Did Somebody Say "Treats?"

An anonymous guest writes..."Dear Blue II, What are some of your favorite treats/foods?"

Ah yes, the infamous "T" word. Say it, and my ears perk up. Say it again and might even cock my head and look at you very intently. Pull out the bag of treats and I'm salivating like I belong to Pavlov.


Unfortunately, my old man scaled back the treat intake, both in quantity and brand. I used to work the system by wandering around the office and giving that irresistible "feed me" face to any sucker that would look my way.

I had people feeding me right and left. Even Butler University President, Bobby Fong, keeps treats for me in his office.

It was all going as planned until my my digestive tract and eating habits caught up with me. In spite of eating all of those treats, I still managed to maintain a steady weight at 60 lbs., but that was because I was so full from treats by the time I got home from work I skipped dinner.

In addition all of those different makes and models of treats gave me flatulence that could choke a horse. I mean, this gas could bring a tear to the eye it was that pundgent. I was already known for clearing out a room from time to time and my treat intake was just compounding the issue. Finally, enough was enough.

It all came to a head this past fall as Susan Smith of City Dogs Grocery (49th & College - Indpls.) came forward and offered to provide me with a food sponsorship. The sponsorship is a partnership between Smith's City Dogs store and Eagle Pack Pet Foods.

Due to allergies, I was already on a special blend of prescription dog food, primarilly made of salmon and potato when I got the call from Susan. As it turns out, Eagle Pack had a blend of food, also fish-based, (those fatty acids help my skin and coat) that would work for me. It's an anchovy, sardine and salmon mix from their Holistic Select line.



So when we began switching foods, my dad limited any foreign substances, including treats, to ensure that the switch went well. Sure enough, the discipline on food intake and limited to no treats solved the gas issue. Thus, it's pretty evident to tell when someone slips me a little contraband.

But, a dog cannot go without treats! That's just cruel and unsual punishment. So we found some treats that compliment my current diet. Also made by Eagle Pack and sold at City Dogs Grocery, the Holistix Menhaden Biscuit is on the approved list.

You ask about other favorite foods...of course, I'm generally not allowed table scraps, people food, or whatever you want to call it, but I still have my favorites. I may have been born at night, but it wasn't last night. I know the good stuff.

I love anything made with milk. Milk, ice cream and cheese are all favorites. I have a nose for those things as well. I am also a huge fan of eggs, plain spaghetti noodles and rice. Other than that, I pretty much like it all except lettuce and pretzels.

Okay, enough about all of this talk of treats and food! I can't take it any more. I don't want to suffer a relapse. Hunger management isn't a dog's strong suit. They say that reason should direct and appetite should obey, but they forgot, I'm a dog...therefore I don't reason.

All in all, I've been coping well with life without treats, or life without A LOT of treats, anyway. The lack of gas, if nothing else, has been good for everybody. I like treats as much as the next dog, but I suppose the refrain has been for the best.

BTW, thanks for the question. I saw where I was asked about a girlfriend...I will tackle that one later in the week. Keep up the comments and the questions and thanks for reading. Until next time...bon appetit!