The FETCH bone above comes from the KrisKnits blog
This talented person can also be found on Raverly.
Sometime during the last year I made Tuffy a bone from an embossed felt square (you can see more of Tuffy by scrolling down the right side of this page and clicking on his picture). I just drew a bone shape on some paper and used it as the pattern. I cut 2 pieces, back and front, and sewed them together leaving enough room to turn and stuff with a squeaker and some pollyfil. Then after stuffing it I sewed up the stuffing hole. I was surprised that it didn't tear up but it is still in pretty good shape.
I also made several amigurumi toys of various different animals from this pattern book above. Just click on it to find where to get it (it wasn't a freebie). I find they make the perfect size toy for a smallish dog and are usually easy to put a squeaker in. Tuffy has to have squeakers! There a lots and lots of free patterns for amigurumi out there, Just try Binging or Googling for them and also check out what Raverly has. When making any toy for dog or child, always remember to keep them safe and not use things that could become a chocking hazard or that might be toxic.
Oh and if you love to bake try making your little fur-buddy some cookies or baked bones. I use a recipe I found online that has pumpkin in it. Pumpkin is very good for there digestive system. Tuffy loved them also. I like it that I can make them just the right size for him. I divide the dough into 3 portions and freeze it. That way I can bake a couple dozen at a time and they won't get stale.
This is the recipe I use:
Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 350.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.
Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, ask first – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.
* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.
Makes up to 75 small (1″) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits
Please note: This is not professional medical advice. These biscuits are a healthy everyday treat, and useful for a dog with a sensitive stomach, or minor digestion issues. If your dog is showing any signs of serious distress, remove all food and contact your veterinarian immediately.- See more at: http://simmertilldone.com/2009/10/07/retriever-retriever-pumpkin-eater/#sthash.MzWWyVqJ.dpuf
There are so many things that we can do for our wonderful pets and they do so appreciate it. Anytime they get attention it is a gift to them.
