I am Isaac, the daily heartbeat at Natalie’s feet. I love to hear her say “I’m going to HW”. Although I love fish oil dribbled on my food, my favorite HW treats are organic blueberries and raspberries. I have a soft spot for the house made sausage, too.
Pat Ellis
My name is Joyful Light (Joy) and my mom Pat says I bring that to her each day. I am especially fond of training with mom because of all the healthy treats she gives me and my sister Grace. She buys them at HWFC and they are YUMMY!
except for that time I ran away to Stewarts to beg for ice cream and got picked up by the cops. YOLO. Want to see my belly?
Leona Palmer, LMSWOur mom’s name is Leona and while she spends her days talking to people in her weird screen box, I (Harley Blue) like to nap and nap in the window while the new puppy (Suki Butters) likes to gnaw on various toys in between taking breaks outside to demolish cardboard boxes.
Letter from an Editor
By Pat Ellis
One of the pleasures of being part of the Coop Scoop’s staff is that I get to preview the content before publication. This quarter’s magazine is packed with informative and enjoyable items on a variety of topics. While animal companions is the predominant theme, you will find self-care items such as Rebecca Maxwell’s tips for improving your travel experience, and Melanie Pores’s advice on enhancing sleep.
Thankfully, spring is upon us and with it, beautiful warm weather, motivating us to dream about planting gardens and shopping for those farm fresh vegetables. Ruth Ann Smalley’s cookbook reviews offer helpful resources for new and delicious ways to prepare those wonderful vegetables we buy or grow.
The current egg shortage has inspired some of this edition’s articles. “Got Eggs” by Natalie Criscione addresses actions being taken in the store to keep eggs flowing to our customers. Anastasia Rodger’s “Egg Substitutes for Bakers” offers excellent, baker-tested suggestions for how egg alternatives can serve as suitable substitutes in cookies, brownies, or even bean burgers. For more about the chicken and egg question, see Richard Daily’s “Backyard Chickens” and Dr. Madeline’s “Flocks of Love.”
As you may have noticed, our editors aren’t just foodies, we’re animal lovers, too. Recognizing the many ways animals gift us with love, companionship, and meaning, we’re celebrating them in this issue with a focus on these joyful, caring relationships. We’ve provided some tips on keeping all our pets safer in view of the current spread of avian influenza or bird flu. Leona Palmer offers advice on purchasing groceries for pets. Michelle Polacinski presents some holistic advice for easy-to-prepare herbal remedies for dogs, cats, birds and yes, even bees.
And finally, soothe your soul with a good cup tea, while you read “Real Dogs of Skidmore College” and “He’s Enough.”
Anastasia Rodgers My name is Agnes, I’m seven years old. I love to play, but I hate sharing, so don’t ask! My parent’s name is Anastasia, they’re my bestest buddy. They make the best dinners and we love to go on walks together.
What I love about Honest Weight
Ruth Ann Smalley
I’m Natasha, age 20. Ruth Ann is just my spare person, and although I hate onions, I’ve noticed that when she’s chopping these stinky things, there might be some delicious meat morsels being prepared, too. That’s when I stop sitting on her books and head for the kitchen.
Liza Jack Lou (aka Lucifer when his nose takes over) is a 9-year-old beagle who lives for pizza, sun naps, and roaming free. Sweet as can be—until a mysterious scent appears, and suddenly he forgets his name.
I
visit Albany once or twice a year to see an old friend, and a trip to Honest Weight is something I look forward to every time. Walking the aisles to discover unique, local products, gawking at the extensive bulk food aisle and grabbing a copy of the Coop Scoop is always a treat when I visit the region.
Over the past two decades, I have worked at food co-ops in Portland, Oregon, Olympia, Washington and Madison, Wisconsin. As co-ops grow and evolve to survive the consolidation of the food system, they have to shed some features that make them unique. What I love about Honest Weight is that while it continues to grow and adapt to serve its community, it has been able to hold onto that grassroots core and remind us why co-ops are so important.
Happy Birthday, Earth Day!
By Pat Ellis
AApril 22, 1970 is considered to be the start of the modern environmental movement in the US. We know it as Earth Day, and this year we celebrate its 55th birthday. It was the brain child of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who hoped his idea for a national teach-in would send a clear message to Washington that there was abundant support for a bold agenda to regenerate our polluted environment.
The success of the idea, however, was directly attributable to the spontaneous response it received at the grassroots level, with enthusiastic participation from students of all ages, educators, churches, community organizations, and environmental organizations united in a common goal. Schools became the most common site for Earth day, with an estimated 10 million students participat ing at all levels.
Locally, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was the site of that first gathering. I was at RPI as a participant on that day, and it was the beginning of my education on how precious this earth and its resources are. It was also a lesson in the strength of people united and committed to make positive change. In the fall of that year, Congress began work that identified the 1970s as the “Environmental Decade” and established the bulk of today’s regulatory authority by passing 28 pieces of legisla tion, including The Endangered Species Act, The Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Nelson summed up the spirit of that day when he said,
“Our Goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all living creatures.”
That goal is as relevant today as it was then.
Profile Producer
By Pat Ellis
Bo’s Bones Gourmet Organic Dog Biscuits
Bo’s Bones Gourmet Organic Dog Biscuits are premium organic goodies produced Etna, New York. Bo’s uses high quality ingredients such as honey and organic certified grains to create treats that even the “picky eaters” of the canine population find hard to resist.
Bo’s Bones was founded in 2003 by Jen G. Sage, who serves as both CEO and chief recipe developer. Jen notes that although Bo’s biscuits are nutritious and backed by vets, what sets them apart is that the doggies find the aroma of each biscuit to be irresistible. There have even been reports of coat pockets being chewed by a pup anxious to get their treat.
Bo’s Bones was born from the marriage of two of Jen’s loves, canines and baking. One day, when she was in her kitchen, surrounded by her 4 legged friends, Jen decided to experiment with ingredients and develop a recipe that her dogs would enjoy.
Bo’s Bones classic recipe is rich in NYS Award-winning honey, with regionally-sourced organic grains, spring water, and eggs from a family-owned farm’s free ranging chickens. There is a Peanut Butter recipe, also made with all organic ingredients, as well as a Honey Peanut Butter treat. These recipes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Honest Weight carries the Honey Peanut Butter treats in our pet department.
https://www.bosbones.com/ or contact Jen’s Customer Service, at jen@bosbones.com
By Pat Ellis
TIKI CatHigh Protein
By Pat Ellis
ats are obligate carnivores—they can’t derive necessary nutrients from plants alone– so must consume animal-based diets to meet their nutritional needs. Tiki Cat is designed using a high standard of nutrition to meet that requirement and keep cats in optimal health. If you are looking for a food that is high in protein, made from real ingredients, and aromatic and flavorful enough to attract the finicky eater, TiKi
Their wet food offers an average of 95% protein from sources such as shredded chicken, salmon, tuna and crab. That percentage is higher than you will find in many of the bigger name-brands. Tiki wet foods contain no by-products, fillers or artificial ingredients. The ingredients they do add are non-GMO and are there for a specific purpose, such as pumpkin to aid digestion and salmon oil to help
You’ll find several varieties of Tiki Cat Food at HWFC in the pet section, so you can experiment
Auntie Becca’s Travel Tips for Highly Sensitive People
By Rebecca Angel Maxwell
When my teenage niece told me she was going on a school trip, I typed this up for her. She and I both are highly sensitive. I hope all sensitive readers will adopt me as their “auntie” whenever they leave on an adventure and need some travel tips.
