Sugar The Golden Retriever - Dog Blog

Mini-Blog Makeover

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:48:00 +0000

Notice Anything?

My Blogversary (10/10/10) is coming-up soon ...

so decided to do a mini-blog makeover.

Nowadays, Blogger makes it easy to re-design blogs.

However, when we started my blog re-designing was done "old school" ...

I'm lucky that someone smarter than me can do this.

Here are the changes ...

1) Created a new blog Background. It's not a fixed background meaning when you enlarge your screen, the background expands too. When you read my blog and scrolls down, the background moves too.

2) New Header. Mom takes lots of photos of me. She says that changing my blog header is one way to feature her favorite photos of me.

3) A Yellow Golden Paw is created for the Sidebar Gadget Title.

4) The Header MENU has been organized. The Recipe pages have been categorized for easy viewing.

If you have issues viewing my blog in a different browser

other than Safari and Firefox, please let us know.

LOVE to know what you think of my mini-blog makeover.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

OM ... My Grass is Green

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:48:00 +0000

Woof! Woof! Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

Had gorgeous weather. I spent most of my day out in my backyard.

... Zen Moment: Admiring My Grass is Green ...

With the hot and humid Summer weather,

I'm specially amazed how my lawn stayed green.

Golden Thanks to Mark (our gardener). His lawn "aeration" did wonders.

We hardly watered our lawn. Grateful for the afternoon/evening rain.

Life is Good, my Grass is Green.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

10sec Trick n Treat: Dog Treat On My Nose Contest + Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Oats Dog Treat

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:48:00 +0000

If you missed my 9/1 Wordless Wednesday post Click Here.

How did I do it? It was not easy. It requires lots of ...

Practice, Patience and Perseverance.

At first, I don't understand the point of doing it.

Why is it so hard to just get a tasty treat?

I'm a Senior Dog but I'm a Puppy at heart when it comes to a tasty treat. My mom said that I forgot the command "WAIT." She had great intention that Dog Treat On My Nose Trick would help me. I started with a small cookie just above my eye then on my nose.

This trick is meant to be fun so I only practice in short sessions. I also set a time limit of 10seconds (from start to end). I called this the 10sec Trick n Treat. I gained an admiration on this trick. Why not?

I get to have a tasty treat.

If you wish to try this 10sec Trick n Treat, Here's Some Helpful Tips ...

1 Ask your dog to sit and stay.

2 Lay the treat on your dog's nose.

3 Gently and slowly move your hand away.

4 Say the command word "WAIT"

5 Have your dog balance the treat for 3sec

6 Then say "GET IT" (eat your treat)

Practice these steps a few times. In the next session, ask your dog to wait and balance the treat for 5sec. Each session go a couple of seconds longer until your dog can wait and balance the treat for 10sec.

That's it! I'm encouraging everyone to give 10sec Trick n Treat a try.

Send in your photo to sugar@goldenwoofs.com by October 1st.
3 participants will be awarded with

Sugar's Paw House All Natural Dog Treats

I'm lucky in learning this trick because I don't usually get a large treat.
Truly, a treat to learn this trick.

Peanut Butter Banana Oats Dog Treat

Ingredients:

2 cups of Flour

2 cups of Oats

2 Ripe Bananas

1 1/2 cup of Peanut Butter

1 1/3 cup of water

2 tbsp - 1/4 cup of oil

Combine and stir all the ingredients. Adjust liquid as necessary to make stiff dough. Roll on floured cutting board to 3/8" thick. Cut it with a bone shape cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours in 250 degree oven until thoroughly dry.

Enjoy! Have a Golden FUN Weekend.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Woofully Thankful Friday

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:48:00 +0000

It's Friday! Happy Friday Everyone!

Woofully Thankful Friday, a great way to end the last summer weekend.

Pawsome stuffs happened and always grateful for everyone's support.

Winning the June Top U Dog was surely made my Summer 2010 exciting. Many Golden Thanks for everyone who made this possible.

My 9th Barkday celebration was unexpected super sweet and fun
I'm overwhelmed with joy for those who participated and sent me lovely wishes. Abundance of Golden Thanks for an extra special Barkday.

Yesterday, I received my winning present which I've won before my Barkday in Jazzi's Bloggievary Giveaway. Check out my photo ... it's 3D. The 3D photos are enclosed in a heart white frame (like my heart "whitie" that frames my face). I Love it. Golden Thanks to Jazzi's mom.

I would like to extend many thanks to everyone who participated and commented on my recent book giveaway, A Dog Named Slugger
(you can purchase it through Amazon). You made us joyful in your interest and Leigh Brill is very thankful. If you missed her message to me click here. I received another message from Leigh that I've inspired her to blog about her current service dog name Kendie. I'm inviting everyone to visit Kendie's blog. Introduce yourself and it will be a delight to Leigh also if you become a follower. Click Here to check out Kendie's blog.

