I never had a more delicious meal until a tight knot in my stomach stopped me in my tracks, and let’s just say, it was a good thing I was outside for what happened next.

After a begrudging visit to the vet, I learned the words “gluten intolerance.” Who would’ve thought that a dog powerful enough to herd sheep and fast enough to keep predators away—is defeated by an ordinary grain?

I don’t like to think about it. My weak stomach inspired Mom to gather recipes that help me feel and perform my best without worrying about explosions in and out of my gut—apologies for the TMI.

My Fav Recipes

A couple of my favorite recipes from the book include Salmon Fudge, Liver and Potato Treat, and Chicken and Rice Popsicle. I’m drooling just thinking about them. Kaleo says he “doesn’t care for any gluten-free snacks,” but he tries to steal my food whenever I’m not watching. I wonder where he learned that one?

I even caught him taking a bite out of my sweet potato treat, or as he calls it, “orange rat.” Gross right? I don’t like to think about that either, but I do like to think about my next treat! I’ll make sure that Kaleo doesn’t even get as much as a lick of it. As for fried chicken skin, my nemesis, I’ll help steal it, but it’s going to Kaleo—I’m sticking with my gluten-free snacks.

-Aspen

PS: you can find moms cookbook in our store ‘All My Fur’s Gluten Free Dog Treat Recipes’

The post Going Against the Grain appeared first on All My Fur.

Aside from my superior intelligence, there was a time when I hated my leash. As soon as that leash went on, it was a tug-of-war time. I frequently tugged my way out of Mom’s grasp, leaving a flailing leash behind me as I ran free, or as Kaleo would say, “snake behind you!”

I will let you in on a little secret; I love my leash now. It is like I’m wearing a crown. Here comes royalty with a 24-karat leash and a priceless poop bag dispenser. So what changed? My parents signed me up for a brain training course for dogs, or “Big Brain Academy,” as I like to call it since I was in it.

Adrienne, the dog trainer, helped me understand my aggression. And since then, Mom and I have enjoyed more quality time together on walks without tug-of-war or snakes.

The post Big Brain Academy appeared first on All My Fur.

Just because I’m a Sarplaninac and enjoy my leisure time doesn’t mean that I’m lazy! Livestock guard dogs everywhere get a bad rap, and this is why.

Why Is Sarplaninac Constantly on Watch?

You know those silly guards in England that stand watch in front of Buckingham Palace? Vigilant, scanning, watching for trouble? I’m the same. The only difference? Why spend all that extra energy standing up when you can do the same job lying down? Think about it. I’d have less energy to chase off a fox or a skunk if I stood around all day. Somebody should send this tip to those guards in England, honestly.

I’m Not ignoring Humans; I’m AnalyzingSure, fine, I’m laying down on active watch, and people come up and pet me. Do humans come up to you at your place of employment and start tickling your head? Or rubbing your belly? I’m working here! Of course, I enjoy it, but I’m on watch. I’m not ignoring you; I’m choosing to analyze the surroundings instead. It’s for your protection.

Other Dogs

Other dogs, like my brother Kaleo (German Shepherd), can’t get enough playtime. Fetch the newspaper, fetch the ball, fetch the stick—he loves it. Humans see that and think, “Kaleo has so much energy, unlike Aspen, who just sleeps all day.”

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