You’re going on an adventure! I’m so excited for you! Here is how I stay healthy and joyful when traveling, despite the challenges of being a sensitive person.
Take the best care of yourself the week leading up to the trip. Do all the things that make you feel safe, secure, and calm. Start the trip with a full energy meter.
Arrive at least a day earlier than the event, OR take your first day of travel to hang out where you are staying, to rest and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you are traveling with a group and the activities start the moment you arrive, do you have to participate? Ask. Also, earplugs could be helpful when you are forced to participate when you’d rather be alone: be there but don’t interact.
Things to bring and why:
Water bottle
Electrolyte tablets
Healthy snacks
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Pain medication
Hot therapy. A hot water bottle can lie flat in your bag and be filled in any hotel room sink. I like to bring my electric heating pad.
Cold therapy. Hydrogel patches or a cool cloth and/or wet hair.
Hot/Cold therapy. Brands like Icy Hot and Tiger Balm have camphor and menthol hydrogel patches to both soothe and relieve pain.
Nasal Strips
Saline Nasal Spray
Earphones/buds
Ricola or other menthol candy
Physical reading material and/or games
Outer layer you don’t mind losing
Not new shoes
Shoe inserts and/or arch support bands
Any other supportive clothing. Knee, shoulder, and back bands and braces you have needed in the past.
Recycled plastic bag or reusable Stasher bag.
Painter’s tape or masking tape. For tiny lights.
Eye mask and ear plugs
Lavender essential oil
A note from a loved one at home.
Make a Packing List and a Day Pack List. Set everything you are bringing outside your luggage/bags. Make the list as you place the items in.
Set eating and drinking reminders on your phone. It is easy to lose track of time and then feel yucky because you are hungry or thirsty. Set a few alarms: “Drink. Eat.” and then do it. Prevention is the key to a happy travel time!
Gargle with salt water morning and night.
The first is that salt kills germs. Gargling cleanses your throat and may prevent a cold or flu. (Or help it go away if you already had one.) The second reason is this stimulates your Vagus nerve, which is linked to calm ing your entire body and regulating your nervous system.
Try Not to Drink the Tap Water. At least for the first 24 hours, as you acclimate to a new environment with new microorganisms everywhere.
Charge your phone every night.
Make multiple versions of import ant papers. bers of multiple people from your travel group and where you are staying, plus a printed paper in case you lose your phone.
Keep track of where you are. rely on others and follow blindly.
Find my Phone. linked to at least one other person in your group. This can help if you lose your phone while traveling or if you get lost.
Boundaries.
break from chatting or physical touch. A quick, “I’m getting overstimulated right now and need to shut out the world for a bit. Thanks for under standing.”
Ask for Comfort or Help. a trusted friend or teacher when you are having a tough time can be a lifesaver. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Advocate For Yourself. the group is ready for the next adven ture, but you need to have a sit-down meal and chill out for an hour, say so.
Be compassionate. Sensitive people have an earlier breaking point. “Losing it” while traveling is common for everyone, but especially sensitive people. If you freak out, either in panic or anger towards yourself or someone else, calm yourself down (you have lots of breathing techniques I’ve taught you) apologize to yourself (I’m not kidding) or the other people, and move on. Just move along. If someone else has a moment like this, be compassionate with them, too. Let it go and keep on the adventure.
He’s Enough
By Natalie Criscione
We have a pandemic puppy.
Before we got him, I explored puppy podcasts, hired a trainer (covid-virtual, of course), and considered myself well prepared for the new family member. I had raised two puppies before, but this time I was going to do it right or, at least, better. We were going to have the best puppy ever (similar to the title of the book I was reading: “Training the Best Dog Ever”). He was going to be a therapy dog by the end of his first year.
How little we knew!
Our new puppy was scarcely 9 weeks old when the attacks began—not puppy nips, but angry, aggressive attacks. He bit hard, did not let go, drew blood, and voiced a snarl that seemed more fitting of a monstrous beast than a slight, three pound, floppy-eared fuzzball. This was not in the books. This was not on the podcasts. This was even outside the trainer’s repertoire.
“This puppy is not like your other dogs,” said the veterinarian.
“You need to hire a trainer who deals with aggression issues,” said the trainer.
He was the antithesis of what a puppy should be. Yet during quiet moments, he showed off newly learned skills like “sit”, “stay”, and “roll over”; he tilted his head to gaze up at us when we whispered his name. His eyes betrayed depths of some wise cosmic past, and we fell in love with him. “Please be patient with me,” he seemed to say.
One podcaster’s often repeated phrase echoed in my mind: “You don’t get the dog you want, you get the dog you need.”
Ok. We need him…even though we have no idea why. We will figure this out. We will change our goals. Perhaps he won’t be a therapy dog until he’s 7; or, perhaps never. Maybe, just maybe, we will learn something about ourselves and each other and dogs as we struggle through.*
And maybe that will be enough.
*Today, at the age of 4 1/2, our puppy has become a sweet dog who continues to teach us lessons about life, love, and patience. He is not a therapy dog.
Homemade Pet Treats
Warm Weather Treat for a Hot Dog
Coop Scoop Staff
Make a block of frozen fun for your furry friend: fill a bowl with chunks of carrots, blueberries, slices of apple, chunks of peanut butter, dog biscuits, toys, etc. and top it off with water. Freeze the full bowl and then pop out the ice treat for some tasty, frozen fun!
Very Crispy Dog Biscuits Recipe
4 oz. jar of baby food (chicken, beef, sweet potato, etc; check that there are no ingredients toxic to dogs) OR ½ cup puréed pumpkin
1 cup flour (whole wheat, oat, etc)
1. Mix ingredients together by hand or in a food processor (add extra flour to the mixture if needed; dough should be malleable and neither sticky nor crumbly). Shape dough into 1-inch balls and flatten with a fork. Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Do not open the oven after the cook time ends. Leave the oven door closed and allow biscuits to cool in the oven (for 5-6 hours or overnight) so they dry out.
