HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I found this online and thought I'd share with all of you. I'm trying to get Velvet to sign off on it, but no such luck!!!!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year!!!

New Year's Resolutions for Dogs

1. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
2. I'll remember that the garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
3. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
4. I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
5. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
6. I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.
7. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.
8. I will not throw up in the car.
9. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
10. I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.
11. "Kitty box crunchies" are not food.
12. I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.
13. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
14. I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.
15. I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
16. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
17. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
18. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
19. I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.
20. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom and Dad's laps.
21. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
22. I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration.

SANTA PAWS VISITS BEST FRIENDS WAKEFIELD!!!

Twenty six Doggy Day Campers showed up on Friday, December 18th, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Man in Red. Rumor had it days prior that Santa Paws himself was going to make an appearance at the Best Friends Wakefield's Holiday Party. Anticipation was thick in the air as each guest lined up at the doorway.

Old friends greeted eachother and first timers made friends quickly. All were amazed at the turnout... surely this HAD to be THE event of the Season.

Suddenly, the sound of jingle bells could be heard over the roof outside. Could it be!!??? YES!!! Santa Paws made it!! Each partygoer got a chance to sit on Santa's lap to tell him their Holiday wish. Photos were taken to commemorate the event. Santa handed out gifts - adorable little Christmas stockings filled with treats and a rawhide chew. Even with all the excitement, the line moved along in an orderly fashion.

After pictures, it was time for some Christmas Carols. Momo B. won the award for Best Christmas Carol. Guests dined on chewy treats and frozen delights. Games included the Snowman Toss, won by Oreo M. WOW!!! You should have seen how far that snowman flew! Raider G. took the sleigh pull hands down.

Everyone went home filled with the Holiday Spirit and TIRED. Parents picking up loved the keepsake photos. Now, all are waiting for the official visit with the "goodies" on Thursday night!!

Happy Holidays!!
The Staff at Best Friends Wakefield

HOMEMADE DOGGIE TREATS

I like to bake, but don't often have the opportunity to do so. So, to satisfy this urge, I will bake homemade treats for my dog. It's fun, inexpensive and you know exactly what is in them.

There are SO many books and websites out there these days that finding recipes for dog treats couldn't be easier.

I was looking for something in the spirit of the holiday and found the one listed below on healthyrecipesforpets.com . I used holiday shaped cookie cutters and used food coloring to color some non fat cream cheese as "frosting". I hope your dog likes them as much as mine did!!

**Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits**

NOTE: if you substitute corn meal just subtract about 3/4 cup from flour and add Corn meal

Ingredients:
1 package apple, dried
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 cup ice water
1/2 cup Corn Oil
5 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 tablespoon corn oil

Preparation & Cooking
Put the apples in a food processor so that pieces are small. Combine in a bowl all of the ingredients -- can add oil or water if dough is too dry. Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16" thick (can make thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter -- cut into shapes -- place on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 20 -25 minutes (until golden).

Happy Holidays!!!

Don't forget to call if you need boarding for the holidays... we still have some room but are filling up fast. Use our online reservation system and save $5!!!

Call us at 781-245-1237!!!

HOLIDAYS AND PET SAFETY

As we all prepare for the upcoming holidays, it is important to remember our furry family members during the hustle and bustle of the season. As joyous as this time of year can be, it can also present hazards to our pets. I was reminded of this the other night while putting up my tree. I dropped an ornament and there was Velvet, my 71/2 year old nosey black pug, right there to check out if the little pieces on the floor were edible. I quickly scooped her up and crated her until I was finished cleaning up the mess.

It made me think of the seasonal items we bring into the home - holiday plants like Mistletoe and Pointsettia are toxic to our pets. Tis the Season for yummy treats like chocolate (my favorite!!). This is a big "no no" for pets too. Some of those delectable dishes being made for dinner may smell divine to an inquisitive nose, but can wreak havoc on the digestive system.

It's snowing today. Out comes the ice melt, antifreeze, window washer fluid. More things to worry about. It's important too to make sure our companions are kept indoors in the frigid weather and protected when they are out enjoying the winter wonderland.

The MSPCA website has a wonderful listing of Holiday Pet Safety Items and Cold Weather Tips. Take a moment to check it out so that everyone has a safe and wonderful time.

We hope we'll be seeing you soon. Best Friends is still taking reservations for the Holidays. We're booking quickly, so if you haven't called to make your reservation please do so. Or, use our online reservation system and save $5!!

Wishing everyone a most joyous Holiday Season!!!

Agni
Center Manager

BEST FRIENDS ANGEL TREE PROGRAM

Every year, Best Friends locations across the country collect for local shelters and rescues. This year, the Wakefield Center is collecting for the Northeast Animal Shelter, Great Dog Rescue of New England and PAWS.

Northeast Animal Shelter is requesting food items (all meat baby food, dry and canned food, kitten milk replacement (KMR brand only), toys, gift cards, kennel supplies (trash bags, litter, laundry detergent, blankets), and office supplies.

Great Dog Rescue of New England is asking for toys, puppy sized collars, trash bags, rubber gloves and paper towels.

PAWS deals primarily with spay and neutering and a monetary contribution towards this effort would be greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, all three organizations are asking for Forever Homes for the wonderful pets currently in their care. What more could any one ask for?

Stop by our Wakefield Center with your donation and take a look at our Angel Tree. It's full of photos of all the adorable, loving pets looking for homes this Holiday Season.

We look forward to seeing you and wish you all a safe and happy Holiday.

Agni

Center Manager