Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe Has Gone to the Dogs!

It's time to celebrate and spoil your favorite pup because Dog Day is Friday, August 26, 2022! 

We are going to share some great information about pet adoption, Dog Days of Summer at Kiroli Park, Woofstock 23, Raise the Woof 23, healthy pet snack recipes, and of course, we will include some information for cat lovers too. We can't let this article go exclusively to the dogs!     

Pet Adoption 

The Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe, Inc
If you don't already have a pet, it is a great time to consider pet adoption. Local animal shelters are typically filled to capacity with dogs that could be a good fit for your family. To start the process, you will need to complete an adoption application. The Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe, Inc. offers a great feature on its website, going to the Adoptable Pets link you can see pictures of the dogs that are available for adoption (we fell in love with Creed). A one-hundred dollar adoption fee includes vaccinations, de-worming, spay or neutering, rabies certificate, and micro-chipping for an additional $12.99.

If you aren't ready for adoption you can help the humane society by making a monetary donation, donating supplies, volunteering, or fostering a dog. The foster care program is vital to saving lives. Taking dogs or puppies into foster care gives them an opportunity to be socialized. Without foster homes, we cannot rescue as many pets. The most important qualification is love and concern for pets. Time and desire to socialize with pets, and a willingness to provide food, water, and medications if necessary are very important.

SOS Pets of Ouachita
SOS Pets of Ouachita seeks to raise tax-deductible private donations to construct a new shelter, to replace the existing 1950’s Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter facility. This facility remains in use today and has evolved into an open-admittance facility with an annual intake of ~6,000 animals per year, serving multiple regional parishes, with minimal surrender fees per type of animal. Their annual fundraiser, Raise the Woof, will take place on October 8, 2022.

Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter

Woofstock 23

Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe had so much fun at Woofstock 22! Our favorite part? You guessed it, so many cute dogs! On April 22, 2023 the event will feature shopping, food trucks, giveaways, a pet pageant, pet-owner look-a-like, costume contests, and an animal advocacy award. The event will be held at Kiroli Park in West Monroe this year and will also feature a Bloody Mary Festival! Mark your calendars and if you own a business, consider a sponsorship.

Dog Days of Summer at Kiroli Park

In honor of National Dog Day, stop by the Raising Cane's Dog Park at Kiroli for free tea and lemonade and a treat for your furry friend! The event will take place on 8/27/22 from 12 pm - 4 pm. 

Pet Merchandise at Aron's Pharmacy, Gifts, and Grill

During a recent visit, we found some fun pet merchandise and I have to say, we were surprised! We had no idea that this little shop was filled with so many affordable gifts that are thoughtful, trendy, and can be purchased from start to finish in under 10 minutes (that includes parking).  It is truly a one-stop shop! For several more pictures that also include cat lover items go to our Facebook Page.

For breakfast and lunch, Aron's has the iconic grill that has served our community for over 72 years!  They are open from 8 am - 3 pm, Monday - Saturday.

Dog Snack Recipes

Every day is Dog Day around here. If that's true for you too, let's spoil our sweet four-legged fur babies with special homemade treats of Peanut Butter Banana Pup Cakes or Peanut Butter Dog Treats!

Peanut Butter Banana Cake (or Pup Cakes)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 creamy peanut butter (confirm your peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.)
• 1/2 to 1 cup ripe banana, mashed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder

Frosting ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix mashed banana and peanut butter until smooth in a large bowl.
3. Add egg and stir.
4. Add flour and baking powder and mix until combined.
5. Pour into greased cupcake pan or use liners. You can also use a greased 6-inch cake pan.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Prepare frosting by mixing peanut butter into the Greek yogurt until smooth. Refrigerate.
8. Once cake is cool, frost with frosting and decorate as you like – use dog treats (like we did) or fresh fruit. Refrigerate until served.

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (confirm your peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/2 mashed banana
• 1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine flour, peanut butter, and applesauce or banana in a large bowl to form a thick crumbly dough. Add water, one tablespoon at a time until you have a large ball of dough.
3. Roll out the dough on a clean, floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to create individual treats.
4. Bake treats on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes (timing will depend on oven and size of treats).
5. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

A Little Something for Cats!

PetSmart Cat Adoption

PetSmart has partnered with local shelters such as the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter. They have cats onsite that are eagerly waiting for a forever home! There is an adoption fee which varies but is typically $70.00. We visited with Smudge today and have no doubt you will fall in love. 

Cat Snack Recipe

Tuna Bites Homemade Cat Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 Can of Mercury-Free Tuna in Oil (Do Not Drain)
• 3/4 Cup Coconut Flour
• 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 Egg

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 330 degrees F.
2. In a food processor, combine the tuna and eggs, and blend well.
3. In a bowl, combine flours and tuna mixture. Mix well.
4. Switch to using your hands and knead the dough. This dough will be soft and only be able to hold together in smaller balls. For this reason, I folded the dough in half and made two separate balls before rolling them out.
5. Sprinkle wheat flour on a flat surface and easily flatten out the dough with a hand then gingerly use a rolling pin to flatten out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Roll the dough in small, short rolling motions instead of longer, harder rolling motions as you would a pie crust.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and cut out the dough with ¾ of an inch to an inch cookie cutter. Place treats on the sheet.
7. Bake for about 15 minutes or until hard.

Note: This dough will want to fall apart more easily due to the coconut flour. However, coconut flour adds a great element to the cat's fur and overall health. If the dough is too dry, add up to ⅓ cup of Water.

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