3. Store at room temperature.
Tuna Treats for Dogs and Cats
3.5 oz. can of Tuna Fish (in water) do not drain
1 egg
1/2 cup flour
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine tuna, egg, and flour and process until until a thick paste forms.
3. Spread paste evenly over about an 8x8 square on your prepared baking sheet (it doesn't need to be exact or pretty). Bake for 15 minutes, until mixture is set.
4. Allow to cool slightly before slicing into 1/2-inch squares (1/4-inch for cats).
5. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
GOT EGGS???
By Natalie Criscione
TBut…
he answer is YES.
Perhaps you’ve recently noticed signs on the egg shelves alerting shoppers to the 2 dozen/customer limit. With eggs in high demand and short supply, there is a need for patience and understanding within our co-op community.
“There are lots of moving parts. It’s not simple,” says Shelby Taylor, Honest Weight’s Cheese and Specialty Department Manager.
Although you’ve probably heard about bird flu and whole flocks being culled, that is only part of the story related to the current Honest Weight egg shortage. As the bird flu hits hard in the western states, national grocery chains (that can afford to pay $5-$6 dollars for a dozen eggs and then resell them at twice that amount) buy eggs from other sources such as east coast companies that supply eggs to local businesses like food co-ops.
Further, “Honest Weight’s largest egg distributor, Feather Ridge, retired last October,” says Taylor, resulting in additional shortages and increased demand for that quality of eggs. “It’s really just survival of the fittest at this point,” says Taylor, “whoever can get their hands on eggs are the ones who are able to stock them.”
Taylor makes use of her connections and continues to navigate the ever changing egg-climate. “I’ve been very crafty and have been able to find other outlets to get eggs. For example, I had
a local distributor reach out to me saying, ‘I have eggs if you’d like to buy them,’ and I said, ‘yes, I would!’” With egg deliveries staggered throughout the week, there is rarely a day when the shelves are completely bare.
What about prices, you ask? “Unfortunately,” says Taylor, “prices will have to go up.” Surprisingly, the biggest reason right now (February ‘25) is neither bird flu nor egg shortages, but the increasing price of egg cartons. “But, I bring my egg cartons back to the co-op to be reused,” you say. That is important—-keep doing it! Reusing cartons is enormously helpful to offset costs and keep egg prices relatively stable among smaller farms. However, for companies like Oliver’s and Cornell that sell to large chains and require package uniformity, reuse is currently not an option.
Because the co-op is paying more for eggs, the increased cost is consequently passed along to the customer. However, it’s important to keep in mind as you notice price changes, that the co-op eggs are not a “profit driven part of our department,” says Taylor, “so breaking even is our goal.” Everyone is paying more and adjusting to the changes.
What is Taylor’s advice for the co-op shopper? Be patient, and “if you know someone who has chickens or a little roadside egg stand, support them. Community partnership is the biggest solution.”
From what she hears from the farmers, this is not an issue with a quick fix, and Taylor expects the shortages will continue into the summer.
Egg Substitutes for Bakers
By Anastasia Rodgers
As a baker, the rising cost of ingredients has been encroaching on my craft. I do most of my shopping at Honest Weight, so in many ways, I’ve been able to avoid the rising costs of basics. I find my discount has come in handy more than ever. In the online baking community, I’d been hearing rumblings of eggs costing $9-12 a dozen. I thought that was internet hyperbolizing until I found myself in a traditional big box grocery store, needing eggs.
I was horrified to learn there was no hyperbole to the cost of eggs. Store-brand eggs had a price point of over $9 a dozen, and I realized it was time to integrate some egg substitutes into my recipes whenever possible. My time working in the Honest Weight Kitchen as a baker taught me all the delicious possibilities of vegan baking. I’ve been doing what I call vegan-ish baking whenever I can. These treats are not something I would offer someone who keeps a vegan diet! However, using a fusion of the methods, I can save some money without abandoning my tried and true recipes.
Flax Eggs
Using ground flax meal and hot water, we can make a great egg alternative in a cookie, brownie, muffin, or other “batter” recipe, where eggs are used as a binder. This would not translate well in something where the eggs are used to make a meringue or a recipe where an egg is whipped to create texture in your recipe.
Flax can also be used instead of a poultry egg in cooking as well; recently, I used it when making bean burgers, so it may work well in meatloaf or meatballs. Flax does have a different texture than an egg of course, so in things like baked goods, that often translates to a chewier texture. This texture may be more prevalent when used as a binder for meat, but was undetectable in my bean burgers.
I buy my flax meal in the Bulk Department cooler. If you buy your flax shelf stable, it should be refrigerated after opening, as it is a seed and could go bad kept at room temp for longer periods of time.
Substituting Flax Meal for 1 Large Egg
1 Tablespoon ground flax meal
3 Tablespoons hot water
Mix together and allow to rest for 3 minutes, add to recipe whenever you’d incorporate eggs. Hot tap water works, but best results come from my hot water kettle.
Aquafaba or Chick Pea Water
Aquafaba is a really interesting way to use what would typically be a “waste product” of cooking. Unlike flax, which functions best as a binder, aquafaba whips up beautifully like an egg white, while also functioning as a binder. I’ve seen it used in frostings, mayonnaise, vegan meringues, and even cocktails. I find aquafaba benefits from a little more love than the flax needs, so don't skimp on sweetener, seasonings or extracts, to avoid the bean taste coming through. When you open your next can of chickpeas, try saving the liquid to see what can be done with it!
Substituting Aquafaba for 1 Large Egg
3 Tablespoons of Aquafaba can replace 1 large egg
2 Tablespoons for just the white of a large egg
Note: Aquafaba should be used within 3 days of opening the can of chickpeas.
Backyard Chickens
By Richard Daley
For thousands of years, chickens have lived alongside humans, providing eggs, various helpful services, and even companionship! Keeping chickens is surprisingly simple, and can help reduce food waste, enrich gardens, and connect us to our own food production. Whether you’re interested in fresh eggs, composting benefits, or the delight of watching hens scratch and cluck their way through your yard, raising chickens is an easy and rewarding step toward a more resilient and Nature-connected community.
For those of us living in Albany, a simple application process along with a $25 annual hen license allows you to keep up to six hens within city limits. Residents of other towns or municipalities should check with their local zoning boards to ensure compliance with local regulations, as rules can vary widely.
Chickens provide far more than fresh eggs. Heritage breeds, in particular, are hardy and well-suited for our Northeast winters. These resilient breeds not only thrive in the cold but also maintain their charm and productivity through the seasons. By offering them a warm, well-ventilated coop, clean water, and proper care, you’ll find they adapt easily to our cold winters, and bring you the happiness so many of us are seeking in the coldest and darkest time of the year.
