Fall 2006 - Southeastern Greyhound Adoption
Transcription
Fall 2006 - Southeastern Greyhound Adoption
Fall 2006 Greyhound Chatter A Publication of the Southeastern Greyhound Club – www.greyhoundadoption.org Protecting Your Greyhound in Your Vehicle IN THIS ISSUE How to Get Your SEGA Recipe Book Fast. Fur. Friends! Dr. Toby on Omega 3 Fatty Acids Holiday Gala Plans TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message 2 Over the Rainbow Bridge 2 Greyfest 2006 3 Ask Dr. Toby 5 Lure Coursing Corner 7 Recipe: Pumpkin Puppy Muffins 8 It was the summer of 1995, a beautiful weekend afternoon. I was driving home from the dog park with Sophie and Owen, my two Greyhounds, and Haley, my mixed breed. All were in the back of the station wagon. Traffic was fairly heavy and I crawled along the freeway in the Seattle suburbs at around 35 mph. Suddenly, I saw the red flash of the brake lights in front of me. I stepped on the brake gently, grateful for the few car lengths’ distance between the preceding car and me. That inner voice, that longtime habit, forced me to look up at the rear view mirror. My heart leaped to my throat as I realized the car behind me was A typical back seat barrier coming too close and too fast. I suddenly felt the collision as it rear-ended me, forcing my car into the car in front of me in a series of jarring impacts. Fear clutched my chest as I heard the impact of my beloved dogs against the metal wagon barrier, and heard their cries of pain and anger as they were thrown against each other. Sophie, my alpha bitch, was furious that her subordinates would dare step on her and was on the verge of violent disciplinary action. I was helpless, physically separated from them by the metal barrier, and too mentally focused on what was happening on the road to prevent a possible serious dog fight. When the dust settled, it was a five-car accident. We crawled to the shoulder to await police intervention. My dogs forgave each other and the raised hackles peacefully went back into place. I was left weak and trembling. Except for Sophie’s pride and the $1500 damage to my car, the worst injury was my sore neck. It could have been far worse. My dogs could have been seriously injured or killed either in the accident or the ensuing dog fight. I was wearing my seatbelt, but what about them? That was the day I began planning to buy and outfit a properly dog-safe vehicle. Why? Loose vs. Contained Car safety is an important consideration for dog owners. Otherwise conscientious and responsible owners often let their dogs ride loose in the car, even hanging out the windows, without regard for the possible danger inherent in such activities. My own mother, who was adamant about seatbelt use when I was a child, scoffed when I told her my plan to buy a dog-safe vehicle. Dogs hanging out of windows can suffer eye injuries from debris flying by. They can be thrown from the car in case of accident or can escape if they see something tempting on the side of the road. If the windows are rolled up for containment, dogs can suffer fatal heatstroke in a matter of minutes. In an accident, loose dogs can be thrown around in the car, colliding with windshields and other human or canine passengers, often resulting in serious injury or death. By far the best solution for containing dogs safely in a moving vehicle is a van or similar vehicle outfitted with properly-sized crates for all canine occupants. However, realistically this continued on page 4 John Parker and Merlin Greyhound Chatter is a production of the Southeastern Greyhound Club © 2006 Editor John Parker Managing Editor Patti Peterson E-mail Us newsletter@ greyhoundadoption.org Visit us Online www.greyhoundadoption.org First SEGA Recipe Book What a wonderful holiday gift! Over the Rainbow Bridge Friends waiting there for us... 2 Another GreyFest has come and gone, and I must say that this one will stand out in my memory well into the future. It was one the best attended, most well organized such events in the Club’s history. One of the most refreshing aspects of the day for me personally was that the great majority of Greyhounds in attendance appeared to be in the “proper weight and fitness” contemplated by the contract under which they were adopted. Those who know me know that I zealously preach the gospel of Greyhound weight control on a regular basis. In the past, I have often been sorely disappointed at the number of obese Greyhounds I encountered at events, both those we hosted and those put on by other organizations. There is little more dismaying in the Greyhound world than seeing our once proud athletes turned into pudgy porkers by misguided owners who give them as much food as they’ll eat. So as GreyFest approached, I steeled myself to experience the same disappointment, and was I pleasantly surprised ! Lots and lots of Greyhounds with the proverbial three ribs showing, coats glowing, and muscles rippling. Take heart, I told one of our Board members, our preaching is paying off. There is no better stewardship of our Greyhounds than keeping them slim and trim, as Nature intends them to be, so that they can run “as swiftly as the wind.” Run swiftly they did at GreyFest, and it was a joy to be able to offer a running activity once again, as they are almost always the single most popular activities at our gatherings. