I had fun with lunch yesterday:
A Banana-Split Sandwich!
With fresh strawberries and homemade Chocolate Banana Butter.
The chocolate took the sandwich over the top and reminded me of eating frosting. A frosting sandwich for lunch…? I know it sounds strange, and I won’t go as far as to say it tasted exactly like a banana-split sundae, but this sandwich was pretty darn awesome!
After lunch, I took Henry and Batman to the dog park for some exercise. It was Batman’s first time, and he won’t be going back. 😕 He growled and snapped at all the other dogs, and I finally left Henry under the care of a friend while I walked Batman around the outside of the park, alone.
Henry didn’t seem to mind. He even found a look-alike friend:
And he ran around and around in circles with this Chihuahua:
Henry is the sweetest dog alive. He really is. I’m forever grateful I happened to be in Petsmart on the day he was up for adoption.
Link of the Day:
……….German-Chocolate Fudge Bites
Tomorrow is National German Chocolate Cake Day. I never seem to know about these national days until they’re over, so this time I thought I’d be early :).
Question of the Day:
If you have pets, do they get along with other animals?
Batman adores Henry, so I was shocked (and really embarrassed) when he started snapping at the other dogs. I’m sure it was out of fear, but does anyone know how to teach him to be nice?
Linsey says
I think dogs, like people have many different personalities. Some people don’t like other people…haha..or they only like some people. I have two neurotic cats, and cats pose a whole different bag of problems when they are around other cats or dogs such as territorial spraying and generally bad behavior. Whole Foods has a product called “Rescue Remedy” for pets. You can probably find it online too. They have one for humans too…and for kids…but I bought the one specifically for pets. It’s an herbal relaxer in liquid form and I put a few drops on my cats’ food. It totally mellows them out when they are stressed. We just moved so we’ve been dealing with a lot of cat stress and the Rescue Remedy totally worked. Maybe look into getting some and give Batman a treat with a few drops before the next time you go to the park. It might help him relax a little, so he’s not quite so stressed about the other dogs.
Jen E says
We have 2 bunnies and 12 pet rats. I adore them. My one rabbit thinks he’s a rat he’s been around rats all his life and tries to climb his cage just like the rats lol. I used to have one rat that would throw out food for one of my rabbits I used to have. She was doing it for a while and we caught her in the act lol.I had some rats in the past that adored my rabbits though, but most boys like to try and yank on their fur so I keep them away lol. Sorry I can’t help with the dog issue they are adorable though. I had one dog a pekapoo and he was a terror.
Chelsea says
I agree with msdramateacherlady about trying to bring Batman to the dog park at times when it’s not terribly busy. That just makes it less overwhelming for him and easier for you to keep an eye on what’s happening. Keeping him on leash at first might be good as well. Depending on your dog-parenting style you could give him small corrections for unwanted behavior. Another idea is to bring his favorite treats with you, but as others have suggested, don’t actually go into the dog park. Start further away, giving him treats as he behaves well in the vicinity of the other dogs. Gradually get closer and closer to the fence where the other dogs are, treat him when he shows polite behavior, and back him away from the fence when he does something you don’t like.
A basic training class is also a great idea. They not only help to socialize dogs, but teach them to pay attention to you when there are distractions, and they’re a great bonding experience!
Good luck!
Kelly Klepfer says
If you haven’t seen The Dog Whisperer you’ve got to watch a few episodes. He’s really good with helping understand how dogs see the world. They need their humans to be the pack leader and he trains the humans to do just that. I’ll bet you’ll pick up tips that can help Batman be better at the dog park.
Casey N. says
Hi Katie.
I had the same problem with my shephard mix Dieter. We would go hiking and he was very aggressive towards other dogs and adults. After about a year of hiking and me constantly correcting his bad behavior, he started to gradually see these “strangers” as not a threat. Now we can go anywhere. He will never be that friendly dog who will wag his tail, however, he does not growl or show teeth either! Please keep correcting his behavior and always be consistent. He will get better. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
Nina says
Hi Katie,
I love your recipes, yum! I gradually socialized my dog, Missy, until she was comfortable with most dogs. She still prefers dogs smaller than she is but she’s generally good with others now. (they are animals and there will be some others they don’t like). I brought her to the park near our house where most of the dogs are pretty mellow. She may not play with most of them but she doesn’t snarl or hide anymore.
Laura says
Our small dog LOVES all animals. Sometimes a bit too much.(if she gets a baby bird she will shake it in her mouth then drop it and paw at it as if wondering why it’s not playing with her). Our medium sized dog loves all small animals, but is scared of the ones her size or bigger. Our only problem is that our little one bites strangers. So, no visitors unless she is in the kennel.
Stacy says
Just picked up strawberries from the farm stand this AM. Will be serving this for “Last Day of School Breakfast” tomorrow!!
Katrina says
This looks so yummy! Making some tomorrow!
My dog is a husky/chow mix and she does NOT like other dogs at all 🙁 never has!
Michelle B says
Ok… So I really don’t think you should have ever posted this recipe. I have been making the exact sandwich you have pictured almost everyday for lunch since you posted it. I am totally addicted!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
lol! 🙂