Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I was just curious if anyone has special Holiday drinks/recipes that they would like to share.  
My sister comes in from Colorado at Christmas time and we have our annual "Holiday Drink".  We each find new recipes to share and take home.  It's kinda like a cookie swap.  I won't usually drink these "specialty" drinks, but will occasionally have a Coffeetini or similar "dessert" type drink after dinner at a restaurant.  We enjoy doing this when we get together... it makes "our time" togther that much better.
Here's one of my favorites:

Chocolate Martinis

Chocolate rim
Godiva liqueur
Shaved milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate

8 ounces (1cup) Godiva liquer
4 ounces (1/2 cup) vodka
1/2 cup half-and-half

Dip the edges of 4 martini glasses in liqueur and rim them with chocolate.

In a small saucepan, combine the liqueur, vodka, and half-and-half.  Heat over medium to medium-high heat until warm but not hot.  Pour into the rimmed martini glasses and serve. 

I look forward to seeing other recipes... non-alchol,too please.  I'm always looking for wonderful things for the kids.

Just had to share my pathetic attempt.  We tried to enter the costume contest, but Sera was not interested... as you can tell.
Sorry, but it's blurry.

My husband and Shasta arrived home on Saturday. 
The HS guessed her age at about 1 year and if the Lab in her is mixed w/ a large or XL dog, then she should have about another year to finish growing.  She weighs approx. 45-50 lbs, 26" tall and very thin.  She was at the HS for about 6 weeks and of course didn't get the best nutrition for a growing girl.  She was spayed and we had her declaws removed from her rear legs while she was under.  Recovery for her has been practically non-existant.  Her only issue is food protection, which is expected with stray/homeless dogs.  I believe she was dumped cuz she does well on a leash (w/minor adjustment to the Halti) and has had zero accidents in the house (no crate...free reign over night and a couple hours this morning by themselves)...their loss, our gain!!  She's a sweetheart and loves hugs.  The picture above shows her next to Mika... their feet are about the same size.  Nobody wanted her because they felt she would get too big... also our gain.  Don't know what she's mixed with, but looking at her feet... could be Dane, Saint, Newf.  She's longer than she is tall, her hair is medium length, but has wavy, longer hair on her back.  She also has the rolly-polly loose skin on her shoulder area... you can see it shift from side to side when she trots around.  She also had those huge, dangly dewclaws on her rear legs.  We already love her and she's a part of the family pack now.

http://www.fototime.com/5E8738437F7ED01/standard.jpg

Wondering if anyone has any views on "Bloat".  This is how we lost our beloved Appollos and want to keep it from happening again.  We have always feed our dogs w/elevated food dishes... we know all about the risk factors, narrow  & deep chests, etc., but now they say it is a contributer to bloat.  This is the first I've heard of this study.  Has anyone changed the way they feed their BD?

The link to the article below...very long, so I snipped a few sections...
http://http://www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald/localnews/ci_4426856

Canine bloat serious threat to some breeds
Article Last Updated:10/01/2006 08:20:59 AM PDT
 
CANINE bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is the No. 1 cause of death for several large and giant dog breeds.

The breed with the highest average lifetime likelihood of a bloat episode is the great Dane, at 42.4 percent.

Other breeds at higher-than average risk include the bloodhound, Irish wolfhound, Irish setter, Akita, standard poodle, German shepherd, and boxer. Other deep-chested breeds and deep-chested mixed-breed dogs are also at higher risk.

In a study of more than 1,900 dogs representing 11 different breeds at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, several risk factors were identified.

One traditional preventative has been to raise the height of food and water bowls, but this was found to actually increase risk by 110 percent

I joined back in Feb. 2006 and just getting around to messing around with this site.  Remodeling, vacations, family, work, etc.  I've read alot of info and love all the pics.
Mika 3yrs


Sera 3 yrs


Appollos (RIP Dec. 2005) 4yrs