egg

NOTE: You can boil the meat if don’t wish to do raw feeding.

MOLLY

HOPES

ENJOY

A ND

TO

WA N TS

TH A NK

THOSE

PET

TH AT

WOR K

W ITH

THEIR

YOU

A LL

PA R EN TS SO ME

H A R D PUP!

26

JACKSON ’ S FROZEN ME ATBALL S

• 1 pound Freshpet • 1 1/4 cup original vanilla Ensure OPTIONAL ADD-INS

• peanut butter • powdered goats milk • dog weight gain powder

DIREC TIONS Blend ingredients until milkshake consistency. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.

Pour into a pastry bag or Ziplock bag and cut a tiny piece of the corner off. Close the bag and squeeze to pipe the mixture into the mini ice cube tray.

Freeze until solid. Pop the frozen meatballs out of the ice cube tray. The frozen meatballs store well in a Ziplock bag.

Note: Any mixture of ingredients could work for this, as long as they are liquid enough to pipe into the ice cube tray.

If enough liquid is added, this can also hydrate a dog that is unable to tolerate a water bowl.

JACK SON

IS

A

2

Y E A R

OLD

POODL E

MI X

W ITH

MEGA ESOPH AGUS

A ND

M YA STHENI A GR AV IS . HE IS A TR IPAW D - W HEN THE R ESCUE FOUND HIM LI V ING UNA BLE

ON TO

THE FI X ,

STR EETS , SO

THE Y

HE H A D

H A D TO

A

V ERY

BA D

A MPU TATE

27

BROK EN

IT.

HE

IS

L EG THE

TH AT BEST

WA S BOY !

COOPER ’ S THREE S TEP ME ATBALL S

MAKES 3 MEALS

DIREC TIONS

•

4 1/3 cups kibble

Blend/grind kibble to a powder. Split powder into thirds.

•

1 1/2 cup water

•

food processor

Add 1/2 cup water to 1/3 of of the powder and mix in just before feeding time. Let it sit about 10 min for the food to absorb the water Roll into meatballs and serve.

H A NDSOME MON TH 88 .6

OL D L BS

ME A L S

28

COOPER L A B

A ND

W HO E ATS

UPR IGHT

A

IS

A

10

W EIGHS THR EE DAY !

TEDDY ’ S PUMPKIN ME ATBALL S

MAKES 30 MEATBALLS

•

1/2 can Royal Canin low fat

DIREC TIONS Grind Royal Canin gastrointestinal kibble to a powder.

gastrointestinal food •

3/4 cup Royal Canin

gastrointestinal kibble

Mix all ingredients together. Add enough water to make a wet mixture that holds meatball shape but not dry or scratchy.

•

1/3 can pumpkin

•

3 tbsp coconut milk

You can make several batches at once and keep refrigerated. Or freeze

•

water

and thaw 48 hours before serving.

Microwave for 30 seconds or until warm before serving.

T EDDY

T HE

G OL DENDOODL E HEL PING W I T H

ME A L

MOM PR EP

29

TR E ATS

HARLOW ’ S WATERMELON PUPCICLES

T H E S E

T R E AT S

K E E P

YO U R

P U P

H Y DR AT E D

A N D

T H E I R

B R E AT H

F R E S H

•

2 cups seedless watermelon, pureed

•

1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt

•

1 tbsp parsley chopped

•

Silicone dog bone mold (available at Amazon) or ice cube tray

A LTER NATI V E INGR EDIEN T S

If your dog has trouble digesting dairy or has allergies, simply replace the yogurt with coconut milk

DIREC TIONS Puree seedless watermelon in a blender.

Chop parsley and add a small piece of into the bottom then add a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt.

Freeze for one hour.

Next, fill the remaining mold with watermelon puree.

Freeze overnight or at least 4 hours.

Keep frozen until ready to serve.

32

arlow Louise and her seven litter mates were born at an animal rescue in Polson, Montana just one week after her mother was rescued (along with 30+ other dogs) from a hoarding situation in California. We brought this unbelievably adorable 1.5 pound wirehaired dachshund home and after about a week we noticed she was constantly spitting up her food and her stomach made a strange sloshing sound.

She was diagnosed with megaesophagus and we were devastated.

We contacted the animal rescue and remarkably, Harlow’s mother, nor any of her sibling had ME. Being that these puppies came from a hoarding situation there is a good chance that there were multiple fathers to this particular litter (none of the puppies looked similar to one another - at all!) so Harlow was uniquely flawed by her father’s traits.

We were so lucky to have found an amazing local veterinarian, he and his staff helped us deal with this brutal disease and jumped through hoops to help with Harlow more then we could have ever imagined. They made it possible for Harlow to take part in a ME study at Washington State University to learn more about megaesophagus and how we could give her the best life possible.

Harlow Louise came into my life and changed everything. My baby girl was my purpose, my strength and brought the most vibrant colors to my life. Her trials and tribulations pushed me to be a more driven person and to always love deeper. My brave little angel grew her wings much too early, unexpectedly from gastroesphageal intussuception, alongside her constant battle with ME, but has forever impacted the way I see the world. I urge you to never take a special day, a silly moment or a good laugh for granted. My world will be a much colder place without her blanket tunnels, her shoe nibbling and her endless supply of kisses.

