Happy November everyone. I cannot believe that year end is almost upon us… Make this November one to remember!
Click here to download your November calendar
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by 
November
categories: Calendar
by by Tag: oscar
by Howl-O-Ween.
In Africa, we don’t typically celebrate halloween like the USA does but that doesn’t stop us from having a little fun of our own, in the form of dressing up and enjoying some yummy Halloween treats! For those of you that have followed us for a while, will know that Oscar LOVES to dress up and Halloween is one of the best times to dress up in funky fun costumes. Last year Zara was a tiny tot just learning the ropes in the beginning stages of her modelling career. This year she is a real show stopper in her Halloween outfit!
Everyone goes pumpkin mad during the month of October and I managed to get my paws on a lovely one. I gave it to Oscar and Zara as is, to see what they would do wth it… The usual Mr Fusspot decided it looked good enough to eat as it is and went straight in for the kill, much to his disappointment he couldn’t break it open at all. Zara was not sure what it was and happily posed for some gorgeous photos instead!
Since we don’t get all the yummy halloween treats you get in the USA, I promised Oscar and Zara I would turn this pumpkin into something yummy for them, and this is what I decided to make….
Pumpkin Spice Puppachinos
Not so long ago I made some puppachinos for Oscar and Zara which they LOVED! (you can see the recipe by clicking here) So I thought why not make a Halloween pumpkin spice puppachino for them. A few of my USA Instagram friends have expressed their love for pumpkin spice latte’s- for humans only. So I decided to make a human pumpkin spice latte for me to enjoy and a pumpkin spice puppachino for Oscar and Zara to enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Latte-Human only version:
Ingredients
To make pumpkin spice you will need-
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp all spice
Mix these spices together and store in an airtight jar. This makes 1 tbs of Pumpkin Spice mix.
To make the latte-
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbs cooked pumpkin puree
1 tbs syrup
1/4 tsp of the pumpkin spice mix you made
1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of your favourite brewed coffee
1 can of squirty cream-to use as a topper
Directions
Pour all the ingredients into a saucepan besides the coffee. Heat over a medium heat until hot but not boiling. Keep whisking the mixture so you get a thick and frothy milk mixture. Pour your freshly brewed coffee into a mug, then add the hot coconut milk mixture. Squirt some squirty cream on top and sprinkle over a pinch of pumpkin spice. Put your feet up and enjoy your Halloween treat!
Pumpkin Spice Puppachino
Ingredients
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup cooked pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Squirt of honey
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Squirty cream
Directions
Pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend until thick and creamy. Then scoop out the mixture and place it into cute cups for your pups. Squirt some cream on the top-because which pup doesn’t love squirty cream… And watch your pups enjoy!
If you have any mixture left over you can spoon it into ice trays and make little frozen treats or fill a Kong toy and freeze for a boredom buster the next day 🙂
Pumpkin Pancakes
Everyone loves pancakes so I decided to make some Halloween pumpkin pancakes for us (the humans) and the pups (Oscar and Zara) to enjoy…
Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice mix- Important: When making for the pups please leave this out and replace with plain cinnamon!!!
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbs sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs melted butter
1/2 cup milk
Syrup and squirt cream to garnish
Directions
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and whisk until completely combined and light and airy. Heat up a pan on a medium heat and spoon the desired amount of mixture into your pan. Cook until golden brown on each side. Serve warm with syrup and squirty cream drizzled over the top. Enjoy!
If you have any pancakes left over, place them in air tight containers and freeze them for another day. Remember to clearly label which are safe for your pups and which are for humans only!!
Happy Howl-o-ween to you and your furry loves! We hope you enjoy these simple and easy Halloween treats as much as we did.
Thank you for reading.
by Oscar Turns Fourteen!
categories: Oscar
A very happy 14th birthday to my baby boy. Yes he will always be my baby boy!!!
I cannot believe that Oscar has been my little sidekick for fourteen years already. Time really does fly. In some ways it feels like I don’t know a life without him and in other ways it feels like yesterday that this bundle of skin and ears came into my life. We sure have had our fare share of adventures together and I wouldn’t have it any other way! He is such a gentle yet feisty soul. A real contradiction I know.
I am not quite sure where I would be without my little man. He sure made new beginnings a little easier. At times he was my only friend, now I have two friends-Oscar and Zara hahaha-True story! From day one we were inseparable. He came on his first beach holiday just a few weeks after joining our family, and he loved it. From then on he grew into a mature sidekick and very loyal best friend, it was a love me love my dog situation and luckily for us both, I found the perfect human companion.