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my service as “radar gun operator” was to see the owners’ faces light up when I announced the speed at which the radar gun had clocked their Greyhounds. I don’t know who had more fun – the Greyhounds running full out, or the owners’ watching them. While keeping most Greyhounds at proper weight is simply a matter of portion control, keeping them fit can be a greater challenge. The places to let one’s Greyhound really stretch out and run are few and far between, and the disparity between the amount of land dedicated by local governments to athletic fields (on which dogs are often expressly forbidden) and the land dedicated to a place for the thousands of dogs owned by thousands of taxpayers to run is more than appalling. That said, I’ll let you in on a little secret: the standard fitness regimen of Irish trainers for their coursing and racing Greyhounds is lots and lots of walking, and they have some of the fastest, fittest Greyhounds in the world. It’s pretty good for humans, too. So, to all of you with the trim Greyhounds at GreyFest, I offer a hearty “well done !” And to those who brought the few tubby ones, remember – it’s all about portion control ! John Parker Someone’s in the Kitchen, the much-anticipated SEGA recipe book, is now available. Copies are $13 each or two for $25. As of press time, mail delivery is not available, but check the SEGC/SEGA Yahoo group for updates on sale locations. Copes will be available at the Holiday Gala. For further information and to obtain your copies in time for holiday gift giving, please contact Beth Kuhn at [email protected]. beth kuhn Melanie and Dave Sills’ Army – 8 years, 7 months P h oto Co u r t e s y o f A M Y B EAV ER Teresa Wheeler President’s Message Amy and Kevin Beaver’s Master – 11 years, 4 months Cheryl Landes’ Wolf – 11 years, 1 month Kevin and Amy Beaver with Master P h oto co u r t e s y o f b r o o k g o o d h e w Greyfest 2006 Offered Something for Everyone This year’s winner of best costume was An uneducated bystander might dressed as a cowboy, complete with a have thought that it was the coldersix-shooter and ten gallon hat. than-normal fall temperatures that There were some participants who kept the Greyhounds’ and humans’ preferred more serious competition teeth chattering throughout the day on and entered their Greyhound into October 28. But if you were one of the the conformation match – a friendly 227 participants at the 2006 GreyFest, dog show for bragging rights. Judged you would know that it was all of the by gender and in three classes excitement in the air at the Old Mill (youngsters, adults and Farm in Cartersville that seniors) each class’ kept the teeth clicking with winner was then nervous energy. judged against the GreyFest is more than rest of the first place just a fundraiser for SEGA. finishers to select The annual gathering is the Best in Show. a festival for Greyhound The 2006 GreyFest lovers, supporters, conformation match adopters and volunteers Best in Show winner from across the Southeast, was Willow, formerly offering an opportunity for known as Bayou dogs and their people to Kitty, who is owned gather together and enjoy by Tony and Jody de each other’s company. la Motte Hurst. Each year the event’s Corky, owned by Tina and Gary WellBy far the highcreative volunteers dream born, enjoying the Blur of Fur run! light of the event was up carnival booths that the newest addition to encourage the hounds to the festivities, the Blur of Fur. Most try their luck at a few unique carnival Greyhound owners have always wanted games. From bobbing for hotdogs to to know how fast their Greyhound digging for buried treasure, for just a can run. Thanks to a well-positioned few activity tickets skilled Greyhounds radar gun, squawker and could show their stuff and a few fast hands, 82 proud win a prize or two – well if you owners now know exactly consider a cold, wet, hotdog how fast their Greyhound a prize. The activities weren’t can go. The fastest time only for Greyhounds; there clocked for the day was were fun booths for kids 45 mph, ran by Venus, and plenty of Grey-friendly who belongs to Laura vendors selling their goods. Lovell and Scott Keith. No festival would be John and Laura Parker’s complete without contests Basso came in a close and GreyFest does not second running 44 mph. disappoint. But here, The Blur of Fur was just superlatives include looking as much fun to watch for the Greyhound with as it was for the dogs the longest nose, best to run, causing most kisser, skinniest waistline everything to come to a and prettiest eyes. The stand still. Greyhounds competition was tough Sassy owned by Jack and Donna Lamb. who ran were also and the judging was captured beautifully in even tougher, but a list of motion on film and the winners was announced photos were sold as a fundraiser for and prizes were awarded in 14 SEGA. different categories. This event would not have been A staple at GreyFest each year possible without the dedication and is the Holw-o-ween costume contest, support of Patti Peterson and Robin where each year Greyhounds and their Davis, and their team of volunteers. humans show of their creativity and This year’s festivities continued in compete for the title of best costme, the tradition of first-class events run funniest costume and most original by SEGA. Thank you for making our costume. This year’s participants did organization and our hounds proud. not disappoint the crowd with dogs dressed up as gladiators, fairies, HEA THER COULOMBE desperate housewives and ballerinas. P h oto co u r t e s y o f g e r r y s k a l s k y Fast. Fur. Friends! 