If you have the opportunity to love a special needs animal the bond you build is unlike anything I’ve never come across in life, it is so so worth it. I’ve had several friends, family members and complete strangers be so inspired by Harlow’s life that they are now completely open to the idea of adopting special needs and senior animals. We were able to teach people that life is not measured in years, it’s measured in hearts you change, love you give and memories you make.

BIRTHDAY PE ANUT BUT TER ICE CRE AM

A

TA S T Y

T R E AT

F OR

A N Y

C E L E B R AT ION

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

DIREC TIONS

•

1 ripe banana

Heat the peanut butter up in the microwave or on a stove until it

•

1/2 cup peanut butter

•

1 cup plain natural yogurt

•

1 tsp honey

is easy to stir.

Mash the ripe banana in a bowl.

Mix in the plain yogurt.

Add honey to the banana and yogurt mixture.

Stir peanut butter into the mixture until everything is well combined.

Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer.

Let it sit in the freezer for at least 6 hours to chill.

34

MIX AND MATCH KNOX BLOX GEL ATIN FOR

CON TA INS SK IN,

A MINO

H A IR ,

A ND

ACIDS JOIN T

BENEFICI A L HE A LTH.

CREAMY COCONUT KNOX BLOX

S AVO R Y C H I C K E N K N OX B L OX

•

4 envelopes unflavored knox gelatin

•

4 envelopes unflavored knox gelatin

•

1 cup cold coconut milk

•

2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

•

3 cups hot water

•

1 cup low sodium chicken broth

•

3 cups hot water

PUMPKIN SPICE KNOX BLOX

HYDR ATING KNOX BLOX

•

4 envelopes unflavored knox gelatin

•

4 envelopes unflavored knox gelatin

•

1 cup pumpkin puree

•

1 cup cold strawberry pedialyte

•

1/8 tsp cinnamon

•

3 cups hot water

•

3 cups hot water

DIREC TIONS Sprinkle gelatin over liquid base of your choice, let stand 1 minute.

Add water and add-ins of your choice and stir until gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes.

Let stand on counter for 10 minutes.

Stir again until all of the ingredients are mixed throughout and pour into ice cube trays.

Refrigerate about 3 hours until set.

Serve with meals.

35

SAKE’ S PAWFEC T PUDDING

S O O T H E S

C O U G H S

A N D

A I D S

DIG E S T ION

MAKES 1 SERVING

DIREC TIONS

•

1 tsp slippery elm powder

Mix elm powder, honey, coconut oil, stir in hot water until elm powder

•

1 tsp honey

thickens to a jelly.

•

1 tsp coconut oil

•

1 tbsp hot water

Add ground ginger, fennel, and mint leaf (fresh is always best!), stir

•

1 /16 tsp ground ginger

until evenly mixed.

•

1 /16 tsp ground fennel

•

1 /16 tsp ground mint leaf

Let stand until temperature is safe, then serve, preferably about 30 minutes before mealtime.

SA K E

IS

2-Y E A R FR ENCH

A

OLD

BULLDOG

OR IGINA LLY MOSCOW.

FROM

HE ’ S

A

DE V IL- CLOW N-BA BY W HO

RULES

ROOST,

LI V ES

FINDING CUR L K EEPS FROM

A

UP

THE FOR

NOOK IN,

HIS

TO

A ND

HUM A N

SNA PPING

36

FROS T Y BRE ATH TRE ATS

COCON U T

OIL

IS

GR E AT

•

1/2 cup coconut oil

•

1/2 cup chicken broth, warm

•

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

•

1/2 cup mint

•

1/2 cup parsley

FOR

COAT,

SK IN

A ND

A IDS

IN

DIGESTION.

DIREC TIONS In a blender, combine the coconut oil and chicken broth. The coconut oil should be completely liquefied.

Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and pulse until smooth.

Evenly distribute into silicone mold or ice cube trays.

Place in the freezer and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until completely frozen.

Store in an airtight container in the freezer.

37

GR ACIE’ S FISH PÂTÉ TRE ATS

A

TA ST Y

SNACK

FOR

BOTH

YOUR

ME

A ND

NON-ME

•

1 lb of fish, deboned and skinned.

•

1 egg

•

2 tbsp coconut oil

•

1 tsp parsley

FR IENDS

DIREC TIONS P reheat oven to 350.

Add a ll ing redient s to a food processor and blend.

Drop 1/2 teaspoon sized ba lls on a parchment paper lined bak ing sheet.

Bake for 20-25 mins.

T reat s w ill be sof t. Store in an air tight cont ainer in the ref r igerator for up to 1 week or f reeze.

GR ACIE IS A 3 YEAR OLD PITTIE/HOUND MIX AND WAS ADOPTED FROM A SHELTER W HEN SHE WAS 6 MONTHS OLD. TO THIS DAY SHE LOV ES SW IMMING, HIKING, TREATS, AND A COMFY COUCH. SHE WILL BARK AT JUST ABOUT ANYTHING BUT AS SOON AS SHE MEETS YOU SHE’S YOUR BEST FRIEND.