Chickens are also natural composters, happily consuming food scraps that might otherwise end up in the landfill. This not only reduces the organic waste entering our landfills, the process also creates a nutrient-rich compost that we can use to enrich our gardens and landscapes. The coop bedding, along with manure, can be managed and composted as well to add fertility that supports soil health, plant growth, and helps one move toward a circular and sustainable system in their own backyard.
Backyard chickens are wonderful for children and families. They provide an opportunity for hands-on education about the natural world, a way to teach responsibility, and chickens provide direct engagement with the origins of our food. Caring for chickens builds a sense of connection with the natural world, sparking curiosity and wonder in kids and adults alike. Plus, the daily rhythm of tending to chickens—feeding, watering, collecting eggs—can be a grounding and therapeutic experience in our modern, hectic lives.
In neighborhoods, chickens bring character and conversation. Seeing hens strut around a backyard can brighten a street, spark interest in sustainable living, and create connections between neighbors. Chickens remind us that we are part of a broader interconnected system, one that can be reciprocal when we properly care for and tend to it.
” Caring for chickens builds a sense of connection with the natural world, sparking curiosity and wonder in kids and adults alike.
”
The ubiquity of chickens in human settlements stretches back thousands of years. Domesticated from wild jungle fowl in Southeast Asia over 8,000 years ago, chickens accompanied human migration and became an integral part of village life. In ancient Rome, chickens were prized not just for their eggs and meat but also for their role in divination rituals, symbolizing their importance beyond the practical.
In more recent history, backyard chickens were a staple of American life during the early 20th century, particularly during the World Wars when victory gardens and small-scale farming were encouraged. Keeping chickens was seen as a patriotic duty and a way to ensure food security in uncertain times. This history shows that chickens have long been a bridge between humans and the land, helping us remain connected to cycles of the natural world.
Today, keeping backyard chickens can be an antidote to the growing separation between humans and Nature. Many of us live in a world increasingly detached from where our food comes from, and many are indifferent to the ecosystems we need to sustain us. Chickens offer an accessible and enjoyable way to reconnect with our roots. Watching their behaviors, from scratching for insects to dust bathing, offers a window into the simplicity and beauty of life on our lovely planet Earth.
Backyard chickens are a joy to keep and an opportunity to make a difference in your home, neighborhood, and local environment. Whether you’re reducing food waste, enriching your garden soil, or sharing the wonders of Nature with your children, chickens can be a step toward a more sustainable and connected way of living in a world that has forgotten our species’ humble roots. It requires work upfront to establish the best conditions for your birds, but bringing the timeless charm of chickens to your backyard will certainly provide reward!
Keeping Your Flock Safe
Backyard chickens face two major threats: avian flu and predators. Stay informed about current avian flu risks in your area and follow biosecurity measures, such as limiting exposure to wild birds and consulting a veterinarian if needed. Additionally, ensure your coop is predator-proof with sturdy fencing, secure latches, and protection from nocturnal hunters like raccoons and foxes. A well-maintained, secure environment keeps your flock healthy and safe.
TFlocks of Love
he egg is a beautiful whole food! Having fresh eggs everyday from our chickens has been life-changing for us. Our breakfast omelets are amazing!
The white of the egg is high in albumin, which is the most important blood protein for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. And if you’re partial to lemon meringue pie, the peaks you can achieve on the meringue with fresh egg whites will astound you!
Egg yolks are abundant in essential omega-3-fatty acids for brain health; cholesterol to keep cell and mitochondrial membranes plastid for immune vitality and maximal energy output; vitamins and minerals that aid in thousands of essential biological pathways; and cancer-fighting antioxidants to combat free radicals.
The care of our sweet flock provides another benefit, a reason to go outside each morning and take in fresh air each night; a double daily dose of nature’s peace and tranquility. Our flock provides us with daily food and eternal life lessons.
Visit the HW blog to meet each of the chickens and read about their unique personalities.
The Mad Health Doc has a Ph.D. in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. She works at a local college where she teaches in the biology department. Check out her writing in The Coop Scoop or the Coop Blog. Have a question or a suggestion for a future topic? MadHealthDoc@gmail.com She is not on social media so you can’t find her, follow her or subscribe to her channel. Instead, she hopes that you take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then, smile and go outside.
Keeping Our Pets Safe from Bird Flu
By Coop Scoop Staff
ncreasingly, we are learning about the avian influenza or bird flu and its spread among wild birds and domestic poultry. Backyard flocks (ducks, geese, chickens, and turkeys) have also been affected. There have also been many cases in dairy herds and associated barn cats, and multiple deaths of big cats at sanctuaries and zoos. More recently, it has even shown up in rats in California, and right here in an Albany squirrel.
Bird flu in pets is rare so far, but it can be serious. The following precautions may help protect your furry friends from this flu.
Keep dogs on a leash when in public areas.
Do not allow your pets to play with or chase wild birds.
Keep pets away from outdoor wild bird feeders and droppings.
Refrain from feeding pets unpasteurized milk or dairy products.
Refrain from feeding raw meat, poultry or eggs to pets.
Wash your hands before and after handling dog or cat food and water bowls.
Wash hands after handling wild bird feeders and after handling eggs in your kitchen
Wear gloves and a mask when removing any dead birds from your property.
who choose to participate in a community that embraces cooperative principles in an atmosphere of To promote more ways to living. is and I
Disinfect wild bird feeders between filling.
Wear gloves when handling wild bird feeders.
Consult your vet regarding vaccinating your pet, especially if they have exposure to wild birds or poultry.
committed to providing our with A and for foods and products for healthy living.
Monitor your pets for signs of bird flu such as lethargy, fever, cough, respiratory problems or loss of appetite.
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has contracted bird flu.
Color me!
Illustration: Jeffrey Wright Sedam
Reducing Single-Use Plastic by Rethinking Our Containers
By Ruth Ann Smalley
Itake my feast bundle with me everywhere I go,” said Jenn, an indigenous woman in my book group. “People look at me funny, but I think we should normalize bringing our own cloth napkins, silverware, mug, and takeout container when we go to events and activities,” she continued.
Feast bundle! I loved the idea, but I was also completely smitten by what she called it. For me, that name represents a certain mindset: a combination of conscious intention, reverence, and routine. Yes to normalizing ALL of that. Jenn’s feast bundle is similar to the “car kit” I’ve already written about in the Scoop Blog, https://www.honestweightcoopscoop.com/blog-1/travel-ready-plastic-reduction-on-the-road)
But it also brought to mind Ursula LeGuin’s comments on “the carrier bag” and its foundational role in human society. LeGuin wrote,
If it is a human thing to do to put something you want, because it's useful, edible, or beautiful, into a bag, or a basket, or a bit of rolled bark or leaf, or a net woven of your own hair, or what have you, and then take it home with you, home being another larger kind of pouch or bag, a contain-
er for people, and then later on you take it out and eat it or share it or store it up for winter in a solider container or put it in the medicine bundle or the shrine or the museum, the holy place, the area that contains what is sacred, and then next day you probably do much the same again–if to do that is human, if that’s what it takes, then I am a human being after all. (https://stillmoving.org/resources/the-carrier-bag-theory-of-fiction)
The author was emphasizing the importance of the carrier bag as a tool, compared with the bone/ stone weapon. She used it to illustrate a theory of fiction, one that recognizes that our stories are influenced by our perceptions of our social roles–which in turn have been defined by gender constructs and values.
