Are you Prepared???

It is Easter Sunday 2010. While many in the USA were enjoying this holy day and the family festivities; many in the So Cal area suddenly became consumed after feeling the shaking and watching the news footage of the devastating 7.2 quake in Mexicali. The quake was felt strongly all through California. This should be a reminder to us all to be prepared in case you have to evacuate, or need to help others in an emergency situation.

Here is a link to the preparedness topics by the USGS PREPARING FOR THE EVENT

While the above link has helpful tips; we suggest you also visit Pet-Pac as being prepared for your pet is just as important!

Pet Nutrition Consulting

We often talk about the importance of nutrition and the importance of working with a animal nutritionist. We have had the pleasure of having Susan Lauten, PHD as a member of our team for several years now. We are so proud to announce that Susan was recently interviewed by Martha Stewart Living Magazine about obesity in pets. The article can be found in the April issue on page 178.

For more information about Animal Nutrition and working with an animal nutritionist; Here is a link to Susan's website.
Pet Nutrition Consulting

Thank you for the many years of service and for making a difference to so many animals!

Easter Egg Hunt Video

EASTER EGG HUNT
Here is a preview of the Easter Egg hunt video from Animalia. We had a fantastic day with over 60 dogs, lots of money and food collected to support OCSPCA. We will post more video as we get a better edit.

2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Come join in the fun at the second annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 27, 2010. 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Animalia in Huntington Beach. Animalia
California K9 Kitchen will be helping with the event and giving away all kinds of goodies.

The event is also a OCSPCA food drive donation. To have your pooch participate in the egg hunt; please bring a minimum 13oz bag or can of food or treats to donate.

Every dog will be a winner!!!!

Hazen's Third Birthday

It is not often that we get to attend one of the birthday parties California K9 Kitchen caters. Hazen's Third Birthday Bash is one we just could not miss!!! Hazen like Guido is a special needs Italian Greyhound. Although they both look totally normal when you see them; it is the additional special care and attention paid to them by their human family members that make them super stars and help them lead almost normal lifes. Eugena and Russell Anthony are the proud humans of the stunning Hazen & Mike. Both are very lucky pups to be in a home where they are well appreciated and cared for. Even when you see him; you would never even know that Hazen is deaf. This is a common berth defect in many pure white Italian Greyhounds. Hazen has been trained to understand commands in American sign language. His brother Mike is trained to retrieve Hazen on verbal commend by his mom & dad or in the event he wanders off too far and can or will not respond to his signed commands. For more infromation about Hazen & Mike and a complete photo montage of Hazen's birthday party; you can visit their website I'm Not A Whippet

Here are a few photo's from Hazen's Party. Thank you Eugena & Russell for such a fabulous day!

Hazen's Mom
"Um Mike. .Come get your brother. . he is not responding to our Sign commands. . ." California K9 Kitchen "We warned you!!! No dog can resist a custom made California K9 Kitchen birthday cake!!!"















The "Serve your self" Treat plate for guests with Granola Pup Cakes and Mini Pizzas!

Please feel free to visit California K9 Kitchen for more information about our products, services on-line ordering and retail store locations.


Some Party Play Time!

ABC News Interview

We have had so much going on here at California K9 Kitchen that we never even posted about the ABC news article written about Guido & I back last October. ABC News Article

Keep Checking in as there will be some HUGE announcements in 2010 about California K9 Kitchen also!!!

Guido's "Big 10" National Mega-Party

Guido's "Big 10" National Mega-Party was held on November 7, 2009. We are pleased to announce that we had well over 50 dogs at the party here in California. As part of the sharing in the celebration of Guido's life, and to raise money for Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation (IGRF) several of our online friends also held "Guido Party" fundraisers in their home towns!

We decided to organize this party format because so many people from our online venues commented on how they wished they could be at the party and celebrate with us. Even if you were not a party host or at at one of the parties; you too can join in on some of the fun! We have compiled the video's and photo slide shows from the other parties across the USA!

Make some popcorn, and get comfy to watch video's!

Of course we also made it easy for you to make a donation to IGRF. If this party concept or any of the video clips move you; please feel free at anytime to click on one of the "Donation" links. Every penny you donate will go directly to help dogs in the rescue system. Each year across the USA approximately 800 dogs are surrendered to IGRF. Each dog can incur as much or even more than $2,000.00 of medical and other expenses. IGRF is a completely volunteer organization.

Please feel free to leave us messages on the blog! I will be sure to pass each birthday greeting directly onto Guido!





Click Here to Donate to Italian Greyhound Rescue
Please mention the "Guido Party" so we can track the total donations collected due to this fund raising effort!