Golden Thanks for your well wishes in regards to my right lump.

I'm thinking positive and just living life in the moment.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Vet Visit

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Yesterday, my afternoon nap was abruptly interrupted.
It's hot and I have no intention to leave the cool laundry floors and especially going for a car ride. It took my mom 15 minutes and some delish yummy treats to convince me to go with her. We were late ...
here I am sitting n waiting to be called.

I had to do some lab tests so it was supposed to be a quick visit.

However, the technician felt my right side lump from last year.

She measured it. It grew about 25%.

She had a long talk and discussion with my mom ...

I'm scheduled to see my regular Vet Dr. on October.

That's the time I'll have my lump tested.

For the meantime ... just being me and enjoying life as

Sugar The Golden Retriever.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Wordless Wednesday

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Dog Treat On My Nose : Wordless Wednesday Photo

inspired by KT Goldens

Based on 8/18/10 Wordless Wednesday post,
Click Here to check it out!

How I did it and Recipe will be posted on Saturday.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

My Friend JACK

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:48:00 +0000

My Friend JACK

If you participated in Bandana Day last June,

you've have seen Jack's photo.

He's a 10 1/2 year old good looking Flat-Coated Retriever.

We meet Jack in doggie class.

Jack does not have a blog.

We keep in touch via email and through my blog.

We share the love of sleeping with our human family's shoes.

Jack's sister is Luna, a pretty Flat-Coated Retriever.

Here they are ... sleeping back to back.

Jack LOVES Halloween.

I always look forward receiving Jack's Halloween greetings.

We are very sadden to hear from Jack's family that
Jack passed away last Friday.

Sending Jack's family my Golden Thoughts.

"Death ends a life, not a relationship."

Lots of Golden Woofs,

A Dog Named Slugger Book Giveaway Winner n Surprised Message From The Author Leigh Brill

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:08:00 +0000

The WINNER of "A Dog Named Slugger" book giveaway is ...
#37 The Booker Man

Lots of Golden Congrats!

Since the book was provided to us by the publisher(Bell Bridge Books), we were very surprised to received an email from the author, Leigh Brill. Here's a snippet of her message ...

"How lovely to find your blog and read the great review you shared of A Dog Named Slugger (my publisher forwarded it) Thank You!! The images of Sugar warm my heart.She is a beauty for sure. I am certain Slugger is wagging to know that you have helped us share his story and I'll bet he loves the sweet pictures of her holding his book. I notice that Sugar's eyes seem to sparkle with a light similar to that I so loved in Slugger's."

Lots of Golden Thanks Leigh. You surely made our day with your email.

Click Here to read more about Leigh Brill.
Below is a video where you get to see Leigh Brill with her current dog, sweet Kendie girl.

A Dog Named Slugger from John Carlin on Vimeo.

Golden Thanks to all the book giveaway participants.
If you wish to read A Dog Named Slugger
book, you can purchase it through Amazon.

A portion of the sales of "A Dog Named Slugger" book goes to

Saint Francis Service Dogs, a non-profit organization in Virginia.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Book Review n Giveaway: A Dog Named Slugger

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Reading an inspiring book is a great way to end your Summer 2010.
The publisher of “A Dog Named Slugger” sent us a copy of the book.
It’s very uplifting true story. Finest example of the difference a service dog can provide to a disabled person.

The book is written by Leigh Brill.

Since childhood, Leigh suffers from cerebral palsy.
She longed to play with other kids but her disabilities shattered her wish. Leigh also discovered how other kids can be so cruel to those who are “different.” While she was in college, she learned and contacted an organization that provided mobility assistance dogs to people who needed assistance with the very simple tasks of day-to-day living.

Leigh was paired with Slugger, a yellow Lab Retriever.

They had a joyful partnership full of love and true friendship.

Slugger ultimately transformed and changed Leigh’s life.

A great book for dog lovers and for those who were touched by a service dog. It shows how vital a service dog plays in the lives of a disabled person. A service dog genuinely provides a whole new world of opportunities and offers lots of possibilities.

3 Rules

If you wish to partake on "A Dog Named Slugger" book giveaway

1) You must be a follower of my blog

2) Add your blog to the LINK below

3) State in your Comment (Golden Woofs) you want to be part of "A Dog Named Slugger" Book Giveaway

If you do not wish to participate ...
leave a comment, always happy to hear from you

Winners will be drawn on Sunday, 8/29 at 8:00pm (CST) through inlinkz

(so make sure you add your blog to the link below)

Lots of Golden Woofs

Tasty Thursday: Blueberries n Banana Frosty Paws

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:48:00 +0000

It's been gorgeous for the past days ...

a sign that Summer weather will be over soon.