But I’d also like to look at how the carrier bag carries another story. This story is about how our innovations have created a dangerous new relationship with our material world.
Some anthropologists speculate that the development of methods for carrying multiple things indicates a cognitive leap for ancient humans. In a Psychology Today article called “Got Your Bag?” Thomas Suddendorf characterizes “mobile containers–bags, slings, and boxes” as a “keystone innovation reflecting human foresight.” According to this theory, “bags introduced the idea of using a tool in the future, which further inspired our ancestors to safeguard and refine those tools.” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/uniquely-human/202106/got-your-bag-the-critical-place-of-mobile-containers-in-human-evolution)
“What does all this have to do with plastic?” you might ask. Quite simply, the concept of a feast bundle directly connects with this notion of mobile containers. The feast bundle is a form of carrier bag: it exists because the person carrying it has exercised foresight about their future need for the tools within. For most of our history, those containers were made from flora and fauna from our direct environment. These substances were so prone to decay, that when we date their use back 100,000 years, we’re probably missing even earlier evidence.
Contrast this with plastic carrier bags and other packaging—which may not break down for hundreds of thousands of years. It's almost as though plastic introduced the idea of not thinking about the future at all.
Yes, states like New York have made great strides in converting to the use of cloth bags. But what do most of us find, when we look closely at the “bags” we’ve loaded into our cloth carriers? What do we pull out later, when we’ve returned to our “larger kind of pouch,” our home? Too often, it is loads and loads of plastic. Plastic that will not decompose the way our ancestors’ bags did.
”
We might even say that the invention of plastic, with its allure of convenience, has clouded human foresight.
”We might even say that the invention of plastic, with its allure of convenience, has clouded human foresight. We didn't foresee how this toxin-laden substance would embed itself into every level of our life support system. Nor that eventually, we ourselves would become the sacks carrying the plastic, as it entered our bodies. Scientists may argue about how much: are we actually eating a credit card per week worth of plastic? Has the equivalent of a plastic spoon of nanoparticles really accumulated in our brains?
(See Martin Pletz’s article, “Ingested Microplastics” and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1). However, the evidence of plastic’s pervasive, and invasive, presence is undeniable.
The grief, anger, and overwhelm we feel at witnessing the downsides of this particular human innovation are valid. We can’t just skip over those emotions. But I would also urge readers not to feel defeated. Foresight and collective action are still open to us. We can forge new tools for safeguarding the future. Becoming plastic-free is an unachievable–and probably undesirable– goal at this point. But there are many actions we can take to improve our situation.
These fall into two types of change-making, through policy and personal behavior. Here are some suggestions that may help you get started:
”Foresight and collective action are still open to us. We can forge new tools for safeguarding the future. Becoming plastic-free is an unachievable–and probably undesirable– goal at this point. But there are many actions we can take to improve our situation.
”Policy: Support current legislative actions: At Beyondplastics.org, you’ll find a variety of ways to get involved with single use plastic activism. An important current bill in New York is The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749). This “polluter pays” bill would hold companies responsible for their plastic waste pollution; would set a 12-year window for companies to reduce plastic packaging by 30%; and would ban toxic substances such as PFAS, phthalates, vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, cadmium and 7 other real baddies from commercial packaging use.
This is a big deal. A link on the Beyond Plastics site makes it very easy to contact your representative to share your support for this bill. They need to hear from us. This site also offers other vital information and action links about plastic pollution and our health, as well as ways to participate in grassroots advocacy training free and online.
Personal: Consider how you might use foresight–in the form of your own feast bundle/travel kit or other strategies, to reduce your consumption of single-use plastic. I try not to get too down on myself for the plastic that does come home with me from the store, but I also make it a kind of game to see how I can limit it on any given shopping trip.
For example, I might succumb to the charms of those cute mandarin oranges in a plastic mesh bag. But then for the rest of my shop, I’ll try NOT to choose any other produce in plastic, such as bagged grapes, greens, mini-cucumbers, or sweet peppers. By bringing my cotton mesh produce bags, I can also avoid buying things like potatoes and onions in plastic mesh. By buying in bulk or opting for the EcoSun cardboard packages, I can pass up plastic cartons for soft items like mushrooms.
I’ll look for condiments in jars, and dairy products in cartons or glass. Sometimes, if the cheese department helpers aren’t too busy, I’ll ask for an extra large cut of cheese, wrapped in paper only. Or I’ll look for cheese in a wax rind. Recently, I was thrilled to see a new sign on the meat counter–it said “Paper or Plastic?” My fish purchase got home wrapped in paper without any mess. And finally, if my willpower is failing by the time I get to the bakery area, I’ll still try to opt out of goodies in clam shells or swathed in plastic wrap. There are lots of great alternative choices in that department!
We may not always have the time, energy, or money to make the optimal purchases, but there is always an action we can take to help reduce the flow of plastic waste. One call to a legislator, or one glass jar brought for a bulk purchase, is still a worthwhile choice. It starts with a shift in mindset about our chosen tools.
By Natalie Criscione
Comfort Food Community
Comfort Food Community, which serves Washington, Warren, and Saratoga Counties, focuses on needs within rural communities where it strives to end hunger by providing nourishing foods.
Want to Learn More?
www.comfortfoodcommunity.org/home
DThe
Color
of Autism Foundation
The Color of Autism Foundation is a national Neuro-Affirming organization that fosters “inclusivity and support for African American families navigating the world of autism”.
Want to Learn More?
https://thecolorofautism.org.
Bring on the Spectrum
Bring on the Spectrum is a local community space that “offers social, recreational and lifestyle activities for neurodiverse and neurotypical children, teens and adults.” It is a space for art, yoga, music, and life skills.
Want to Learn More?
https://www.bringonthespectrum.org
id you know that you don’t have to move mountains to Be the Change? Sometimes it is the smallest of gestures that can make a huge difference. A smile, a kind word, or your choice to round up to the nearest dollar when you shop at Honest Weight are some examples. How can my little bit of change help, you may ask. Well, think about that famous Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
You, Honest Weight Shopper, are the thoughtful and committed citizen to whom she refers. Yes, you! Collectively, through Be The Change, we can all work together to help a non-profit continue to fulfill its mission to make the world healthier, more equitable, loving, inclusive, and safe.
