Pet Therapy & Peanut Butter Treats

Dear  Marie:

I have adopted a five year old Papillon mix named “Mikey.”  He’s only 13 pounds; but I see a lot of potential in him and I plan to socialize and train him and use him as a therapy dog.  I think that there is a therapy dog association in Orange County.  Do you know how I can get in touch with them?  Also, I can’t find a recipe for healthy peanut butter dog treats.  The recipes that I have seen call for lard and bacon grease and awful stuff like that.  Do you know of a good recipe?

Shauna, Brea

Dear Shauna:

Orange County Paws 4 Healing is an organization that provides “pet therapy” for patients in care facilities in this area.  Their website is http://www.paws4healing.info/orange_county_chapter.htm.  PAWS, Orange County SPCA is another great group to look into and they are always looking for volunteers.  Visit their site at http://www.paws4healing.info/orange_county_chapter.htm

The Delta Society’s Pet Partner is more national in scope, but they can still provide a lot of resources to get you pointed in the right direction. They can be found here: http://www.petpartners.org/

It is wonderful that you plan to do this.  Individuals confined to convalescent hospitals and other long-term care facilities greatly enjoy and benefit from visiting pets.  Animals provide a special “therapy” that doctors and drugs can never give.

As far as healthy peanut butter treats...try this one out:

(Preheat over to 400 degrees)

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup soy flour

1 tbs. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup peanut butter (sugar free; smooth or chunky)

3/4 cup milk.

Combine wheat and soy flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter and milk until well combined and smooth.  Fold peanut butter/milk mixture into dry ingredients.  Mix well to form a soft dough.  Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface.  Knead easily.  Roll dough out to 3/8”-1/4”.  Cut with a bone shaped cookie cutter or make small squares with a knife.  Place biscuits 1/2” apart on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake fifteen minutes or until lightly browned.  Store cooled biscuits in refrigerator.  Share with your canine friends, ....mmmmm! (And healthy too!)