And yes this is Christmas...

'Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the house,
two creatures were stirring, neither of which was a mouse
The stockings were hung over the tv with care
In hope that St. Nickolas would tip toe out if I dare

With us in our jammies and slippers too,
We wish you warmth and comfort from our little zoo.
***************************

Today we Rejoice as we count our many blessings of Christmas Day. We count our blessings daily and we hope you do to. From small gestures of smiles, greeting's and treats, warmth, full tummy's, warm beds, wishing the same for all. But our prayers hold those animals not as fortunate with hope someone shows them signs of love.

If you think you'll venture out on this blustry day, you'll need to carefully turn around at the edge of town and return to the warmth and comfort of your homes. There'll be another day of celebration, stay safe.

Beloved friends...

It seems we cannot love our dogs more and yet when they are ill, we find ways to comfort them further. Our treats soothe sick tummy's helping "Mom's" heart's hurt less.

When we hurt or are sick, our dogs stay close and often offer their favorite toy for comfort. If we are sad, they place their head on laps, snuggle or lay close. You may have witnessed dogs as mothers to their own. Very caring and nurturing, why would their human be any less.

We often hear from Mother's telling us their beloved dogs need treats because it is the only thing they will eat. That comforts us and keep's our hearts warm. Our treats are handmade, each handcut and even though very good ingredients, we also add Love. Granted not all dogs will like our treats, it's a given, but for those that do we are here for you.

Our 2009 season is wrapped up for fairs and mall visits, but we always have treats on hand and will gladly deliver or ship to your doors. Just call, leave a message, we'll call you back. If you email us (Babsncc@gmail.com) your orders, we'll be in touch by email. It is as simple as that.

Wishing you warmth on the chilly days, hugs to yours from ours.

Bab's

Down right cold...

Today we braved the chilly temperatures as we were packing the vehicle with boxes of treats, table and chairs. Hauling from one place to the next and back again.

Children, teens and even Dad's stop by, taste, visit and think we are onto something good, they are right! Today was very slow if it weren't for a friend who we sat next to in the line up of vendors, I'm sure we would've packed up and gone home.

We will return to the Pierre Mall Sunday, December 20th starting at 11am. If the traffic is slow, we will pack up and go home. It'll be our last of 2009 as we have Christmas baking to continue.

'Til next time.

Safe travels,

Bab's Bites 'n Bones

First snowfall...

With the gusty winds we are unable to tell how much snow we receive but it seems we received quite a bit as we shoveled off the deck. The dogs enjoy the snow, with the nasty wind they are willing to go out and quickly come back inside.

Earlier this week as I threw Carlee's duck the wind carried it to the fence line, as she ran through the snow she simply disappeared. Having two white dogs in blustry snow, they both disappear. It was actually a drift that swallowed her, she quickly recovered, grabbed the duck and rushed for the door. Completely caught her off guard but the next time out she investigated and has been keeping her distance.

Buster saunters in the snow, investigates the yellow areas and repeats it. He makes us smile. We keep an eye on them before they begin to limp with rocks stuck to their pads or from the elements. Keep an eye on your friends, they trust us to know when it's time to come back inside.

Stay warm, keep your friends warm, love your dogs more.

Stocking stuffers...

Granddogs were a hot item today and they'll find treats in their stockings at Christmas. I love grandma's that spoil their granddogs! New faces at the mall today, new purchasers and a few comments such as "are you serious?!" Until I pop a treat in my mouth reactions range from grimace's to trying it themselves. "If she can do it, so can I!" A good positive attitude.

Just a note, you won't grow a tail or scratch behind your ears with your back leg. Your bark we'll leave up to you.

The chilly outside air brought many onlookers, more inquisitive. By days end we met several of our goals. One was to challenge people to try new things and think about their choices. Another was leaving with extra change in our pockets to make more bones.