During the months of April, May, and June, by rounding up to the nearest dollar as you check out, your change will help support both local and national organizations. Read on to learn more about some of this quarter’s organizations.
Book Review:
From Asparagus to
Zucchini, and Misunderstood Vegetables: How to Fall in Love with Sunchokes, Rutabaga, Eggplant, and More
By Ruth Ann Smalley
Whether we’re starting garden seeds, dreaming of summer farmer’s markets, or looking forward to the start of a CSA farmshare, this time of year feels full of anticipation. Winter recipes may have worn on us, and the much-appreciated bags of local greens and microgreens have us longing for summer’s bounty.
Even while making the effort to “eat the rainbow,” many of us still default to a handful of familiar veggies, consistently walking past an array of others. According to the USDA, Americans lean into potatoes and tomatoes the most, with consumption averaging out to about 50 and 30 lbs, respectively, per person per year. A lot of us could use some help expanding our menu!
Full disclosure: I myself have a steady rotation of “the usuals”--corn, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, peppers, onions, broccoli, salad greens–with just a few others like kale, okra, and bok choy as “outliers.”
I’ve had mixed success in branching out. In 2020, after years of wanting to purchase a farm share, we finally did it. I wanted to support local agriculture and was trapped at home, with time and a desire for novelty. I also suspected a drive out to a farm weekly to pick up our share might provide a helpful routine when all the other ones had been pulled up by the roots. It was a good decision. In 2021, we tried a more distant farm that was making door-to-door deliveries, and in 2022, we chose one very close to home, to cut down on food miles.
They were all great experiences. Beautiful places to visit, extremely fresh produce, generous farmers. I liked feeling a few degrees more connected with specific land and the people working it. But did I do the veggies I received justice? Not always, especially when they were what chef Becky Selengut calls “misunderstood vegetables.” Her definition definitely offers plenty of food for thought:
1. 2. 3.
Any vegetable that you keep walking by in the supermarket or at a farmers’ market and you have no idea what the bloody hell to do with it, if you even know what it is in the rst place.
A vegetable that you’ve cooked or eaten once or twice and you think the texture is weird or it’s bitter or you just don’t like it, but you may have only had it prepared improperly.
A vegetable that you can think of only one or two uses for.
I mostly managed to rehome the veggies I was misunderstanding, but I will admit, some went to my compost bin unappreciated. I felt bad enough about it that after 2022, I didn’t sign up for any more shares.
Then this past fall, in the midst of that political chaos, I got an enrollment notification from one of the farms. I thought, heck yeah, I need a farm to visit again. A farm where there are horses to admire, and a member you-pick area with flowers, and tomatillos and other goodies. And this time, I would try to do better by those gifts of the land. I’m pouring over these two cookbooks so I’m ready this time! But even if all you want is to try out more of the cool stuff on offer at Honest Weight, these resources can help you.
From Asparagus to Zucchini is an old standby–I’ve got the 3rd edition, published in 2004. Put together by the Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition, it grew directly out of the desire to help promote CSAs by helping provide members with resources.
It’s jam-packed with 420 recipes from everyone–chefs, farmers, home cooks. There’s a section for each of 51 kinds of produce, and even one for “Wild Things”--think nettles, sorrel, fiddleheads, and daylily buds. Each section has a brief description of the produce, general cooking and storage tips, and a variety of recipes. Most are simple and don’t call for many additional or exotic ingredients. You’ll find surprises like lemon basil shortbread cookies, beet chocolate cake, burdock chips, sunflower sunchoke salad, and sweet corn cheddar pancakes. If this were the only produce-themed cookbook you had, you’d be well-equipped.
”According to the USDA, Americans lean into potatoes and tomatoes the most, with consumption averaging out to about 50 and 30 lbs, respectively, per person per year. A lot of us could use some help expanding our menu!
”However . . . I’ve learned I have some idiosyncracies in how I relate to cookbooks. I have trouble getting inspired by cookbooks that are heavy on text and don’t have any food photos. There are so many recipes per page in this book—I can’t make up my mind what to make, and there isn’t an alluring picture to help me decide. That’s a problem with me, obviously, not with the cookbook! I’m sure it has been a huge go-to guide for many people over the years.
That brings me to Misunderstood Vegetables. It only has 75 recipes, but oh, is this one gorgeous book. Published in 2024 by a chef who has written four other books, the writing style is lively and entertaining, and the food photos have my mouth watering. I mean, this chef can make roasted radishes with miso butter and furikake look amazing, and I don’t even think I like radishes. I’m hoping she makes me a convert.
Featuring 25 plants, the book is organized by season. Along with storage and general cooking facts, Selengut includes nutrition information, for just that extra bit of motivation to add these to your table. Her recipes are on the fancier side, and may have you scurrying to the store to pick up additional seasonings, or specialty items such as porcini powder, seasoned rice vinegar, or pomegranate molasses. But if you are looking to expand your cooking and flavor experiences, that just might be a plus. She covers a lot of ground, leaving you room to roam from relatively simple dishes such as creamy scrambled eggs with nettle pesto, to more time and labor intensive recipes like homemade kimchi with black garlic, or maple glazed brussel sprouts with preserved lemon, hazelnuts, and shiitake bacon.
I’m planning to bop between the two cookbooks—using Misunderstood Vegetables to get me fired up to try something out of my comfort zone, and relying on From Asparagus to Zucchini for when I might want more simplicity. We’ll see how the growing season goes!
Real Dogs of Skidmore College
t’s well-known that stress levels run high on college campuses–and studies show that this has been increasingly true in recent years, as young adults navigate the pressures of school on top of extracurriculars and, for many, working multiple jobs on top of their classes. Some campuses have instituted programs to reduce student anxiety in creative ways, including by welcoming dogs and other emotional support animals into their communi-
Here in the Capital Region, Skidmore College is one of the schools that enhances campus life by integrating dogs into campus life. From therapy dogs in a student wellness office, to a culture where faculty and staff often bring their (friendly, gentle, and obedient) pups to campus and class, to a new program in which Skidmore students help train puppies to become service dogs.
ter when she was teaching a course called “Loss, Grief, and Activism.”
She tells Coop Scoop, “Several students in that class were grieving recent deaths of family and friends, and even those who weren’t came to the course because they were trying to process the mass violence and loss of that moment. It was heavy. Sparrow would come along to class and gravitate toward students who were struggling. If a student was upset, Sparrow would approach them and lay her head in their lap or rest her paw on their knee. She just seemed to know what they needed.”
Whereas some teachers worry that a dog in class would distract from the material, Hulsether reports that in this case the effect was usually the opposite. “Other than one time when she tried to hustle her favorite student back to his seat during a presentation,” Hulsether explains, “the overall effect was to make people more excited to come to class to see her and to help them stay engaged once they arrived, even when things were hard. She taught us how to show up.”
the pandemic. At colleges, where students are far from home and often unable to access physical closeness with others, the option of cuddling with a pet could be a lifeline.
