On Treats

Doggie boutiques, i.e., pet supply stores, abound these days, and within them lies a vast assortment of dog 'treats'.

Before Bela, I assumed the category of dog treats involved mainly hard bone-shaped biscuits and soft, chewy beef-like strips of....beef?

Well. Let me tell you -- there is so much more to be had.

We use these treats for times when we need her to be heavily distracted, mainly when we dine outside at a place where dogs are allowed to accompany patrons.

In order to be sure we always have something on hand, Mike and I enter these stores nearly whenever we come across them, determined to pick up just an item or two. But then Bela walks around, checking out (licking) so many items that we feel compelled to get her an assortment of things.

Last week, while we were standing at the spice rack-like object featuring various treats, Mike exclaimed,
"Lamb ears, pig hearts...it's like we're witches or something!"

The array of animal parts available for purchase is truly astounding. Duck feet, beef tendons and cow hooves are up for grabs. And one of her faves - the bully stick - I have come to find out...is...bull penis.

That's right; while Mike and I sit down to a meal al fresco, we let our little girl chew on a bull penis at our feet. Hey...it works.