Other than our usual bones, we have Christmas Crackers, $1 bags of Reindeer Poop, BIG bone ornaments for the Christmas tree and "Yes, it's still Fall!" shapes. All our treats are great stocking stuffers. Your dogs will love you more!

All members of our family's deserve a little something extra, we do special all year round because our dogs are so welcoming when we come home. We eat healthy, we should want the best for our animals too.

Stay warm, love your animals.

Pierre Mall, Sunday's in December 2009

For your shopping convenience

Bab's Bites 'n Bones will be at the Pierre Mall

Starting Sunday, December 6th, 2009

We'll be there from 11am - 4pm!


Located in the JCPenney's area.

See you there!

Holidaze...

The start of the holidays has begun, blessings to you and yours on this still Thanksgiving morning, scattered stars in the sky, frost on the pumpkins and not a lick of wind. We are blessed.

We don't participate in the shopping rushes of the early mornings, it would leave us in a daze. Zonta Holiday Fair went very well and depleted our inventory, we'll be baking treats to resupply.

We will also have the Thanksgiving Day parade turned on, we all enjoy watching. Their emotions run from jumping, as if to see further; sitting, turning their heads and looking at us, "Did you see that?!" Cheap entertainment and the best seat in the house, if you get to the chair first!

Stay safe, keep your friends warm and love'm more!

Pup pictures...

We love our dogs and other people love their animals too. They have pictures in their wallets and on their phones. We are tickled and we just had to let you know. We've been without a home computer for nearly a week, good to get back online picking up orders, filling, delivering local and shipping out. We continue to be busy, because you keep your pup's in treats from our home to yours.

Thank you.

Bab's Bites 'n Bones

People approved...

Our dog treats are people approved, that's right, we encourage people to sample our dog treats. We have them in dog food dishes, one holds the hearty beef and the other savory chicken. Until we show the "parents" our ingredients, not something they haven't had before, just not called a dog treat. Many sample and agree, they are tasty!

We display our ingredients (whole wheat flour, rolled oats, cheddar cheese, corn meal, skim milk, butter, egg, homemade broth, parsley, sugar and of course, Love) and we display the ingredients of a leading dog treat, which is in smaller font to fit all their ingredients on one page.

Bab's Bites 'n Bones dog treats:
*Available in small and medium size treats
*No preservatives
*Packed with protein
*South Dakota/local product
*Great for all dogs
*Will ship/deliver local
*Resealable bags
*Not just for the pampered pup!
*Dog's Love'm!

Enjoy today, play fetch!

Surgery...

It's been twice this week I've had to perform surgery, poor little duck. He's yellow and fuzzy and as of tonite no longer squeaks. This'll be a blessing tomorrow morning as Carlee is awake instantly, finds her toy duck and gives it a 21-squeak jolt to our waking home. She trusts me with her duck and patiently waits when performing surgery, yes, the duck will make it but he won't squeak anymore. She jumps for the fuzzball, whisking away to inspect.

The duck goes everywhere, she cares for him as if her own, very protective and let's us play fetch. We think she had a litter or two in her life. She has been with us for several years, very timid, hoping that will change. Til then a local shop keeps the yellow ducks in stock and they find their way to our home. To relieve stress in her life was one of our goals, we keep working on the others thanks to Buster and several fuzzy ducks.

Love your friends.

Fair time...

October brings the onset of fairs, from mall's to church bazaar's, most all of them have crafts of sorts to sell for upcoming holidays or just to catch a buyer's eye to put in their yard or home. We've been a staple at the Capitol City Farmer's Market in Pierre, SD this Spring and Summer. We've met some really nice people, their animals and of course the other vendors have become a Saturday morning family.

This will be Bab's last weekend at the farmer's market for 2009. We've been baking and preparing for upcoming Fall fairs. Keep praying for 60's temp's on weekends as there is much to do in our yard and home to prepare for Winter as well. With shorter days, the weekends are crammed with many projects.