”Sparrow would come along to class and gravitate toward students who were struggling.
”
Hulsether eventually created an “office hours” sign-up platform for Sparrow. This put Sparrow among the ranks of certified therapy dogs that visited campus a couple of times per week, with one caveat: whereas the therapy dogs are accompanied by their human companions and stay in a designated area, Sparrow could be checked out, in Hulsether’s words, “like a library book.” And while the idea was sparked by a need during the early pandemic, it has only grown more popular in the years since. What does this look like in practice?
Coop Scoop Staff
Whenever her human companion is at work, Sparrow holds office hours with students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students pick up Sparrow from Hulsether and, from there, are able to embark on any number of on-campus adventures. Walks in the campus woods, trips to the campus coffee shop to beg for a pup cup, and naps in dorm rooms seem to be the most popular. Sparrow also has attended team strength and conditioning sessions, been recruited as the surprise cheer-up committee for a student’s broken-hearted roommate, canvassed for student clubs, and–in the most unexpected turn of events–attracted over one million likes and comments on the RedNote platform of a student social media influencer.
Down the hall from Pearl is Benji. Benji is a 17-year-old, diaper-wearing Maltese with as many teeth as he has eyes (and he doesn’t have all of his eyes). He was rescued at the age of 12 from the mean streets of Tuscon, Arizona, and while he doesn’t miss getting physically stuck to cactuses, he does miss the dry heat and mild winters. Today he lives his life nestled in a sling worn by his human companion, Assistant Professor of Psychology Harrison Schmitt. Schmitt tells Coop Scoop, “Given Benji’s age, if he’s not with me on campus, I am often greeted with a very tactful, ‘...How’s Benji….?’ When I assure people that he is still with us and thriving, people sort of melt and wax poetic about his immortality.”
” At colleges, where students are far from home and often unable to access physical closeness with others, the option of cuddling with a pet could be a lifeline.
”
“Honestly, more people know her than know me,” Hulsether says, “I walk across campus and people rush up to greet Sparrow and then look up at me and ask, ‘Hi, do you work here?’” In fact, Coop Scoop suspects that Sparrow may be next in line to chair the Religious Studies department, and we wouldn’t be surprised if she eventually accepted a role in the Cabinet.
For now, life gets better and better for Sparrow, who keeps finding new friends on campus. Her doggie best friend Pearl–the canine counterpart of Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Dominique Vuvan–has recently taken up work hours residence across the campus lawn in Skidmore’s new Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences. Pearl excels at her main professional duties: to bark at passersby and to accept scratches from colleagues (sometimes one after the other!).
“Our ranks are growing,” adds Sparrow, “Want to see my belly?”
Between the beloved faculty pups, the crew of visiting therapy dogs, students’ own emotional support animals, and the new puppies training to become service dogs, nobody should be surprised that the Princeton Review recently listed Skidmore among the nation’s top schools for Best Quality of Life (#12) and Happiest Students (#14). Dogs really do make a difference.
Citations: Dogs help mental health in the pandemic: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33525673/ Skidmore in the nation’s top schools: https://www.skidmore.edu/news/2023/0925-skidmore-recognized.php
Remedies for Pets
Herbal
By Michelle Polacinski
Our pets take Western pharmaceutical drugs just like we do, sometimes even at the same doses as us! What happens when we seek an alternative health plan for our pets? Like pharmaceutical drugs, there isn't a lot of information on what levels of herbal medicines are safe or appropriate for pets. This is why I like to stay super safe and use more gentle herbs with our animal friends.
Herbs for Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are the most common pets and share similar ailments. For anxiety, dogs and cats can safely take chamomile and lemon balm. I recommend preparing a couple teaspoons of each in 4 cups of water as a tea blend. After the tea cools to room temperature, pour it in their water dish for consumption.
For dry skin, it's easier to add herbs to their food. A teaspoon of coconut oil mixed in with their food at least once a day does wonders for the skin, but check with your doctor. If your pet suffers from high cholesterol, this might not be the best option, because coconut oil is super high in fat. These are good fats, but make sure it's a good option for your pet, specifically. Marshmallow root powder mixed in with the food can also help not just with dry skin, but also with digestive issues. Marshmallow is an anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, and boosts the immune system.
Other herbs that are great for your pets' digestive system are papaya, licorice root,
Birds and reptiles benefit greatly from eating fresh vegetables and fruit, but they can also benefit from eating fresh herbs! Cut up fresh basil, calendula, lavender, rosemary, dandelion leaf, echinacea, mint, and oregano to add to their food. Keep offering it; They may not like eating fresh herbs immediately. Birds also love spicy peppers and it's great for their digestive and cardiac systems!
Herbs for Bees
Beehives need extra immune support and extra food, especially in the spring and fall. Bees can benefit from adding mushroom tincture for immune support in their sugar water. Blends with chaga, reishi, turkey tail, maitake, and shiitake are all good for bees and us humans! Lemongrass essential oil and tea tree essential oil can also be added to the sugar water for immune support and as a nutritional supplement. These will keep your hive healthy and avoid common hive illnesses such as nosema.
Red clover is a bee's best friend and contains complete nutrients for their wellbeing. Although they get the most benefit from visiting red clover flowers directly, you can add red clover tincture to their feed in the early season to give them a bit of a boost.
If you can, feed your bees back their own honey in the spring and infuse the honey with tinctures. This will give your bees the best chance of survival through the season.
An Expanded Shopping List for Pet Supplies at the Co-op
By Leona Palmer, LMSW
Two years ago, I brought up a load of laundry on the Sunday morning of Memorial Day weekend to find my (then) three-year-old feeding a bag of co-op bulk raisins to our pup, Harley Blue. Something about this being a bad thing in my subconscious nagged at me while I grabbed them away and looked it up on my phone. To my total shock and horror I read that basically, my daughter had spoon-fed dog-poison to our beloved beagle-mix fur baby. Four calls to various emergency vets on a holiday weekend, 6 hours, and some hundreds of dollars later, we were all okay. The vet had emphasized to my daughter what was never, ever to be fed to our dog (chocolate, raisins, grapes were at the top of her list). Our house has remained cautiously grape/raisin-free to date.
Other foods to make sure your dog and cat avoid are onions (as well as leeks, chives, and garlic), currents (like raisins), xylitol (present in many sweets), avocado, macadamia nuts and walnuts, and any kind of yeasted dough (which can expand in their tummies) or play dough (salt galore). Caffeine, alcohol, mushrooms, green tomatoes and green potatoes along with their stems and leaves, all stone fruit pits, seeds of apples and mustard, and generally raw eggs and raw meat are also bad news–mostly due to the provenance and risk of contamination from bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. It’s also good to make sure cats and dogs are eating their own food, not each other’s.