38

YOSHI ’ S HOMEMADE PILL POCKE TS

THIS

IS

A

GR E AT

MAKES 50 PILL POCKETS

•

O ne cup coconut flour

•

3/4 cup organic peanut butter (NOT sugar-free)

•

1/2 to 3/4 cup water (depending on humidity)

R ECIPE

TO

HIDE

A POQUEL

A ND

L A RGER

PIL L S

DIREC TIONS Mi x ing redient s w ith fork in resea lable cont ainer.

K nead into ba ll until all ing redient s are mi xed.

Keep in f r idge.

P inch of f amount needed to cover pill and roll into ball.

H A NDSOME YOSHI

A ND

BE AU T IF UL

39

HIS

SMIL E

TIGERLILY ’ S FRUIT ICEES T H I S

T R E AT

C H E W I NG

H A S

A N D F OR

•

1 cup cold water

•

1 cup watermelon,

MOR E

A DD S

M E G A-E

pureed and strained •

2 tbsp unflavored Knox gelatin

•

1 cup hot water

A LTER NATI V E INGR EDIEN T S

Swap out the watermelon with a baby food fruit puree

G I V E

T H A N

E S SE N T I A L D O G S

W HO

IC E

C U BE S

MOI S T U R E D ON ’ T

T O

TA K E

S O

I T ’ S

MOU T H

S A F E

F OR

T I S S U E S

F LU I D S .

DIREC TIONS Add gelatin to the cold water in large mixing bowl.

PRO-TIP: For bad breath issues, use colloidal silver as the cold water. It has antibacterial properties that help keep the mouth cleaner and is safe for dogs (and humans!)

Let sit for 5 minutes for gelatin to absorb some water.

Whisk briskly until mixed well.

Next whisk in the watermelon puree. Whip it up to prevent separation.

Finally, whisk in the hot water to dissolve the gelatin.

Whip it well for a good minute- a bit of froth may form.

Pour into a square container and place in the refrigerator for a few hours to set to firm.

Once very firm, place on cutting board or cookie sheet and layer on wax paper or plastic wrap.

Cut the blocks into bite size pieces that are a good size for your dog - large enough to have to chew them a little.

Place in freezer. Remove from tray when frozen and keep in an airtight container or plastic baggy in the freezer for treats.

Give during upright time to avoid regurgitation.

NOTE: If they aren’t very firm you can freeze them as a large block and cut them to size when they are frozen.

40

igerlily came to me as a foster dog one spring

visits like the Tiger she is, and the inspiration for her

night after her new owners surrendered her

name. She is tiny and mighty and fought hard, and she

to the vet when they learned of her condition.

was finally cured of a very dangerous infection. By

Fortunately the vet refused to euthanize her at their

then her heart and foot fall were an essential part of

request. She was 9 weeks old and recovering from a

our home and we knew that we were a family and we

severe pneumonia. She got better but 2 months later

adopted her. She's stable now and we hope to remain so,

she had another pneumonia, and this time she had

and fight the good fight with our fellow ME extended

candida in her lungs. Despite it, she remained healthy

family, without whom I could not be sharing her story,

and strong and weathered a year of treatment and Dr

with hope in my heart.

41

MIX AND MATCH FRUIT SMOOTHIES TA S T Y

V I TA M I N-R IC H

DR I N K S

F OR

YO U

A N D

YO U R

B E S T

F R I E N D !

CANTALOUPE SMOOTHIE

RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE

•

2 cup cantaloupe chunks

•

1 cup goats mik

•

1 cup all-natural carrot juice

•

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

•

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt

•

1 tbsp natural peanut butter

•

1/4 cup mint leaves

•

1 banana - sliced

•

1 tsp omega-3 fish oil

•

1 cup baby spinach

TURMERIC CARROT SMOOTHIE

MOJITO SMOOTHIE

•

3 carrots

•

2 handfuls spinach

•

1 orange

•

1 persian cucumber

•

1/2 lemon – juiced

•

1 apple – cored, chopped

•

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

•

10 leaves mint

•

1 tsp turmeric

•

1/2 lemon – squeezed

•

1 cup water

•

1 tbsp flaxseed

•

1/2 cup ice cubes

•

1 cup water

•

1 cup ice

DIREC TIONS In a blender, puree all ingredients until smooth.

42

PE ANUT BUT TER CINNAMON TRE ATS C I N N A MON

I S

A N

A N T I-I N F L A M M AT OR Y

A N D

R E G U L AT E S

B L O OD

S U G A R

M A KES 3 DOZEN TR E ATS

•

Organic Coconut Oil

•

1 cup peanut butter

•

1 tsp ground cinnamon

DIREC TIONS Add a ll ing redient s to a bowl (double boiler) over pot on stove.

Stir until melted and combined.

Using a t ablespoon, pour mi x ture into silicone bak ing trays and place in f reezer until set.

Store treat s in ref r igerator.

43