I had been down with the flu this past week, so I was curled up on the coach and we all napped and lounged the entire day...

It's been quite a while since I've made Liver patties for the pups.  I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding feeding raw meat to dogs with cancer.  Bubba has been feed  raw meat most of his life and he loves it.  It wasn't until our son introduced us to this form of feeding many years ago.  After considerable research and much skepticism, I made the decision to give our dogs some raw meat once in a while.  Since Bub is accustom to it I figured I would just continue with it.  We do feed a kibble in addition; however, in the morning when they are fed their meat and veggies, the kibble is decreased.  One of my favorite things to give these dogs are fresh raw bones.  Bubba especially loves chicken backs. 

Below is my Liver patties and the dogs absolutely love them.  I know, not very appetizing looking.  These ones are made with pureed chicken livers, beef livers, ground turkey, 3 raw eggs, kale, and carrots.  Made them into patties and froze two to a bag.  Each pup will get one patty for breakfast with either yogurt or cottage cheese and a little kibble. 

Does anyone else feed raw food to your fur babies?  If so, what and how do you prepare meals?  

This sure has been an exciting day for Bubba.  We woke up to another fresh layer of snow.  After his usual lazing around until noon, like clock work, he perked up and wanted to be outside.  He's been extra clingy this afternoon.  I couldn't figure out just what he wanted.  Every time I would start to get involved with anything, like grading papers, he would hop over to me and throw a toy at me.  If I dismissed him for even one second he would start barking at me until I would stop what I was doing and sit on the floor with him.  Finally after a number of rounds of this behavior, then suddenly it downed on me-I hadn't given him his massage today.  I of course obliged and while massaging I discovered a hard lump at the base of his left ribs.  I will for sure have our vet check him out.  

As for now, Bubba is one of the happiest dogs and that is all that matters right now.  Regardless of the outcome of this lump, it does not change anything.  He's happy and pain free.  Happy dog... Happy life...  He loves his massage sessions.

Took Bubba to the vet to have that lump checked out.  The vet did not feel what I was feeling so we had an X-ray, Ultrasound and labs.  Everything came back clear, no evidence of any cancer anywhere, lungs and organs all look good and his lab values are where everything should be. As for that lump, well it turned out to be the base of his rib and the way he was laying when I massaging him made it more prominent, lol. They really think that the small area that was in his wrist was hopefully isolated and didn't spread.  My vet reminded us that time will tell and just continue to keep him happy.  We still will work on dropping a little more weight so we don't run into other issues like joint and muscle strains.  He's a moose and yes, everyone agrees that dropping a few pounds is a good idea.   I've been encouraged to continue to massage him everyday and keep doing what we are doing because it's working.  Great 1 month Ampuversary present.

He's always had a raw diet and is just a big GSD at 106# who LOVES to eat.  He gets around fine now; however, to ensure he continues to be able to walk/hop it's a good idea for him to drop a little weight.  He is slowly and looks fabulous and pretty hearty.  His coat, teeth, and muscle tone is good.  Becoming leaner will only benefit him in the long run.