Oscar has never been the adventure outdoor junkie like Zara is. He has always opted for the couch, snoozing being his favourite activity. After all, what could possibly be better than a nap? His puppy naps were rather long and his playful outbursts were short and sweet. I think Oscar takes the crown as King Snorer too. I am so used to it now that I actually struggle to fall asleep without him snoring next to me! It can be 100 degrees outside but Oscar sill wants to be covered with his special duvet and rests his head on his pillow for a good nights sleep. Oscar has always been the best snuggle bug in the world!
He is the fussiest eater on the planet but apparently I only have myself to blame for that 😉 They say your pups take after you, and well yes I am quite a fussy eater too. Although I do believe Oscar knows how to act up for me when it comes to breakfast and dinner time because I am the only one who seems to have an issue when I feed him. Yes, he knows he is wrapped around my little finger and will give in sooner rather than later…
Like most boys, Oscar has had a few scuffles. Rather scary scuffles for me but Oscar being Oscar made sure his bigger opponent didn’t walk away unharmed. And luckily for Oscar all his extra skin and wrinkles served as a protective layer. His dislike for bigger dogs was converted into complete adoration and love for smaller creatures. When Valentine and duchess came into our lives he honestly loved those babies with his whole heart. He was so patient and nurturing with them. He even taught Zara how to behave around them. When we lost them he mourned their loss too, showing me once again just how sensitive my boy is.
Oscar allowed Zara to become his sister. The bond they share is unique and wonderful. He showed her tough love when it was needed and he plays with her to keep her happy. He is a true gentleman and will stop drinking water if she would like to drink, waits for her to finish before he carries on drinking. He doesn’t know that I know this but he leaves just a little of his breakfast and dinner each day so Zara can finish it off for him, his way of telling her he loves her!
Today we celebrate 14 years of love, loyalty and companionship, with many more to go!! Of course Oscar loves celebrations with cake, treats and presents. This year Oscar’s cake is a little different, here is the recipe…
Cake
Oscar’s ice cream cake:
Ingredients
1.5L plain greek yoghurt
1/2 cup carob powder
1 cup coconut oil (melted)
1 cup fresh or frozen berries
Honey
Directions
Pour the yoghurt into a cake tin or mould of your choice. Slice up your berries and stir them gently into the yoghurt. In a separate bowl mix together the carob powder and coconut oil until combined and a liquid consistency has formed. Then take a spoon and spoon the carob mix into the yoghurt so it forms swirls through the yoghurt. Don’t mix it too much because you want the carob to show when you cut the cake. Do the same with the honey. Place the tin into the freezer for 24 hours. Remove from the freezer, cut into slices and watch your pup enjoy his ice cream cake! Keep frozen.
Presents
Oscar absolutely loves opening presents and of course I love buying and wrapping presents for him. This year we ordered him a birthday box from Four Paws and Me. This birthday box is AMAZING! Not only does it include gorgeous goodies for Oscar but it includes something special for me too. We got him a new bed for my study/office, one that will help his joints but keep him cool during the hot summer months too. No doubt I will have to bring along a blanket for him to snuggle up with 😉 He also got some yummy treats, a ball that growls and a treat toy. All in all some lovely spoils for a very special fourteen year old!
Oscar really is the light of my life. He has never been too lazy to get up and follow me to the loo, kitchen, outside or even sit with me while I bath. He is constantly next to me, walking around the house or resting on the couch. Whatever I am doing, my sidekick is right there beside me. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Follow us on Instagram where we are hosting #oscarsgangstagram party. Everyone is invited and anyone can join in the fun! Simply post a photo with the hashtag #oscarsgangstagram and you’re in. Watch our Instagram story to see all the fun we are having celebrating this very special day.
Thank you for reading.
by Hello September
categories: Calendar
Happy Spring Day to everyone in the Southern Hemisphere! September is another favourite month of mine because it is Oscar’s birthday month…. This September he will be 14! Of course we will be celebrating so stay tuned 🙂
Download your September Calendar here
Thank you for reading.
by Frozen KONG toy ideas…
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the magnificence that is the KONG toy!! Where has this toy been all my life? Ok let’s be honest, Oscar isn’t the most food orientated pooch on the block so I never really explored different recipes or ways to keep him entertained using food. Enter Zara, a hurricane of energy and appetite… I suddenly found myself in a frustrated mess as to how to keep my beautiful baby girl entertained and happy while sustaining her massive appetite between meals.
Zara lives for food. She will do a backflip for you if it means getting a treat, be it meat, fruit or veggies, she LOVES food! Oscar is the fussiest pooch around and will happily tell me when he isn’t so keen on a new teat recipe I am trying out.
During my months of being a frustrated mess, my Instagram family steered me in the direction of the KONG toy. Sure I had heard of it but I wasn’t sold on the idea. I had a lot of reservations about it, will it be strong enough to withhold the teeth and jaws of my dinosaur puppy? How will she get whatever I put inside out? And will this seemingly small toy really keep her that entertained?