3 Protecting Your Greyhound in Your Vehicle, continued is also the most expensive option and probably the least practical or affordable for the average large breed dog owner. While a station wagon may suffice for crating smaller breeds, sports utility vehicles or even many mini-vans are too small to hold more than two large crates. Thankfully, there are other options for ensuring the safety of our beloved Greyhounds even if we are unable to afford a “luxury” van and must make due with a modestly sized or priced vehicle. Barriers I originally bought my barrier because my mixed breed loves to ride plastered to the front window and thinks nothing of climbing into my lap as I try to drive. She is a sheltie mix and loves to bark, particularly at other dogs, and she would bounce around barking madly every time we passed a dog while driving. Physically separating her from me while I was driving was the best option. At the time, the wagon barrier seemed to provide adequate safety for my canine passengers. Barriers are generally available in adjustable sizes in multiple styles. There are metal barriers that attach with vertical pressure points to the floor and the roof of the car. There are other A wire travel crate barriers that attach to the windows with suction cups. There are also barriers made of netting or webbing. Whichever style you choose, take care to attach the barriers as securely as possible according to the directions provided by the manufacturer. I often pass vehicles on the road with barriers attached in a makeshift manner. I cringe because in an accident, the barrier itself is sure to become a dangerous projectile. Barriers are advantageous because they are relatively inexpensive, readily available, and do adequately segregate the dogs from the passenger area, which is an important safety consideration. They do not, however, afford maximum safety. In an accident, a dog can still be catapulted into the barrier, potentially causing injury or even dislodging the barrier itself if the force of the impact is sufficient. And, as was illustrated in my own 4 accident, dogs can be thrown against each other, resulting in dog fights at absolutely the worst possible time. Canine Seatbelts Canine seatbelts consist of a harness designed to minimize compression to the chest, through which the car’s seatbelt is fastened. They are generally considered safer than barriers, because they keep the dog in place in case of accident with the same efficiency as a seat-belted human. They are also relatively inexpensive, readily available, easily removable (thus allowing the vehicle to be used for occasional human passengers), and allow a place for as many dogs as there are seatbelts. On the other hand, some Greyhound owners have reported that they are an awkward solution for Greyhounds, considering their conformation and inconvenient propensity to tangle themselves. Crates Crating dogs in an appropriatesized vehicle is the safest way for them to travel, if one is lucky enough to be able to afford this solution. Expense is most certainly the major drawback, however. Beyond the cost of the vehicle itself, mini and cargo vans get poor gas mileage and are generally costlier to maintain and insure. For those of us who are unable to afford to maintain and insure more than one vehicle, our only choice is to commute in our more costly dog-safe vehicles. Mini-vans will only suffice for crating two or three greyhounds. Owners of multiple dogs may be required to purchase a full or extended cargo van. However, vans are advantageous for many reasons that are persuasive enough to merit serious consideration. In an accident, there is no safer place for a dog than in a crate. A properlysized crate will not only protect the dog from injury but will contain the dog in the vehicle in case of broken doors and windows. Crates will contain the dog if emergency workers are required to open the vehicle to assist drivers and passengers. Your individually crated continued on page 6 Ask Dr. Toby 1. What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids? patt i p e t e r s o n Omega fatty acids are some of the essential fatty acids needed for normal body function. We cannot manufacture these things ourselves. The fatty acids allow for cell membranes, nerves, and such to work. They come in several forms, including Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s. Toby Carmichael, DVM OMEGA 3 Fatty Acids Keeping your Greyhound healthy. 