Lots of afternoon sunshine with cooler weather in the morning and evening. It's so refreshing to take long walks

We had some extra blueberries to make Frosty Paws.

Blueberries n Banana Frosty Paws

Ingredients

1 cup of Blueberries, 1 Banana,
1 6oz Plain Yougurt

Mix all the ingredients in a blender.

Pour into an ice cube tray or mold.

Freeze it for about 2 hours.

Lots of Golden Thanks to Sierra Rose
for the PAW mold. LOVE it!

Delish! YUMMY!

It's suppose to be HOT this weekend ... so I have to save some.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Another TV Moment

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:48:00 +0000

My photo was submitted to NBC 5 Chicago Dogs Days of Summer.

It was featured on the 5 o'clock news yesterday.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

It's Monday

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:48:00 +0000

What's your plan for the day?

MINE is to take a long nap.

Happy Monday!

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Happy Weekend

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Tasty Thursday: Blueberries Nut n Honey Dog Treats

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:48:00 +0000

I took everyone's suggestion to take another nap.

This time I took a nap at the forbidden comfy couch.

It was a short nap cause I smelled something YUMMY.

Woof! Woof! For ME!!!

YES! Tasty Yummy Treats

BLUEBERRIES - main ingredient for this treat. Blueberries are safe and make a healthy treat for dogs. Blueberries are a good natural source of vitamin C and fiber. Most natural and holistic dog foods/treats contain dried blueberries.

Blueberries Nut n Honey Dog Treats

~2-2 1/2 cups of Flour

1/2 cup of Oats

A bowl or ~1 cup of Blueberries

1/3 cup of Peanut Butter

2 Tbsp Honey

2 Tbsp - 1/4 Oil

1 1/3 cup of Water

Combine dry ingredients. Stir in blueberries, peanut butter, honey, oil and water. Adjust flour and liquid as necessary to make stiff dough. Roll on floured cutting board to ~3/8" thick. Cut it with bone shaped cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. (Mom uses SilPat - its the best non-stick baking liner.) Bake for 3-3/12 hours in 250-degrees oven until thoroughly dry.

My mom has been making treats for me that are wheat-free and egg-free.

You make substitute the flour with whole-wheat.

Also, mom is very careful using eggs on my treats due to salmonella.

You may add an egg on this recipe if you wish.

Another alternative is to use powdered whole dried egg.

Woof! Woof! More Treats Please ...

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Wordless Wenesday (Somewhat)

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Woof! Woof!

WHAT?

I slept for a long time ... on the comfy couch.

What did I miss?

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Blazing HOT!

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:48:00 +0000

It’s been HOT HOT HOT !!!
Last minute weekend decision ...

for me to stay home and no show participation.
Anyhow, mom had a good time at the show.
Our Bandanas did well and the Star Blazing Fire prints were sold-out.

“What dreadful hot weather we have!

It keeps me in a continual state of elegance.”
(A Golden Sugar twist/version of Jane Austin quote)

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Many of you have complimented and inquired about my Bandanas.
Lots of Golden Thanks.
If you wish to get one, send us an email.
Special Golden discount will be provided for my bloggie friends.

OUCH! Mosquito

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0000

With the record HEAT and torrential Rain ... lots of Mosquitoes.

On my Barkday while taking a photograph a mosquito landed just above my eye. Can you see it? (Photo Below)

I felt it caused I immediately shook my head and did several twirls.

Just a reminder to everyone ... Dogs, cats, and even horses are all at risk of disease infestation through mosquito bites.

I found out being an indoor dog, I am about 45% less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. But still I am very conscious of the Heartworms and West Nile Virus, two main threats to dogs via mosquito bites.

Remember to take precautions when you spend outdoors with your dogs. Here are some helpful tips ...

Be aware/avoid tall grassy and pond/lake areas where ticks and mosquitoes gather.
After being outdoors, check your dog for mosquito bites, flea dirt and ticks.
Excessive scratching/licking can be a sign that a bite or infestation has occurred.
Avoid walking at dawn and dusk. It is when mosquitoes are most active.
Be proactive by regularly clean your home and pet's bed.
Always consult your veterinarian for any concerns and questions.

A good reason for me to stay indoors and sleep.

Be safe everyone.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Lots of Golden Thanks

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:48:00 +0000

I am Overwhelmed and Overjoyed with all of your Birthday Wishes.

I would like to convey my Heartiest Golden Thanks.

Pawsome Pawty Celebrations. LOVE it!

I had a record number of Golden Woofs (114 Comments)

on My 9th Barkday post, Woof! Woof!

I'll be spending the next few days visiting old/new blog friends.

Truly delighted to have such wonderful blog friends!

Lots of Golden Woofs,

TODAY: My 9th Birthday

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Woof! Woof!

I'm 9 years old today. (~61 years old in human years)

I started celebrating my 9th Barkday 3 days ago.