I gave in and ordered the biggest and strongest KONG toy of the collection. And waited patiently for it to arrive… While waiting I began to explore and think of the things I would put inside this new toy. I was sorting through Oscar and Zara’s toy box and I came across two other balls that had a hole in the centre. One was a Rogz Grinz ball and the other was a BIONIC ball. The BIONIC ball would have to be modified but it would work I figured. I decided to give this a try and I filled them each with natural plain yoghurt and blueberries and put them in the freezer for a couple of hours and then surprised my two babies with a yummy frozen delight. The reaction was unbelievable. Both Oscar and Zara found a comfy spot and sat quietly and enjoyed their new treat. I could not believe that I now had some “free time” on my hands. I actually didn’t know what to do with myself so I just sat and watched while they enjoyed-haha!! I could not believe that Oscar was into his frozen treat, the fussiest pooch around!!
Oscar’s frozen ball is a very specific kind, he cannot seem to get his tongue into the smaller holes of the KONG or the Rogz Grinz ball so I have modified a BIONIC ball for him and he loves it. It has a hole that runs right through-a bit like a donut. I simply put a small piece of tin foil around the bottom, fill it up and freeze it.
Because of their eager reaction I came up with a whole lot of yummy fillings for all three fillable balls and here are their favourites…
Frozen Ideas:
Plain yoghurt, blueberries, strawberries, coconut oil
Plain yoghurt, peanut-butter, blueberries
Plain yoghurt, mashed banana, peanut-butter
Carrot mash, frozen peas, coconut cream
Sweet potato, frozen peas, carrot chunks
Pumpkin mash, frozen peas, carrot chunks, coconut oil
Fresh Ideas:
Cooked pasta, carrot cubes, coconut oil
Cooked pasta, Mince meat, coconut oil
Cooked pasta, cottage cheese, fresh peas
Butternut mash, apple chunks, grated cheese
Cottage cheese, apple chunks, strawberries
Pineapple chunks, strawberries, peanut-butter
Macaroni cheese
These are just a few of the endless possible filler ideas. They happen to be Oscar and Zara’s favourites so I just mix and match the ingredients depending on what we have in the fridge. I am obviously mindful of what is safe and not safe for pups to eat and you should be too!
Since the KONG toy arrived I have not regretted my decision at all! In fact I want to order some more so there is always one in the freezer ready to be enjoyed. Changing the filling from frozen to fresh is also a great way to keep things interesting for Zara. So if you have not ordered your KONG toy yet, I suggest you do now!
Thank you for reading.
by Product Review: Hill’s Dream Maker Pillow
categories: Product Reviews
We were so excited when Hill’s South Africa asked us to be apart of their #HillsDreamMaker campaign. For those of you that follow us, will know that Oscar absolutely loves nothing more than cuddles and snoozing in the afternoon sun, always opting for the comfiest spots around the house. Zara on the other hand is far too busy to take even a minutes rest during the day, but when she does eventually flop into her bed at night she does love a comfy bed, fluffy pillow to rest her head on and a duvet to keep her warm just like her brother. The Hill’s Dream Maker Pillow is just that… Comfy, Poofy and Stylish!
The Hill’s Dream Maker Pillow comes in three gorgeous colours to match any home. The material is durable and has a zip for easy on-off access so you can pop the cover in the washing machine at any time. How do you lay your paws on one you ask, well these stylish beds are available at participating Vet Shops and Veterinary Practices, while stocks last of course. All you have to do is purchase any two big bags (9.5kgs to 13.6kgs) of Hill’s Canine – Science Plan, Ideal Balance or Prescription Diet.
If you would like to find out where your nearest participating vet or vet store is then please do not hesitate to contact Hill’s directly on infoza@hillspet.com or call 0800 228 783 and for more information simply visit www.hillspet.co.za/News
If you were lucky enough to get your paws on a gorgeous Hill’s Dream Maker Pillow during the month of July or August please share photo’s of your pups having sweet dreams on social media and don’t forget to tag on Twitter: @HillsPetSA, Facebook: @HillsPetZA and Instagram: @HillsPetFoodSA and use the hashtag #HillsDreamMaker
For those of you with smaller pups, you can get your paws on a small Dream Maker Pillow during the month of September, while stocks last.
We hope your dog’s dreams run wild with their new stylish #HillsDreamMakerPillow just like Oscar and Zara’s dreams will.
Don’t forget to follow Hill’s South Africa on social media 🙂
www.HillsTransformingLives.co.za
Twitter: @HillsPetSA
Facebook: @HillsPetZA
Instagram: @HillsPetFoodSA
Thank you for reading.
by August
categories: Calendar
Happy August everyone. August is an exciting month for us because it is Zara’s birthday month! We cannot wait to celebrate her first birthday this August… Stay tuned!
