Pupdate

It's been awhile since I devoted an entire post to the dogs in my life. My last note concerning the little furballs was just after their "fixings" over a month ago, and I'm happy to report that they have both recovered just fine from that episode. No lingering effects as far as we can tell and they're just as active as ever. 

You may remember Reina, our Spanish Queen. She's a purebred German Shepherd who enjoys chewing sticks, barking and long walks to the beach. She's a Gemini, which means she can be prone to mood swings but she's always the life of the party! The above pic was taken in September.

Given the stick-to-dog ration in this pic you may think that Reina is actually shrinking, but her attempts to play fetch with this branch just show how ambitious she can be. Sadly, at only 8 months she's developing some serious hip problems. Hopefully things will not progress quickly and she will be able to run about with ease for the years to come.

This used to be Nanuq's favourite haunt, but now Reina will curl up here just as often, putting Nanuq out onto the...gasp...floor! She's become the hands-down dominant dog in our home and she lords it over her little brother by taking all of the bones to her area and denying him access.

On one of our latest walks the pups decided to run down this steep incline. Nanuq came back up using the path they had created in descending, but Reina was determined to blaze a new trail. It took her awhile and she was panting fiercely but she eventually made it back to the road.

And then there's Nanuq. Part Shepherd, part Husky, all Rez dog, he's a rescued mutt with a stomach of steel. Born in early August, he's a Leo, which means that he is warm of spirit, eager for action and driven by a desire to be loved. You may remember this little guy from such episodes as: Fence Scaling 101 with your Host Nanuq, That Time Nanuq Ate an Entire Can of Grease, and finally, Why Wait for Summer to Eat the Fruit when you can Devour the Entire Raspberry Bush Right Now!

Sometimes I find it a wonder that he's still with us at all. Between escaping from the yard and having scraps with the neighbourhood dogs and eating anything and everything that he meets (really Nanuq, my crossword book? Or those Advil LiquiGels you stole from my purse?) I'm surprised that he is still intact.

He loves going for walks as well, and he particularly enjoys taking the front seat if there is no one accompanying me. Here he's taking full advantage of the heated seats in our F150 after a chilly romp in the snow.

The pups have been getting along better; that is unless Nanuq challenges Reina by trying to get a bone from her lair. Lately a lot of their little tussles have been over the right to our affection. It's flattering for me so I don't break it up like I maybe should. What girl doesn't want to be the object of such devotion?

I mentioned awhile back that I started making my own doggie treats from time to time. I'll share this recipe with you that I made, although I must warn you that it is not for a cook who is afraid of getting her hands dirty, or one with a sensitive disposition.

Liver & Flax Dog Biscuits

1 pound liver
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups white flour
1 cup oat bran
1 cup ground flax seed
3 eggs
4 Tablespoons flax oil
2/3 cup reserved liver water

Light several scented candles. Put the liver in a pot and cover with water; bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. In the meantime, combine flours, bran and flax seed in a large bowl. In a blender or food processor, combine liver with eggs, oil and water. The resulting sludge will be disgusting, so try not to inhale too deeply. Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until a dough has been formed. Roll out on a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters or just use a knife or pizza cutter to cut dough into little squares or rectangles if you don't have cookie cutters. Place on a baking tray and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes. Light an incense stick and waft it around your kitchen. If you want the biscuits to be crunchier, lower the heat to 200 and then continue baking for as long as you desire.

It's a melancholic exercise to remember when the little ones were just puppies. They were so adorable and everything they did was cute. Well, almost everything. I don't miss the accidents on the floor or their razor sharp puppy teeth. Still, I sometimes wish to return to the time when they could both so easily fit on the cushions together.

Through the fall and into winter they've continued growing. Here still they could snuggle together comfortably, although a little less so.

Today there's no chance of a reunion on the pillow. One of them can fit, but definitely not both. It's satisfying to know that they still try. Now that they're bigger I'm really looking forward to spring when we can get them back into the water at the beach and go for longer hikes. Puppies are cute, but I'm glad my dogs are growing up.