Lots of delish treats, pampering and loving.

My special meal for the day will be

Chicken n Rice Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

Cooked Ground Chicken

Carrots (shredded)

Spinach (finely chopped)

Sweet Potato (mashed)

Rice (cooked) and Chick Peas (chopped) optional

Combine all ingredients (except for Sweet Potato). Form a patty (like a hamburger). The rice n chick peas are use as binding ingredients. You many use eggs as a substitute. Baked the patties for about ~15-20 minutes at 300 degrees. Combine two patties with sweet potato in the middle.

Mom only made two petite patties for me. The rest of the ingredients were made for human consumption. I do recommend that you include some of your dog's regular dog food to this recipe especially if your dog does not regularly eat this kind of meal.

Birthday Song♫

Typically I sing along with my family ...
this time I sang along with the chipmunks.

Birthday Greetings: Special Golden Thanks

to my friends Frankie and Jack n Luna

I'm ready and excited to pawty ... below is the link tool.

If you did a post on your blog about my 9th Barkday
add you blog on the link tool.

Since I'm hosting this event the main linky tool is only posted on my blog.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Tasty Weekend

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:14:00 +0000

Smells DELICIOUS in the kitchen.

Woof! Woof! Yummy Treats.

Indeed! mom made doggie treats.

She made a lot and different kinds.

One of the treats she made was a

Cheesy Bone Treats

4 cups of flour

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp-1/4 cup of oil

1 1/3 cups of water

Combine flour and cheese. Stir in oil and water. Adjust liquid as necessary to make stiff dough. Roll on floured cutting board to 3/8" thick. Cut with bone shaped cutter. Placed on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 2 1/2 - 3 hours in 250 degrees oven until thoroughly dry.

Optional Ingredient: 1 egg or use whole dried egg (powder)

Mom added extra cheese ... PAWSOMELY DELISH!!!

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Reminder to Everyone who plans to PAWTY on my Barkday, on Tuesday 8/10.

I'll be posting "My 9th Barkday" at 12 am CST with a Linky Tool at the end of the post.

I'll be using "inLinkz" Linky Tool. You will be asked for your: 1) url 2) name 3) email.

You might be asked what photo you wish to display on the link.

FYI: This linky tool is diffrent from what we use on Saturday Blog Hop Day.

Smells Like Goat's MIlk

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:14:00 +0000

MAAA, MAAA, MAAA

I had lots of playtime out in the backyard yesterday.

I also got a Doggie Wash with Goat's Milk Natural Shampoo.

I do Smell Good ... MAAA, MAAA, MAAA ...

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Say WHAT? Want to Pawty on My Barkday

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:48:00 +0000

Did you say that you want to Pawty with me on my Barkday.

I say YES. That will be so much FUN.

So here's the plan for the Pawty an idea from my friend Ann and her dog Duke who recently celebrated his 3rd birthday. Golden Thanks Ann and Duke.

1. If you wish to celebrate and pawty on my Barkday, simply do a blog post on Tuesday, August 10th (my Barkday). About WHAT? Well, on how you would Pawty on my Barkday ... adventures will be doing and of course the delish treats will be eating.

2. On my post on August 10th "My 9th Barkday,"

I'll create a "LINKY Tool" where you can add your blog post.

3. Feel free to use any photos in my blog to use in your post.

Delighted to have such wonderful bloggie friends.

I hope most of you can make this special occassion.

For sure it will be lots of Golden FUN.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

CountDown To My BarkDay

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:40:00 +0000

It Starts Today ... CountDown to my BarkDay

A week from today is my 9th Barkday.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

It's Monday

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:50:00 +0000

What Shall I Do Today?

It's the 1st of 5 Mondays this August 2010.
It's going to be a sunny, hot n humid day.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

LOVE My Rubber KONG Toy

sugar@goldenwoofs.com (Sugar the Golden Retriever) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:40:00 +0000

Most of you are familiar with KONG Toys.

The Rubber Classic Red KONG is my favorite chew toy.

It's "The World's Best Toy."

Why Rubber KONG Toy is so great?

Number 1 Reason: You can stuff it with Yummy Delish Treats.

My favorite are peanut butter and cheese.

I look forward having treats in my Rubber KONG twice a day.

There are times it may take me a while getting the treat out but it provides me a great satisfaction and look forward for the next one.

I always get compliments on my teeth ...

Number 2 Reason: Rubber KONG toy does wonders to my teeth.

My regular use of Rubber KONG Chew Toy helps my oral dental health. Periods of time playing and chewing with my KONG, the Rubber Toy naturally works its way into cracks and crevices between my teeth, successfully cleaning and removing plaque and food particles.

How great is that!!!

Golden Thanks to Joe Markham and his German Shepherd Fritz

for inventing the KONG Chew Toys.

Lots of Golden Woofs,