Bab's Bites 'n Bones will be at the Zonta Holiday Fair,
November 14-15, 2009, at the Ramkota in Pierre. We asked to keep our spot from last year, if we are able, we are in the BIG room towards the NW corner, if I have my directions straight. We'll have Christmas Crackers again this year and hoping for Fall shapes too.

Running out of treats? Contact us via email through our blog profile, our email is also on our business cards or phone us your order. Our information is in the top left corner of our blog. We deliver in city limits of Pierre/Fort Pierre and we also ship!

We'll be watching for you!

Catch me if you can...

With the cooler days we're not standing outside with the dogs unless it's dark. Sneaking back inside and hear them playing, talking with the neighbors and chasing each other. Carlee, long legged girl, chases Buster short legged boy, up, down and around. When he stops, his tongue is long, he's happy and his expression says, "Catch me if you can..." He has a funny run, but it gets him to where he wants to go and as fast as he can!

Carlee likes the snow, will love it more when she can run, jump, walk across, roll, throw it in the air...Buster, cautious because he'll fall through. Comical as he is stuck, snow up to his chest and tries with all his might and then smiles when he see's the rescuer charging out to check on the situation. We're not ready for the cold, but the dogs are happy with the little snow here. Winter jackets are out, as are gloves and boots, but we're thinking 60's in coming weeks ahead to cross off a few more chores before the todo list lengthens again for Spring.

Enjoy Fall, protect your friends!

Exciting and new...challenges!

I drove several hours in anticipation to pick Buster up out of the cold one day in January several years ago. He learned the sound of my voice, over a course of time, not knowing where he was going, but away from where he lived, trusted enough to curl up in a new fleece blanket and sleep in the warmth all the way home.

Exciting and new challenges lay ahead for both of us. The kennel turned into a hallway, which turned into 1/2 the house which challenged us as we worked on house training too. New challenge for me was to be up and out at 6am, but three months to the day he arrived we were on routine and he was trained. He has a very good bladder! We are best buds!

Brushing was a challenge, starting with once a week, being nipped at, talking softly, his treat was what he loves most in life, go for a ride! Playing fetch wasn't his forte and I didn't enjoy fetching as I did throwing. Which rolled us around to Carlee, afraid of her shadow, and Buster, wanting to be everyone's friend shared his blanket.

They have learned from each other and I from them, our next challenge is brushing, their teeth! Yes, it's true! Some of you chuckle and wish us luck, but like every other challenge we face, we start slow, together, once a week and a treat.

I'm excited, will that change?! That's the challenge...exciting and new!

Knick knack paddy whack...

Give your dog a bone. Remember the childhood tune? It's also similar to Barney, the purple dinosaur's, "I Love You, You Love Me" tune for the younger generation. I find that eerie.

We have come up with ideas over the summer and provided baked treats at the Farmer's Market. We've made various shapes and sizes from ducks, fish, buffalo, barns and the State of South Dakota. We've carved our dogs out of bone and now we have etched "commands" or maybe what your dog would say if we could speak Doglish. Available only in medium size treat bags of hearty beef and savory chicken.

Our dogs were bathed and groomed last week and though I requested short, it has shocked their system. Once again they feel the cool breeze and hit the deck or floor. Some area's of their bodies were trimmed a little too close and they will be uncomfortable for several days. We are easing their tensions by staying close, scratching ears, providing laps, hugs and an extra treat or two. They look up as if to ask, "what were you thinking!?" They are as handsome and pretty as they were before cuts, but will feel so much better when temperature's of 85 rolls around again this coming week.

Love your friends and give your dog a bone.

Wanted...longer days!

We've shortened our days with last outs by an hour, the days have become shorter in an instant it seems. One dog eagerly comes in from the dark and the other is sluggish, walking in as if he had been scolded, hanging his head and sighing. Poor boy!

