Photo by Stephanie Conway Dirk the Doxie hanging out at Crystal Bridges.
Try these easy Pinterest inspired crafts for your furry best friend!
Frozen Dog Treat Recipe
Summer is the perfect time to make this easy treat: Combine 32 oz. plain or vanilla yogurt, 1 large banana, 3 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl. Mix together with blender and pour into ice cube trays. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a tupperware container and store in the freezer. Give them to your pup anytime he needs a refreshing treat.
Doggy Salt Scrub
Pamper your pet and help repel fleas naturally. Ingredients: 2 cups iodized salt, 2 tablespoons Dawn dish soap, 8-10 drops Peppermint essential oil. Combine ingredients together and store in an airtight container. The Dawn dish soap kills fleas and the salt smothers any eggs they may have laid.
All Natural Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Wash and dry 2 or 3 sweet potatoes and then thinly slice them length wise. Slices should be 1/4 – 1/3-inch wide at the most. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 3 hours, turning them over after an hour and a half. You will want them chewy and dry. Your pup will love this healthy snack! Store in the fridge or freezer to avoid mold.
DIY Water Bottle Crunch Dog Toy
This is a quick and cheap way to entertain your dog. Take a plastic bottle and fill with a few bits of kibble. Put the cap back on the bottle. Stuff the bottle into an old sock (needs to be about 4-inches longer that the bottle). Knot the end of the sock and viola!, a crunchy dog toy!
For the kitties…an Indoor Cat Garden
Select a variety of plants from the following cat friendly options: Wheatgrass, Rosemary, Mint, Catnip, Thyme and Lemongrass. These plants are readily available at the local nursery (we personally love Westwood Gardens). Find a large, low pot so its not easily knocked over, and fill with organic garden soil. Take the plants out of their small pots and arrange and transplant them together in the large pot. Finish by adding some nice touches like river rock or garden figurines. Your kitties will love their new garden! For an even cheaper option, you could start with seeds versus plants.
Dog Friendly Events, Fundraisers and More:
FIRST THURSDAY — First Thursday will take place around the Fayetteville Square on Thursday, July 7, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be art, food for purchase, children’s activities and music.
GULLEY PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES — Thursday, July 7, and Thursday, July 21, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Pack a blanket and lawn chairs and come to Gulley Park for the free Summer Concert Series. Danielle Nicole will perform July 7 and Flashback, July 21. Free to the public.
PEANUT BUTTER, PUPPIES & PINTS — Set for Saturday July 9 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Nomads Music Lounge in Fayetteville. There will be a special dog menu of peanut butter smoothies and chicken sno-cones for the pups as well as a full human food menu and craft beer selection. Ten percent of proceeds will go to the Washington County Animal Shelter. Rain or shine so come with your pup and enjoy their covered patio at 1431 S. School, Fayetteville.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER — On Sunday, July 10, bring the whole family (including the dog!) to Dog Days of Summer Family Playday at Sassafras Springs Vineyard. The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m. Admission is free and 10 percent of all food and beverage purchases will be donated to the Humane Society of the Ozarks. There will be live music, door prizes, caricature drawings and adoptable dogs onsite. You can bring your pup to enjoy the 15 acre vineyard and let them splash around in the creek while you sip some wine and soak up a beautiful Arkansas summer.
YAPPY HOUR — B.Y.O.D. Bring your own dog to Yappy Hour benefiting the Animal League of Washington County Thursday, July 21, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the Noodles Patio! $10 admission (free for ALWC members) includes live music, giveaways, appetizers and gourmet dog treats. Cash bar available. Proceeds benefit Animal League of Washington County. Noodles is located at 3748 Mall Ave., Fayetteville.
Hope to see you at one of these great events! Until next month…Keep Fayetteville Furry! xoxo Stephanie & Dirk
