One of Jeremy’s very favorite organizations is the Humane Society of the United States, so we’re happily celebrating its anniversary today. The Huron Valley chapter is where we found our beloved Fuzzybutt more than a year ago; and we used to volunteer there, cuddling cats and kittens, when Jeremy was much younger. But frankly, I’m just too much of a patsy to go there on a regular basis … I want to take everyone home with me, and it breaks my heart when I have to walk away and leave without a new “child.” (Jeremy is convinced that I will one day be a “crazy cat lady,” collecting little furballs … and I have nothing to offer to refute this theory.)

So I cannot begin to express my admiration and gratitude to the staff and the volunteers who work with the homeless critters, selflessly offering the animals enormous quantities of love and care and attention. How wonderful that our local Humane Society now has a brand-spankin’ new shelter to house all their special guests! It is beautiful, and is always in need of financial contributions, volunteers, and items for its Wish List. You can do your holiday shopping at the shelter’s store, buy greeting cards, or even sponsor animals, too. (Remember, there are 12 days of Christmas, 8 days of Chanukkah, and 7 days of Kwanzaa!) And soon you’ll even be able to have your pet’s photo taken with Santa. If you can’t adopt a new family member, there are still many, many ways to share your love with a furry friend!

In honor of the Humane Society’s anniversary, I thought I would bake a treat for Fuzzybutt.

Of course, anyone who’s ever seen Fuzzybutt knows that this pooch is not hurting for insulation -- she’s gained 8 pounds since she’s been with us! (Don’t worry - the vet says she’s healthy and happy. She just refuses to eat kibbles, and expects Spam and bologna and her own share of Jeremy’s and my meals instead.) So I looked through some recipes and put together one of my own with bits and pieces from others I found. This dough mixes up very quickly, rolls out beautifully, and bakes cookies that are a bit crisp but not brittle. Fuzzybutt sniffed the first one, licked it, and then devoured it; as you can see from this picture, she then lunged at the second one she was offered -- clearly, these treats were much appreciated!

So go perform a mitzvah ("commandment," though interpreted in daily life as "good deed”) and support the Humane Society in honor of its special day. And bake up a batch of cookies for your favorite dogs, to show them how much they are loved as cherished members of your family ….

Peanut Butter Doggie Treats

1/4 cup smooth peanut butter 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup water 3/4 cup flour 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet

Whisk together the peanut butter, broth and water in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the flour and whole wheat flour until the dough forms a ball. Knead the dough on a lightly floured countertop just until it’s not sticky. Roll 1/4” thick, and use a 3” bone-shaped cookie cutter to make 12 cookies. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes; flip the cookies over and bake for 5 more minutes. Let cool, then serve to furry friends.

Mary Bilyeu has won or placed in more than 60 cooking contests and writes about her adventures as she tries to win prizes, feeds hungry teenagers and other loved ones, and generally just has fun in the kitchen. The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured next to the blog's title) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15, and is a wish for all her readers as they cook along with her ... may you always be happy here!

You can contact Mary at yentamary@gmail.com.