We miss the rising sun at 6am, but now we spot deer in the pasture and they are curious as to who we are. Though it is to early for barking, the dogs greet anything that moves and each sound they hear. With a quick command, they head back into the house, we turn on lights and begin our day.

Our calendar shows we "fall back" October 31, 2009. In the meantime we'll work double time to get items crossed off our todo list. This weekend we filled treat orders, baked bones for upcoming fairs, made both beef and chicken broths waiting to be added to treats and still had time to play fetch and go for a ride.

We love weekends!

Sand burrs...

Sand burrs are nasty, they hurt like the dickens when the dogs step on them as they gimp along, stop and try to untangle them. They are nastier when they get into their long hairs. I eek them out as the dogs will only stand still a short amount of time. "Trust me" I tell them. Just today a friend of mine told me to wet the burrs and they come out easier. Wet them, hmmm, a simple answer. Buster try's the bite and pull method, which hurts me to watch. He growls if I come near, "let me help you, trust me" I whisper.

Carlee, the constant cleaner..I think she's part cat, licks them out. Ah, the things I could learn from her, wet the burrs.

Sand burr plants have shallow roots from what I can tell as I keep them out of our patch of prairie, however, as a neighbor mows over them, the individual burrs can shoot a long ways and our Buster is a magnet. Long hairs will soon be short as their trims are just around the corner. Buster the magnet should be sand burr free for Fall.

In the meantime, he'll hear, "trust me". Our pets, members of our families, trust us, we need to tell them "trust me".

Enjoy their company.

No Preservatives...Store in a cool dry place.

Our treat label states No preservatives, list of allergens and also "store in a cool dry place". With the rain and humidity lately you'll want to keep an eye on your treats. Our lower level isn't nearly as cool as usual and we found many treats had gone bad. We don't bag treats for Saturday's market or local fair's until the previous night. Reserve treats were sealed, broken and thrown away. A good reminder to myself as well, keep a closer eye on treats.

A busy day at our house as we baked, we start early morning and stop late afternoon. At suggestions of several customers, we cut small and medium bones in half in our baking today. Though our treats are easily broken, some dogs can count. Ours can, they can also spell and at times it's as if our fridge handle has a dog whistle sound when touched, it's beyond selective hearing.

We neglected brushing this morning, it is due, they don't mind so much as they know they get a treat afterwards. On that note, enjoy your animals. Stay cool.

Two headed dog...

The dogs have been itching for a ride, they get very excited when I grab their leashes and say "let's go!" The morning was still cool and the windows open a bit for fresh air. They have to share the middle console and to any passerby, they look like a two headed dog. We get smiles to waves and Buster greets them all!

Though Sunday's are usually baking days, we are taking a good portion of the day off. The "kids" have made me a believer that a good stretch and a Sunday afternoon nap are necessary.

My companions are several steps ahead of me as they lay close by and I can hear their dreams while they nap.

We await your visits at the Capital City Farmer's Market on Saturday morning in Pierre, South Dakota. We love your stories, we love to see your kids in person. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and for purchasing our dog treats.

If you need treats and it's not a Saturday of the Farmer's Market, we deliver in the Pierre/Fort Pierre city limits and ship elsewhere. Just call us at (605)224-8592 or email us your order at Babsncc@gmail.com.

Hug your dog, it makes us all feel better.

August heat

August, so soon, is already here. The heat climbed to 97 the first days of August and we had quite a storm August 3rd. The lightening was vertical and scary. We smelled smoke quickly as someone's prairie was smoldering. Much like ankle weights, walking from room to room shutting windows proved to be quite an activity as the dogs stay quite close.

Being calm for them, talking softly, sitting on the floor, holding them close and prayer helps us all in storms. Their previous homes kept the dogs outdoors much of the time with little protection, they are freakishly afraid of storms, not unlike some people. We're all afraid of something.

Keep your animals cool, plenty of water, shade, protection of dog houses or bringing them indoors. Protect them from the August heat, it climbs quickly during the day, keep them in mind.