2. What are the main health benefits to giving my greyhound Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Want a shiny coat add Omega 6. Maybe I should have had more Omega 6’s in my diet. Most dog food companies add Omega 6’s to the food. They do this at a level above and beyond what you need. The reason is that we as consumers have no idea if the food is good for the dog or not. However if the dog’s coat is shiney we assume that the food is good. Now the Omega 3’s are associated with all kinds of things. They act as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory. 3. What is the recommended daily allowance for Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Oh good question. Depends on whom you talk to. One of the articles cites dosing from 40 to 300 mg/kg of Omega 3’s. Some 20 year old data suggests 0.5% of the as fed diet in Omega 3’s less than 10% of the as fed diet in Omega 6’s. This should correlate with approximately 25mg/kg of Omega 3’s and not more than 500 mg/kg of the Omega 6’s. Getting more than 10% of the as fed diet means you just have too fatty of a diet with a decreased amount of other nutritional values. The Hill’s Brand J/D has approximately 10,000 mg for a 60 pound dog. That is a dose of over 300 mg/kg of Omega 3. 4. The label on my dog’s kibble says it contains Omega 3 Fatty Acids, is this enough? If it is a name brand food it will be enough to function. So what do you need to do better than function? Well it is my opinion( I did say opinion) that it is more about the ratio than the amount. Most dog foods have an Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio (n6:n3) which provides good hair coat. This ratio would be listed as n6:n3 with the number value of 1-10:1. There is research to show that a 0.7:1 or less Omega 6’s to Omega 3’s should be more anti-inflammatory. One article I recently read promotes the 1:1 or <1:1 and another basically says it does not matter. Personally I have seen dogs that were fed a lower Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio come off pain meds like Deramaxx and Rimadyl. The Hills Brand prescription food has a ratio of n6:n3 of 0.7:1. 5. Can I overdose my dog on supplemental Omega 3 Fatty Acids? To my knowledge no you can not overdose. You could cause diarrhea and /or pancreatits that would harm your dog by giving him a lot at one time. You do have to be careful if your n6:n3 ratio is good you will have prolonged bleeding and decreased healing. The decreased healing comes from the decreased inflammation. 6. What is the best source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Omega 3 come from a variety of sources but marine fish oil is the best. I looked at one maximum strength 1000mg fish oil capsule. This 1000mg capsule only had 350 mg of Omega 3. Following the Hill’s suggestion you would need 1 capsule for every kg of dog per day. I believe you are asking for diarrhea. You can get a good idea with looking at the ingredients. Plants provide more Omega 6 than Omega 3. Flax provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is used by the body and converted to Omega 3. So if there is not much EPA (Omega 3) or DHA (Omega 3) the levels can be bolstered by the addition of ALA. Please be aware that depending on the company’s advertising the ratio can be listed as n6:n3 or n3:n6. Either way you want more n3 than n6. 7. Is this a lifetime commitment or can one cease providing additional Omega 3 Fatty Acids at some point in the future? You have to remember that this is a supplement. It can be stopped at any time but the benefits will stop then as well. The hard thing about these kinds of supplements is that you may not see the results until your dog lives to 15 with a good quality of life. It is my opinion that any supplement will be better than no supplement if you are adding enough Omega 3’s to compensate for the Omega 6’s already in the diet. patti peterson 5 Protecting Your Greyhound in Your Vehicle, continued 6 most Greyhounds. Crates must also be dogs have little chance of getting loose securely fastened within the vehicle, as on the freeway and have no chance of a flying crate is an even more dangergetting into a dog fight whether they ous projectile than a flying dog in the occur in the chaos of an accident or case of accident. Bungee cords work merely in everyday canine disputes. nicely to secure the crates. Another opDogs can be safely left in the vehicle tion, particularly if one is mechanically during the heat of the summer with side inclined, is to rig the existing seatbelts. and back doors opened. Some people buy or design barriers My Ideal Dogmobile of various kinds to use in mini-vans as I am a single dogmom with a modest well as in station wagons, but by far the salary, and was not planning on replacmost popular use of a van is to outfit it ing my reliable station wagon anytime with crates. soon until my Plastic airlineD o g S e atb e lt s unexpected car approved crates accident abruptly such as The M any crateless people use the Sure - Fit Pre Vari-Kennel made mier har nesses with seat belt leash/holders. A changed my mind. After much s afe, inexpensive alter native for those who do by Doskocil and consideration n ot have vehicles large enough to hold crates, the Furrari crates I decided that t hey are available from PetsM ar t chain stores; are airline apf rom Changing Hor izons at 1-888-751-0877or buying a van was proved crates. e -mail w w w.chor izon.com or other pet supply a sacrifice I was General Cage, s ources. The retail pr ice is about $20 for both willing to make to h ar ness