California / Main Party

Our First video montage is an overview of all the events here at the main California party. We are proud to announce that we collected over $500.00 in cash and checks at the party; and we are receiving new email donation pledges daily! This money will go directly to help pay down Romeo's and Valentino's medical bills. Update- California donations are over $600.00 as of 11/15/09
Main Party Video Montage

Our second Video is from the California Party. Romeo is a rescue dog currently at a foster home in Huntington Beach. Romeo was in very bad shape when he came to us. Terri Steuben; the Animal communicator gave Foster Mom Tammy some insight! This is most of the session with Romeo. A little clip is in the montage. Very interesting information!
Terri Steuben Session with Romeo

Starting in 2009, California K9 Kitchen will present a person(s) with the "Guido's Animal Hero of the Year" award. The award is presented to regular people that make a difference in improving the life of animals. Jim & Roxann Bailey are our first year recipient. We want to recognize them for their nearly 30 combined years and dedication to the Italian Greyhound breed and IG Rescue. Together they directly impact and improve the lives of so many, and have certainly made an impact on my & Guido's life.


Thank you for all you do and being our first "Guido's Animal Hero of the Year" award recipients!


Vail Colorado Party:

Wendy Stewart hosted a party in Vail Colorado. Wendy's Yuki is from IGRF rescue, but she also told us about Wiseguys Italian Greyhound Rescue. They accept mix breed Italian Greyhounds. Here is her wonderful party clip! Thank you Wendy!!
Vail Colorado Party


Sugar Land, Texas Party:

Jean Stipelcovich was the party host from Sugar Land Texas. What a great time they had!!
To date; sounds like this party has raised over $50.00!
Sugar Land Texas Party

Cincinnati, Ohio Party:
Maureen Sullivan-Mahoney hosted this party in Ohio. Thank you Maureen and Trevor looks Marvelous. . !!! Maureen reported that her party raised $100.00 for Rescue. Great Job Maureen!!
Cincinnati Ohio Party

Wellington, Florida Party:

Linda Conte was our party host from Wellington Florida. Linda was originally planning a larger gathering, but unfortunately just a few days before the party; a local area shelter announced a Corona Virus outbreak.

Wellington, Florida video 1 Greeting from Linda
Wellington, Florida video 2 Treat Time!!!
Wellington, Florida video 3 Animal communicator reading with Terri via web cam

Lilburn, Georgia Party:
John and Karen Duktig hosted a party in Lilburn Georgia. Looked like lots of fun!!!
Lilburn Georgia Party







Click Here to Donate to Italian Greyhound Rescue
Please mention the "Guido Party" so we can track the total donations collected due to this fund raising effort!

Friends and Vendor Links
There are so many people, companies and friends that helped us put this national celebration and fundraiser together. We would like to say thank you and share their website links with you!

Terri Steuben - Animal Communicator: I learned of Terri when the vet treating Guido at the time threw-up his hands and said "I don't know how to help him anymore. Maybe you should talk to this lady" At our first reading with Terri; one of the first things she told us was the commercial foods he was eating was a big part of his problem. She suggested I start making his food! It is all down hill from there. . !!!
Calm Healer

Nicole Laffen- Groomer From Animalia: The folks at Animalia have always been wonderful friends of myself, Guido, California K9 Kitchen and Italian Greyhound Rescue. Animalia has donated hundreds of dollars in merchandise, gift certificates and most recently donated over 100 pounds of raw food. Romeo was so malnourished; and we have watched him improve right before our eyes because of their generosity! Thank you so much Mary, Lissa and all the ladies of Animalia!!!
Animalia

Tracy Herman- Animal Massage and Reiki Master- Tracy's Touch Canine Massage- Dogma: Guido and I are so blessed and lucky to have wonderful people and friends in our life. The people of Dogma are no exception. Over the years Dogma has donated hundreds of dollars in merchandise, gift certificates and participated in fund raising events with California K9 Kitchen. In additon to the support Dogma and owner Martnel Bonacquisti has given to IGRF; she and her company also support other local shelters and she has many rescue dogs herself. Thank you for the continued support!!!
Dogma

Lisa Trost- The Dog Listener: We met Lisa at an event in Huntington Beach. Lisa has pledged to become a good friend to IGRF by helping and training problem foster dogs we have here in the system!
The Dog Listener of Southern California

Paul's Deli: Provided the people food for the California Party. For nearly 25 years I have been enjoying the great food and sandwhiches at Pauls Deli. The best sub sandwich in town!! I guarantee it!!!
Paul's Deli

Eugena Anthony- Still photography: Eugena and her husband Russell are good friends to IGRF and have Italian Greyhounds Hazen & Mike. Hazen is a special needs dog as he is deaf. . but you would never know it to see him. Their website is loaded with beautiful photo's of Hazen, Mike and many of their dog friends! Thank you so much for taking photo's at the party. You are so talented!
I'm Not A Whippet

Roy Gerber- Founder Paws for Cause: Roy is a professional Chaplin and ordained Minister. We met Roy last year when we participated in the Paws for Cause fund raising event. Roy's organization is also a non profit and he and his therapy dogs provide Chaplain Ministries, provide emotional and spiritual support for those enduring hardship or life crises. Bringing a message of hope and encouragement to those experiencing a personal tragedy; whether due to abuse, addiction, separation, sickness, disaster or even death. Roy opened the party here in California with words of encouragement and a blessing for our pets. Thank you Roy!
Paws for Cause

IG Whispers: One of the online message boards we belong to dedicated to Italian Greyhounds
Ig Whispers