Take care friends.

Rise and Shine

We might rise at 6am daily but Carlee is our shine. I don't dare move before 6am or she thinks it's time to get moving. For those of you that have dogs that sleep close by or on the bed, know exactly what I'm talking about. She is awake instantly, will stretch, roll and yawn loudly to give me clues it's time to get up and get moving. She jumps down off the bed, finds her yellow duck and drops at my feet...playtime! Buster on the other hand will roll over for a tummy rub and could fall back to sleep, minus the tummy rub...me too.

Sitting 30 seconds to catch my bearings, we head outside. The song of the meadowlark brings our day into focus, we stretch and once back inside, it's pray and play time. We pray for your dogs, dogs in shelters, those that are dropped off and well, we pray for all dogs and animals 'round the world.

I know I've said it before:

Live Well, Laugh Often and Love your dogs much!

Pray for those dogs that need rescue, 2nd chance homes are wonders and this "Mom" is blessed.

Enjoy your week!

Protect your friends...

'Tis the season for ticks, fleas and other itchy pests. There are a variety of methods to keep your dogs safe. Flea collars fit around the neck of the dog like a collar. We use Frontline Plus. Purchased through our Vet, each dose goes by the weight of each dog. Seems a pound or two has crept onto them as the cost was a bit higher this year. We also purchase Heartworm chews from the Vet. Heartworm disease can be painful and deadly to your dogs, so protect them. Not unlike children, dogs can be expensive for protection, but it lasts for months and they will be safe.

It's also very hot outside, if your dog must be left outside in heat, please have shade for them and a ample water supply. Check on them. Don't leave them in cars, even with cracked windows. Heat buildup is quick and extreme causing dehydration and possible death.

Shelter is a must for your outside dog. From thunderstorms, floods, snow and winds, bring them in if you can. After all, they trust us to keep them safe. Let's not let them down.

Enjoy Summer!

In Full Bloom...

The Capitol City Farmer's Market is in full bloom in Pierre South Dakota. From rain to shine vendors are busy, local people and passerby's are interested and tell us they'll return next week. A very good response to a new enterprise that will surely grow.

Time has escaped us at Bab's Bites 'n Bones, May has slipped away bringing warmer weather, welcomed rain and just in time for new seasonal shape treats. We have 'Gone Fishin' Treats', if you're husband takes the dog 'fishin' they'll get a bite at our stand at the Farmer's Market. Soon to follow will be ducks, buffalo and well, you'll just need to check us out. Your pup sure won't notice the shape, but we do our best to attract the eye of the buyer. Same great taste of hearty beef and savory chicken, we will not compromise our flavors.

If you haven't been to our blog before, Welcome, this also means you have picked up our business card or by chance stumbled across our blog searching online. Give us your suggestions, it's with your comments that we can make our product better.

If you are on vacation passing through Pierre SD or a local citizen, stop down at the Farmer's Market Saturday's 9am - 1pm. From fresh herbs, fresh cut veggies and flowers, grass fed beef and our treats, more vendors will be bringing forth their product. It's a delectable taste.

Live well, Laugh often, Love your dogs much.

Read the package labels...

Read the labels of dog treats and dog food before you give to your dog, they are trusting you to give them only the best that you can afford. If you can read the label and understand the ingredients, then your choice is beneficial for you and your dogs.

It was only a couple of years ago that the China melamine was discovered in tainted dog food found across the United States. Shocked with the devastation of losing so many dear and loving pets, I began to read the package labels of dog food. I also began reading the package labels of dog treats. Reading the ingredients, I couldn't identify the contents. I threw several bags of name brand dog treats away. Dog food was tainted , were dog treats far behind?!

My "kids" had already gone through an ordeal from their previous life. We are their second chance and that is why our dog treat label can easily be read.

