Quiet Time with Jello!

So, last night, I decided to make myself some raspberry Jello (with pineapple, of course) and thought that it might be fun to fill some Kongs for the dogs.

Tip#1: Make sure that the small hole is plugged very well. Peanut butter will just not do for this! A soft treat (or two) jammed into the hole works perfectly. A secondary containment of plastic wrap is beneficial, too, just in case the treat pops out).

So, once I got the mess cleaned up from my first Kong-Jello fiasco, I plugged the hole with 2 soft treats. Then, I filled the Kong with the Jello and set it in a bowl and got ready to do the second one.

Tip#2: Make sure that you have a mug or glass handy to prop up the Kong in or the jello will get all over the place when the Kong rolls in the bowl.

Then, after cleaning up the second mess, I propped the re-filled Kong in a coffee mug and set it in the fridge. Since I have 4 dogs, I managed to repeat the whole process (sans messes) 3 times. My Kong-Jello skills by the fourth Kong were much improved!

After my Goat Stew lunch, I decided to take a nap. The dogs each got a raspberry Jello & kibble stuffed Kong. They LOVED them! And, I loved the quiet - disturbed every now and then by a weird slurping Jello noise.

Quiet Time 1

By the end of the day, I am pooped and ready to relax. Everyone has been fed and exercised. Sometimes, I have done all the chores on my list. And, I like to relax by reading or watching a movie.

Now, those of you with shelties know that this can be difficult sometimes - like when a car horn is honked on screen! For the next few minutes, you either have to pause the movie or hope that no important dialogue was said. Sometimes, if you are just reading or meditating, the sudden barking can be quite startling.

So, I keep a whole bunch of food stuffed toys in my freezer for just such an occasion. With 4 dogs of my own and a foster, I have to be creative in order to keep their attention on the toy. Here are the ones I use:

• Kong
• Squirrel Dude
• Bouncy Bone
• Fire Hydrants

I also have a supply of doggie wishbones, bully sticks, sun dried pressed rawhide and deer antlers for them to chew on. But, when I want some really quiet time, they get frozen stuffed toys.

Here is one of their favorite recipes: Mix yogurt and kibble. Stuff into Kong and top with a biscuit. Place in freezer for at least 1 hour. Enjoy (they enjoy the toy: you enjoy the quiet).

Maggie is my fastest eater and chewer. This recipe lasts about 15-20 minutes for her. Since she is the quietest of the dogs, that isn't a problem. For Robbie and Ella, the slowest eaters and chewers, this lasts much longer - about 30 minutes.

Ah! 30 minutes of peace and quiet!