Howl-O-Ween Treats

I came across an article on how to throw a Halloween paw-ty for dogs and a recipe for treats.

I will save you the details of planning the paw-ty. Instead, you can just use your imagination. Although the suggestion to schedule the party for a day or two before Halloween so as not to be disturbed by trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell during the paw-ty was a great idea. The treats sound yummy for both humans and dogs, so I thought I would share.

Howl-O-Ween
Tricking Treats

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (real pumpkin, not pie filling)
1/4 teaspoon real vanilla
1 egg
4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl, mix water, pumpkin, vanilla, and egg thoroughly.
3. Combine flour, pecans, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, stirring well.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well, making sure no dry mixture is left.
5. Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup completely.
6. Sprinkle the top of each muffing with oats and bake for one hour and 15 minutes.
7. Cool completely and store in a sealed container for up to one week.

Makes 14 bewitching treats

Halloween Ideas for You and Your Dog

Fun ideas that can include your pooch this Halloween.

1. Take your dog to the pumpkin patch.

Venture out into the country and find a dog-friendly pumpkin farm. Many of the pick-your-own pumpkin patches are dog friendly and may even host a doggie pumpkin patch day where dogs can explore, run and play in the fields. Have your pup help you pick the perfect pumpkins for carving.

2. Dress up and go trick-or-treating.

Dogs make the perfect costume accessory. There is nothing cuter than a great costume combo for a pet and their owner. There are endless possibilities for dog costumes these days. With a little extra creativity, a costume theme will unite you and your dog as a festive pair.

Be sure to check your community event calendars to search for pet costume contests, a fun-filled way to show your pet's great costume. Who knows you might even get some candy and biscuits out of this opportunity.

3. Watch the Great Pumpkin.

Snoopy's Halloween classic is a great way to spend time with your pet. Host a movie party for your friends and their dogs to enjoy this Halloween adventure or simply curl up on the couch and night in with your special pooch. This is a great way to catch up with friends and keep your pets included in the festivities.

4. Bake autumn dog treats.

Sure you can bake special goodies for your dog anytime, but autumn is a great time to make festive cut-out biscuits. Ghost, pumpkin and bat shaped cookies will taste good to Fido and keep your biscuit jar seasonally updated. Check out these treat recipes.

5. Take a Halloween hay ride.

This may not be the best idea for all dogs, but certainly those that enjoy being outside and going for rides might enjoy the opportunity to take a wagon ride in the hay. Autumn hay rides are a great past time and including your dog in the whirlwind festivities is a great idea.

6. Carve a pumpkin with your dog's image.

Profile portraits are fun for carving into pumpkins and easy to do. Simply take a picture of your pet's profile and blow it up to pumpkin carving size on paper. After you have picked a carving pumpkin, tape on your pooch's profile use your carving knife to trace your masterpiece. Making a dog-o-lantern is a fun way to keep your pup involved in the Halloween season.

7. Capture the memories.

Changing autumn leaves make a great backdrop for a family photo. It is time to get the family together and take some great photos of you and your pet in the naturally beautiful fall leaves. A few pumpkins and cornhusks make great fall backdrops for a homemade photo shoot. These photos are great for homemade cards and invitations.


Whatever your plans for the Halloween season, be sure to have fun, be safe, and most importantly remember to include your special pet in the festivities.