Our treats are analyzed, ingredients picked apart, our bag labels have weight in ounces and grams. We were required by South Dakota Agriculture to obtain a nutritional analysis and where the treat is packaged and produced. All this information is on the package label. The process took many months. We were able to pull it all together and begin to share our product with you and your dogs.

It's the only dog treat that my dogs receive. Made with love from our Barkery.
Now, go read those dog treat labels. Give us a call, we ship.

Enjoy your "kids".

There is a difference...

We sell dog treats, small and medium bones, we do not sell dog food.

Dog food is the 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup or 1 cup of shapes you place in your dog's dish, once, twice or 3x a day.

Dog treats are just that, granted they can be small in stature, but your dog knows or should know what it is and will do or attempt the command given. Even an attempt of trying should the treat be given. Dogs are such special "people", they can extend our lives and are loyal. Use treats in moderation.

Treats are not just for the pampered pup, every dog needs a little lovin, it works on daily trust for both of you. Enjoy today.

Quote for the day:

If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise.

Farmer's Market 2009...Pierre, South Dakota

We've been making, baking and selling dog treats for nearly two years, what a ride! Our customers are happy and so are their parents, they come back and bring someone with them. Isn't that how business is suppose to work?!

Pierre, South Dakota is starting a new Farmer's Market beginning in June 2009 and running through October 2009. The committee wants to keep it local, looking for products other than veggies and flowers, with little to no preservatives or pesticides. Bab's Bites 'n Bones dog treats are invited. We have a feed license from the SD Department of Agriculture and we have no preservatives. We're excited. A local (national) magazine recently did a Press Release on our dog treats and emails are coming in inquiring. While purchasing the magazine at a local grocery store, the clerk inquired and said to bring in samples, they would look at our product and perhaps purchase for in-coming hunters in the Fall.

With a combination of our faith, hard work and determination, opportunities are abundant and we are Blessed. But, we aren't taking it for granted either.

Our home front is under blue skies, still wind and meadowlarks singing their song.
Have you hugged your dog today?

Comments from customers...

"My dog is very picky, he ate the treat and wanted more!" -Sue

"My dog begged at the counter, even cried for another!" - Dan R.

"They're great in the field while hunting, for the dog!" -RN

"I set a plate on the counter with your seasonal shapes, my husband picked one up and said, "Honey, I think you forgot the sugar." Hugging him I whispered, "they're for the dog" " -Julie

"My granddog loves your treats!" -Mary

"Our dogs woof'm down!" -Chris H.

"Each time I walk into the kitchen, the dog sits!" -MM

Nutritious Gourmet Treat ingredients...

Made with Love from Our Barkery...Bab's Bites 'n Bones delivers a nutritious gourmet treat made with human grade ingredients with your dog in mind.

Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, rolled oats, cheddar cheese, corn meal, skim milk, butter, egg, homemade chicken or beef broth, parsley and sugar. Allergens: Contains whole wheat flour and milk.

Having no preservatives, we ask you that keep these treats in a cool, dry place. Our treats are people friendly, so break a treat in half, one for him and one for you. If you aren't curious at all, each treat taste like a whole wheat cracker.

Try us, we know you'll scamper back for more!

For the love of a dog...

Always happy to greet, willing to wait for a ride and their utmost pleasure of ear scratching and tummy rubs. It is a dog's life and a very good one.

Two dogs have the run of our home. Buster is a rescued Westie and Carlee an adopted Schnoodle. Daily doses of love, attention and trust make tails wag and fetch fun!

Our treats are for tummy's that need healing, treats as we leave for work or training to sit, stay, shake, rollover and good boy. We have no fillers, no preservatives and we make our own beef and chicken broth as our flavors. Ingredients you have eaten, not labeled as dog treat. Each treat is handcut and baked to a perfect crunch.

Taking nearly a year to bring back Buster and Carlee's stomachs to good health, we have given our best to our "kids" all for the love of a dog...