Enjoy this months calendar.
Download your August calendar here
Thank you for reading.
by Homemade Puppachino’s
categories: Recipes, Winterwonderland
It’s winter and let’s be honest, we all love snuggling with our pups under a big blanket with the heater close and a giant mug of tea, coffee or hot chocolate! Unfortunately our furry loves cannot share these comforting drinks with us for obvious reasons. So here are two awesome alternatives which won’t disappoint…
These two recipes will have your pups wanting Puppachino’s very day of the year!
A Minty Treat:
Ingredients
1 can coconut milk
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup carob powder
1 tsp peppermint extract
Whipped coconut cream for the topping
Mint leaves to garnish
Directions
Place all the ingredients (except the whipped cream and mint leaves) into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Blending will also allow the mixture to cool. Simply pour the drink into a pup friendly cup or small bowl, top it with dollops of whipped coconut cream and garnish with mint leaves. Watch as your pooch absolutely loves his delicious puppachino!
A Cinnamon Delight
Ingredients
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tbs carob powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder or 1 stick of cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp honey
Whipped coconut cream for the topping
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a pot on the stove and slowly heat up the mixture. Do not let the mixture boil as that is far too hot for your pup to drink unless you let it sit and cool. Once warmed through, remove the cinnamon stick if you used one, and pour the mixture into pup friendly mugs or small bowls. Dollop the whipped coconut cream on top and let your furry love enjoy her yummy treat!
We hope your pups enjoy their Puppachino’s as much as Oscar and Zara do!
Thank you for reading
by JULY
categories: Calendar
Happy July everyone! Sorry I am a little late in posting the calendar this month. We were away in the bush with very little cell phone signal-yay. Today is also my fiancé’s birthday so it makes it a very special day to post 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Click here to download your July calendar
Thank you for reading.
by DOGA.
Today is International Yoga Day! And because I love to include my furry loves in as many of my daily activities as possible I thought I would explore the Doga craze.
Many of you may laugh and think how on earth does this happen. There are two main ways you can practice Doga. One, where you take the yoga class and your pup happily watches on, and two, where you and your pup perform the moves together. Now I absolutely love practicing yoga and since my two rascals Oscar and Zara are always around me, the obvious thing would be for me to include them. Without me realising it, we practice option one on a weekly basis so I thought I would try option two and see how things go…
Yoga in itself is a wonderful thing to practice, and the thought of including my pups for extra stress relief and fun is a fantastic idea. I am not sure I would take the two of them to a Doga studio-even though the thought is wonderful. My two would run around and cause complete chaos wanting to play with everyone, Zara would lick everyone to death, and we would all get banned within 5 minutes-haha. So practicing Doga at home where all three of us are comfortable and happy is the perfect choice for us.
Doga offers an extra bonding session between you and your pooch and it should be fun for both of you. If your pup isn’t into it today then leave him be, let him watch! Never force your pups to do anything they don’t want to do.
Benefits of DOGA include:
Extra stress relief
Increases the bond between you and your pooch
Gives you added extra quality time together
You are guaranteed to laugh
Good exercise for you both
Puts you in an instant good mood
It is said to help calm hyper dogs, so lets see if it helps Zara
As with any exercise there is always risk of injury so only do what your body allows and what your pup allows.
Here are a few very simple moves you can do with your pup:
Downward dog:
Get your pup to lay on his tummy or stand up if he wants to, and you do the downward dog move over him. If he looks up at you just gaze into his eyes.
Chaturanga:
Lay your pup on her tummy and just stroke her back in long slow strokes.
Heart-to-hound Mudra:
Have your pup sit in front of you while you sit cross legged behind her. (I sat in front of Zara because she is a little too big for my arms to reach around her-haha). Place your one hand on her heart and the other on your heart; Breathe and enjoy this connection.
Puppy Paw Mudra:
Get your pup to lay on her stomach with her front paws extended outwards. You then kneel down behind her and place your arms over hers and rest your head on her back.
Inner dog Mudra
With your pooch laying or sitting, rest your forehead on his. Just stare at him and enjoy being so close.
Savasana:
Get your pup to lie on her back and stroke her belly with long slow strokes.
Wheelbarrow:
With your pooch standing in front of you, stand behind him and slightly lean forward; gently pick up his back legs, supporting his legs and joints with both hands! Just let him stretch his torso then gently lower his back legs.
Our sessions seem to fall to pieces and we all end up in a chaotic mess on the floor but I have laughed and Oscar and Zara have had fun which makes it a success in my eyes! We hope you have as much fun as we did. Enjoy being in the moment with your furry loves.
Thank you for reading.
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