Now that we’ve warned against any unintentional harm, onto the good stuff! Here is what you can find at the Co-op, outside the pet section, all perfectly delicious and nutritious choices for your pet friends.
The produce aisle is packed with raw foods that are easily shared with your pup and even cat in small amounts–if the imperious royalty will consider them. Common vegetables that make a fine snack for pets are carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, pumpkin, brussel sprouts, green beans, green
peas, and spinach. Recommended raw and dried fruits–never canned or sweetened–include blueberries, apples (mind the seeds though), bananas, cantaloupe, cranberries, mango, oranges, pears, strawberries, and watermelon.
Beyond the produce section, in Aisle One you’ll find peanut, almond, and cashew butters all of which unsalted and unsweetened are safe for pets in moderation, mostly due to the high-fat content. Canned, plain pumpkin can be used as a binder in making treats. Any canned fish low in mercury, unsalted, and unsmoked —like sardines and salmon—are a great addition to pet diets.
In the bulk section, you’ll find more nut butters but you can also grab a bag of rolled oats, to cook plain as a treat for pups, but also to put in a bath to soothe any skin irritation (try throwing some calendula in from the herbal section as well). Plain brown rice can also be good with some boiled chicken or scrambled eggs after a dog is ill to get them eating again. It’s best to avoid the dairy section overall for our pets, but it can be noted that very small amounts of plain, unflavored and unsweetened yogurt can be beneficial in providing probiotics and used as a binder in making homemade treats.
In the protein section, scrambled eggs (unsalted, as mentioned) are a good plain protein treat in moderation. Unprocessed meats such as ground turkey and beef, de-boned fish, and cuts of meat in moderation and cooked are all healthy for pets. In the outdoor springtime garden selection (and sometimes even indoors all year) you can find wheatgrass and catnip to grow at home. It should be noted that many houseplants are poisonous to both dogs and cats, and to keep an eye outdoors on what they’re eating as well (the ingestion by cats of various types of Lillies were the number one call into the pet poison hotline in 2023).
Apart from the one (truly terrifying) scare with the raisins, I’ve often marveled at how any person, but especially one with young children, could get by without a dog or two unless they want to spend all their days mopping and vacuuming the floor. I’ve pictured the slow domestication of the wolf sneaking closer in by the fire to grab scraps while our dogs are staring, fixed on the floor underneath my daughter as she eats each meal. The new pup was trained partly on the baby carrots leftover from school lunches. The extra smoothie from kid-pops goes into ice cube trays for the kid-pups. The overflow of produce in the garden can often get folded into the dog food. The longer we’re a family the more I think of us as simply co-mammals living together with overlapping needs, concerns, and–certainly–individual tastes. Suki loves apples, carrots, and raw spinach. Harley prefers peas and blueberries. I’d never fed my pets many fruits and vegetables growing
Below are foods to make sure your dog and cat avoid:
Grapes, Raisins
Onions (as well as leeks, chives, and garlic)
Currents (like raisins)
Xylitol (present in many sweets)
Avocado
Macadamia nuts and walnuts
Raw, yeasted dough (which can expand in their tummies) or play dough (salt)
Caffeine
Alcohol
Mushrooms
Green tomatoes and green potatoes along with their stems and leaves
Stone fruit pits, seeds of apples and mustard
Generally raw eggs and raw meat
Below are perfectly delicious and nutritious choices for your pet friends:
Raw Vegetables: carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, pumpkin, brussel sprouts, green beans, green peas, and spinach.
Raw and dried fruits–never canned or sweetened–include blueberries, apples (mind the seeds though), bananas, cantaloupe, cranberries, mango, oranges, pears, strawberries, and watermelon.
Nut Butters: peanut, almond, and cashew butters, unsalted and unsweetened .
Canned, plain pumpkin can be used as a binder in making treats.
Canned fish low in mercury, unsalted, and unsmoked—like sardines and salmon.
Rolled oats, to cook plain as a treat for pups, but also to put in a bath to soothe any skin irritation (try throwing some calendula in from the herbal section as well).
Plain brown rice can also be good with some boiled chicken or scrambled eggs after a dog is ill to get them eating again.
Plain, unflavored and unsweetened yogurt can be beneficial in providing probiotics and used as a binder in making homemade treats in moderation.
Scrambled eggs (unsalted, as mentioned) in moderation .
Home cooked foods such as ground turkey and beef, de-boned fish, and cuts of meat in moderation
1 bag Yogi Tea Cinnamon Horchata Stress, + Sleep tea
1/3 cup boiling water
1/2 cup soaked chopped, pitted dates
1 tbsp tart cherries
1 tsp coconut oil
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp rose water
2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tbsp raw almonds
2 tbsp shelled raw pistachios
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brew the tea bag in boiling water with soaked chopped, pitted dates to make a strong tea and to soften dates. While still warm, add coconut oil, maple syrup, rose water, and tart cherries.
3. Mix in almond flour, vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, almonds, and pistachios in a mixing bowl.
4. Stir in tea, dates, coconut oil, maple syrup, and tart cherries into dry ingredients, and allow the dry and wet ingredients to soak together for a few minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. The dough will be a bit wet, but should hold together. Add a bit more almond flour if it feels too moist to scoop in a cookie scoop.
5. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment or silicone lined cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Bottoms should look caramelized.
6. Let cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes and then remove to a rack to cool completely. Store in a loosely covered container lined with paper towel. Enjoy within 3 days or freeze.
Servings: 12-15 cookies
3 drops bergamot essential oil
2 drops of cedarwood oil
1 drop of sweet marjoram oil
For deep sleep, this combination will help lull you into a restful and uninterrupted sleep:
3 drops cedarwood oil
3 drops lavender oil
2 drops of vetiver
Or you can mix together the following blends:
Mix together the following blends:
2 drops each:
lavender, lemon balm, patchouli, and Roman chamomile.
2 drops each: lavender, sandalwood, vetiver, and roman chamomile essential oils
2 drops each: cedarwood, orange, and lavender essential oils
2 drops each: Frankincense, cedarwood, and roman chamomile essential oil or 3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
2 drops roman chamomile oil
1 drop lavender essential oil
Or you can use a premade blend. I recently placed a special order from the Wellness Department for NOW Essential Oils Peaceful Sleep Oil Blend which includes orange, tangerine, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, and sandalwood essential oils.
You can also use a pillow spray:
I aim to be in bed around 9:30 pm and turn off the lights and complete some gentle stretches, like this qigong neck stretch my teacher calls “Wise Owl Looks Backward”
and also gentle Yoga poses, mostly twists and forward bends, happy baby, and alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodana) and ending with Legs up the Wall:
