National Gardening Association
"When You Garden, You Grow"
'Tis the Season to Watch the Pets
It's easy to get wrapped up in the holiday spirit while forgetting about our four-legged friends. Many plants, decorations, and candy can be deadly to household pets. Protect your pets from the following so they, too, can be merry and bright.
- Poinsettia sap is an irritant and can cause stomach distress; holly and mistletoe can cause serious illness if large quantities of berries are consumed.
- Pine needles can puncture holes in a pet's intestines if ingested.
- Holiday tree water may contain pesticides and fertilizers, and can be poisonous. Stagnant tree water can also harbor bacteria.
- Tinsel, ribbons, glass ornaments, ornament hooks, and Styrofoam packing materials can cause internal injuries.
- Snow flock or snow sprays can cause reactions when inhaled.
- Electrical cords and strings of lights can electrocute if chewed on.
- Lit candles, portable heaters, and fireplace screens can cause burns.
- Alcoholic beverages, chocolate, and other table foods can cause reactions from vomiting and diarrhea, to serious pancreatitis and allergic reactions.
K-9 Candy — Holiday Cookies for the Dogs!
Makes 20-24 treats
| 2 | cups whole-wheat flour |
| 3/4 | cup old-fashioned oats |
| ½ | teaspoon ginger |
| ½ | teaspoon nutmeg |
| ½ | teaspoon garlic powder |
| 2 | large eggs |
| ½ | cup molasses |
| 1/3 | cup vegetable oil |
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Add eggs, molasses, and oil. Mix well. Mixture will be crumbly. Transfer dough to wax paper and knead until smooth. Roll out to ¼ inch thick. Cut with novelty cookie cutters: gingerbread man, bone, cat, mailman, candy cane, etc. Place on oil-sprayed cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
