It's NEVER just a dog

Well put. Precisely my thoughts as well. I was just never able to put it in words.

via dalesdesigns.net

DOG FRIENDLY CERTIFIED: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

CBTL Eastwood (photo courtesy of my good friend Odyssa)

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf a.k.a CBTL is my #1 go-to place for dates with Irish. Of course, the surrounding area becomes a huge plus when it's pet friendly. But for now, I'd like to talk about this particular cafe.

Ever since I found out that Coffee Bean lets their customers dine and chill with their dogs INSIDE their establishment, I was sold! When it's hot and humid outside, who wouldn't want some air conditioning right? Of course, there is an assumption that your dog is well-behaved. To determine if your dog is able to conduct himself/herself 'properly' in public, your answer must be a resounding NO to each question. Let us begin…

1) Does your dog have a habit of peeing/ pooping anywhere he/she pleases?

2) Does your dog tend to bark at anything/ anyone?

3) Is your dog aggressive and is easily triggered?

I sure hope your dog passed the above evaluation test. And if you did, hooray! Come one, come all to CBTL! :) …. Hmmm… sometimes I wonder if the owners are dog lovers themselves OR merely thought the idea of a dog-friendly establishment would make a great marketing strategy. Well whichever it is, good job for letting me and Irish (and some of her doggie friends) hang out at your place fuss-free. Hope more establishments follow suit.

CBTL Eastwood with former workmates (photo courtesy of good friend CJ)

CBTL Boni High Street with new friends (photo courtesy of our good friend's sister, Terrie)

And because I've come to CBTL countless times, I got to try a lot of what they have to offer. So just so you know, their breakfast meals are pretty good most of the time (i think it depends on which branch you're at). Salads aren't bad. And their teas are superb. Speaking of which, I think I'm gonna grab myself some Matcha Green Tea :)

For location info:

http://www.coffeebean.com.ph/location

Gotta love dogs!

via http://dog-is-just-god-backward.tumblr.com/post/24136806886

Tail Wagging Recipe: Chicken Casserole w/ Veggies

Good day everyone!

From time to time, I cook for my furry child. You know how sometimes dogs get tired of eating the same dry (dog) food again and again.... right? So to remedy this tiny issue, I came up with the 'ingenious' idea to cook for her. I bought the cookbook, 'Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way"and it has become a staple in my kitchen since (to all dog moms out there, get a copy!). Boy isn't Irish lucky to have me? :)

This is the Cluck! Cluck! Casserole recipe. Cute title huh? By the way, I made a few modifications to tailor to Irish's liking. Here's how I did it. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:
1/3 ground chicken
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 medium potatoes
2-3 baby carrots
1 cup homemade chicken stock or canned, low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil the potatoes and carrots until softened (Irish isn't fond of eating veggies so I gotta make 'em soft and thin so it's well incorporated in the dish). Otherwise skip this step.

2. Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a small casserole dish with canola oil.

3. Cook the chicken in the oil in a saute pan over medium heat until lightly browned.

3. Drain the potatoes and carrots.

4. Slice 'em up!

5. Layer the potatoes in the casserole dish, then the potatoes. 

6. Pour the broth over the mixture.

7. Spread the chicken on top of the potatoes and carrots.

8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Voila! It is done. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Mmmmmmmmm... 

And now meet the uber duber cute critic.

She didn't look up from the dish one bit. I guess that's a two paws up!

P.S.  Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


Xo,

Christin

TV AD starring an unbelievably cute canine

This may be not be a true story but I know the essence is. Love your pets truly. Give them the attention they need - that's one of the things they live for. No wonder, it's as if life is sucked out of them when they are neglected (I can attest to this). To all dog owners, love them and care for them because there is no one who will be more loyal to you.

On the other hand, the dog in the video is uh-may-zing! Gawwwwwd! I want to take him home! :-)

xo,

Christin

The So-Called War between Cats and Dogs

Some interesting information about cats and dogs that you may not know :)

 

via http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/

The most interesting thing I learned was #9: Dog nose prints are as unique as human fingerprints. 

Anyone else learned something new?

Xo,

Christin

Grocery Shopping with Irish

I recently found out that Rustan's Supermarket (at least in Katipunan) allows shoppers to actually shop with their dogs. Amazing!

I bring Irish with me a lot of the time. I just hate seeing the expression on her face when i leave her home. Besides being home all day everyday must be boring as hell! i can only imagine :) So in the hope of adding spice into her canine existence, I make it a point to take her out (when I can - as much as I can). 

We've been to a lot of places. But yesterday was grocery shopping day. Naturally, I chose to go to Rustan's in Katipunan. It was going to be Irish' first time to ride through the aisles of a supermarket. I am ecstatic! I'm sure i was more excited for her than she was. :s

So off we went!

Irish must have thought all the raw chicken was for her

Tried to get her to look at the camera - but Irish just wanted to look around

"Stop invading my space", says Irish

"I wish I had my own cart", thought Irish

"All this stuff is suffocating me", Irish complains

Ok Irish, I promise that you will have your own cart next time :)

Love you!
Mommy Christin