For the Love Of Sight hounds: Another great message board we belong to. We like this site as it is open not only to Italian Greyhounds, but all sight hounds!
For the Love Of Sighthounds


Susan Lauten- Pet Nutrition Consulting: Susan Lauten is Guido's nutritionist. She works in close contact with Guido's treating physicians to insure the food we make is correctly formulated specifically for his needs. Susan can help people select the right commercial food for an animal that may be medically fragile or having digestive or other medical challenges.
Pet Nutrition Consulting

Advanced Critical Care- Internal Medicine: In 2005, Guido almost died because the commercial foods we were giving him was killing him. He developed bleeding stomach ulcerations and was in rapid declining health on top of his other medical conditions. Guido was under treatment at another facility when they could do no more suggested I go see Dr. Chung. Dr. Carrie Chung is Guido's Internal Medicine specialist and she saved his life. Guido would not be alive for it not for her. Dr. Chung remains part of Guido's medical team and is consulted with often by his treating physician.
Advanced Critical Care

Westminster Veterinary Group: Guido's current primary care physician is Dr. Nicole Dielo. Dr. Dielo has been very proactive in Guido's continued care. In addition to treating Guido with traditional medicine; Dr Dielo also practices acupuncture which Guido is also receiving.
Westminster Veterinary Group

HAPPY TAILS!
Romeo and Valentino are just a couple dogs currently in the California rescue program. Their before and after photo's are a good example of the second chance on life the volunteers and IGRF offer to these wonderful animals!

ROMEO
Romeo The day he came to rescue. He was
malnourished with ulcerated eyes.
Romeo also had to have 17 teeth removed
because of dental hygiene neglect.









Romeo after 3 months of good food & care!
We hope Romeo will be completely healed and up for adoption soon!









VALENTINO

Valentino was found roaming the streets of Los Angeles. He came into the rescue program sickly thin and with a broken leg. We did not expect him to survive the night he was released to rescue.















This photo was taken of Valentino at the party in California.
Val is currently up for adoption. His leg is completely healed and as you can see he has put on some weight and is doing great. Valentino is a wonderful companion. His perfect home situation would be in a home with an active senior or somebody that works from home. Val loves being around people!
















Click Here to Donate to Italian Greyhound Rescue
Please mention the "Guido Party" so we can track the total donations collected due to this fund raising effort!

The Party Of The Century!

Guido, the Mascot of California K9 Kitchen will turn 10 years old this November and we are hosting a huge party to celebrate it!

We will be holding a birthday bash at Guido's home on November 7th 2009 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. We will have food & drinks for the humans & dogs as well as plenty of events and attractions for all.

In addition to the party here in Huntington Beach; there will be several other Guido Party Celebrations across the USA. Each out of state party will be hosted by some of Guido's friends. California K9 Kitchen Will be sending the party hosts cake and treat kits so all the party goers will be able to enjoy some California K9 Kitchen Treats.

The best of all; anybody can celebrate with us!!! We will be posting video and photo's of the parties here in California and across the USA for all to enjoy, leave your comments and celebrate with us.

We ask in lieu of any gifts that a donation to the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation be made so that other dogs have the opportunity to live a life they may not have had without your donation. Donate To Italian Greyhound Rescue (the donation button is at the bottom of the IGRF webpage)

Guido says. . LET'S PARTY!!!

Making Guido's Dog Food

Today we made Guido's dog food and made these video's for you all to see the process. One hase music; but it is a little hard to hear all of my comments so we also posted it without the music. ENJOY!!

Making Dog Food with Music

Making Dog Food without Music

Chicken Biscuit For Dogs

Basic Chicken Biscuit For Dogs
Want to buy All Natural Treats already Made? Visit
California K9 Kitchen

You will need: 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour, 1/2 cup Unbleached Flour, 1/2 cup Rice Flour, 1/2 teaspoon Chicken base (no MSG / onion / low sodium), 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil, 1 cup warm water,
1/2 cup low fat powdered milk and
1 whole egg -- beaten

Mix all wet ingredients together added to the beaten egg then add the powdered milk. Mix completely.

Mix the three flours together. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet until it forms a dough. Place the dough ball on a bread board with wheat flour.

Knead 3 - 4 min., adding more whole wheat flour if necessary to make a very stiff dough. Roll dough to 1/4" thickness. Cut with cookie cutter(s). Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 45 min. on lightly greased baking pan or parchment paper lined pan. Allow to cool and dry out until hard. Store in container. You can freeze to extend life.

Cooking for your dog can be very rewarding. The recipes we offer are simple and easy to prepare. We suggest you take every precaution and cleanliness preparing food for your pet as you would for yourself. It is our recommendation that all ingredients you use should be all natural and certified organic. This is an opportunity for you to provide wholesome fresh treats for your pet free of the chemicals and preservatives found in many commercial treats.

Please remember that TREATS ARE TREATS!!! They are not intended to supplement or replace a meal. Your homemade or our All Natural California K9 Kitchen treats and kits are a great way of rewarding your pup for a job well done or to celebrate a special day.

Before you prepare this treat recipe and give it to your dog; we recommend you consult with your veterinarian or animal nutritionist to be sure the ingredients will be tolerated.