Category Archives: Dogs

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The American Ninja Terrier Turns 5

Big Idea Little Dog

According to her adoption papers, Stella will be five years old on Saint Valentines Day. In lieu of a birthday cake, she’ll enjoy a fresh homemade, squirrel shaped dog biscuit. Or two.  Certainly no more than three.

This recipe makes 2 dozen treats:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup melted bacon fat
1 large egg
1/2 cup cold water

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix by hand to form dough.  More flour can be added if the dough is too sticky; add more bacon fat or water if the dough is too stiff.

Roll out onto a floured surface, about 1/2-inch thick. A little less if your hairy kids like a crisper biscuit.  Cut into shapes or bars and transfer to a cookie sheet.   I like to perforate them with a toothpick and then bake them  for approximately 20 minutes or until lightly browned.  After baking, turn the oven off, flip the biscuits over, and place them back in the oven to cool to crisp them. Treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Enjoy!

© 2016, Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.

 

 

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American Ninja Terrier: Big Adventures of a Little Dog

Stella will be four years old on Valentines Day, according to the date of birth that is listed on her Circle of Hope K-9 Rescue adoption papers.  Bianca, (her former name) was one of five puppies that were left in a box near the Rescue’s kennels.  At least whomever abandoned the baby dogs had the sense to leave them in a location where they knew they would be cared for.

baby stella

How could I not give this dog a home?

Also noted on Stella’s adoption papers was her breed.  Rat Terrier/Pomeranian mix.   Pomeranian?  Highly unlikely. She is an American Ninja Terrier through and through I thought, as I looked at the photos of the litter that had been sent to me.  Adorable? Absolutely. Garden guard dog potential?  Possible.  Knick knack, paddy-whack, give the dog a home?  Definitely.  And so her journey from Milan, Tennessee to Middlebury, Vermont began.

Stella Transit

Yoda?

I adopted Stella in March, but had to wait until June to receive her. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, first round immunizations, complete health assessments, and transportation fees.  Once given a clean bill of health, the adopted begin their journey to their new home.

Stella transit 2

Stella and her litter mates share a crate for the journey.

1,200 miles later, Stella and her fellow travelers arrive safely to their destination in New Hampshire where they are released to their adoptive families, or foster home volunteers.   It is an amazing network of compassionate people that willingly give of themselves to make these types of programs work.

Stella and T

A shy Stella and her human are united.

I’ll be making Stella a special batch of her favorite dog treats for her birthday next week, and will be making a donation to the Circle of Hope to express our gratitude and support.  The little dog, I think, approves.

Stella

 © 2015 Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.

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Breaking it Down: Backyard Composting and Hip Hop Dogs

Breaking it Down: Backyard Composting and Hip Hop Dogs

UC Davis’ legacy of environmental sustainability is an inspiration to me. In celebration of Earth Day, the University, in collaboration with Sacramento-based CleanWorld, designed and built a 50-ton-per-day anaerobic digester at the University’s old landfill. Bacterial microbes in oxygen-deprived tanks feast on campus and community food and yard waste to help generate renewable electricity. The project is a keen demonstration of what can be achieved when research universities and private industry partner to solve today’s pressing global challenges.

Our 82 gallon black compost bin sits where the fence corners meet. You can see it just above the curve of Stella’s tail.

© 2014 Theresa Funk, all copyrights reserved.

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American Ninja Terrier: Big Adventures of a Little Dog

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When asked what breed of dog Stella is, I often answer that she is an American Ninja Terrier.  The American Kennel Club doesn’t include this rare breed of domesticated wild canine on their list of dog breeds, but I don’t let that stop me from using the name to aptly describe her.

Why do I call her an American Ninja Terrier?  Firstly, she’s American.   Secondly, she’s stealthy like a Ninja and twice as fast.  Thirdly, I like the ease in which American Ninja Terrier rolls off the tongue as opposed to Rat Terrier Basenji mix.

In the latter half of the 19th century, Basenjis were re-discovered in their original habitat – the headwaters of both the Nile and the Congo, in the heart of Africa. There, they are the hunting dogs of native tribes and so highly esteemed that they are regarded as having equal rights with their masters.   Stella has proven her ability to successfully hunt, kill, and consume small rodents with ferocity.   Because of her hunting nature and ability to run at high speeds for long distances, every outing with her requires that we keep her on a leash.

Beach

To date, Stella’s big adventures have spanned nineteen states: Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Nevada, and California.  When she isn’t on an actual adventure, she’s probably dreaming about the next one.

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~T.