and selt belt holder. Midwest Cage, ensure the safety or Kennel Aire of my canine fammake wire crates. C r at e s ily members. I Wire crates often come in more ap- Var i- K ennels win thumbs-up as the safest crate researched used vans and finally ( i f the bolts are tightened proper ly). The K enpropriate sizes to n el-Aire is nex t, followed by the collapsible settled upon maximize usage c rate. the Volkswagen of space inside Eurovan for a vathe vehicle, but Barriers riety of reasons. I many people prefer a foreigndo not consider M etal bar r iers are excellent to keep dogs from made car, a manthem as safe as a b ecoming projec tiles into the windshield. ual transmission, plastic crate. Most M aureen Lucas made a bar r ier of lawn chair and was acutely t ype webbing, sewn together with a heav y airlines do not c raf t needle on her sewing machine. This is aware of the size approve of wire e asier on the dog. limitations of crates for shipmost mini-vans. I ping, for instance. ID s based my choice Many dog fanciers on the number forego their conO ster makes plastic tags with removable paper and size of the i nser ts for infor mation. venience in the dogs I currently interest of safety. had (two GreyHowever, if space C r at e s , b a r r i e r s , ot h e r s u pp l i e s hounds, one 25 is an issue, wire pound mixed U PCO: 800-444-8651 crates are a safer Foster& Smith: 800-826-7206 breed), and the solution than letR .C. Steele: 800-873-3773 dogs I was likely ting the dogs ride C her r ybrook : 800-524-0820 to add during the free. time I would own K V Vet S upply : 800-423-8211 Crates must N ew England S erum Co: 800-NE - SERU M the van (another be appropriately Greyhound and a sized, as a crate Whippet). I knew that is too large ofthat my optimal fers less protection in case of collision. van would be able to fit three 500 VariGenerally a crate should be big enough Kennels and two 300s. I knew that rear for the dog to stand up, turn around, air conditioning was an important feaand lie down again. Head clearance is ture for my needs. I knew that reliability not critical. A crate of excessive size and repair records were an important will allow the dog to gain more momenconsideration, as I planned to put above tum in a collision, increasing the force average miles on the vehicle driving with which it will impact the sides. A to various canine activities. I went to snug fit is far safer than a roomy one. A 500 Vari-Kennel is quite appropriate for continued on page 8 p h oto co u r t e s y o f d av i d a l l e y swing! trophy named for another historical The Club celebrated the 10th year Greyhound, Master McGrath, was won of it’s lure coursing program October by SEGA’s 1,000th adopted Greyhound, 21-22 with the annual running of the “Kady”, Costar Class, owned by Beth Fullerton Cup at Old Mill Farm in Cartand Jeff Kuhn. The Master McGrath ersville. Rain several days before the was Kady’s second trophy win in as trials created optimum footing on the many appearances on the lure coursing freshly mowed field, and temperatures field after she won the Old Mill Cup in were in the 60’s both days, making for May. very comfortable conThe Fullerditions for both hounds ton Cup itself, and humans. for Best in Field, We had an enwas run for by try of 65 hounds on nine hounds, all Saturday, including of them Best of 11 Greyhounds. The Breed winners volunteers of SEGA, during the weekheaded up by Linda end. coming Sheffield, prepared through some a delicious lunch as stiff competia fundraiser for the tion, the Whippet adoption program, Lippy owned by taking us back to the Maurice Bahm of early days of the lure Louisiana, took coursing program top honors and when such lunches continued the were a regular feature The Whippet Lilly, winner of the Fullerton Whippet dominaof our trials. Thank Cup, with owner Maurice Bahm. tion of the Fullerton you, Linda and volCup. In a wonderful unteers, for providing retrospective, the first such a nice “break from Whippet to win the Cup, Alvin, now age the action” - it was much appreciated 9, came to run a practice run and put in by the hungry lure courses, and the a beautiful course despite having been money raised was appreciated by our off the field for a number of years. His adoptable Greyhounds. owners were thrilled, and vowed to bring Overnight rain stopped about an Alvin back to run in the hour before roll call on Veterans stake at Sunday, and the rain future trials. predicted for Sunday It was another never materialized, great year of SEGC so the running condilure coursing, tions were once again which included the very nice. Fifty-nine Club’s hosting of hounds came to run, the 1st ASFA Naseven of them Greytional Greyhound hounds. In keeping Specialty, and now with the Fullerton we look ahead to Cup’s salute to the our second decade great English Greyof hosting great trihound and Waterloo als. Our next trials Cup winnter Fullerton will be The Run for and lure coursing’s Rescue fundraiser roots in the sport of and Southeran Turf coursing, another The Greyhound Kady, Master McGrath Classic, March 24English Greyhound, winner, owned by Jeff and Beth Kuhn. 25, 2007. We hope to Basso Profondo, see you there! made his lure coursing debut in the Singles state and John Parker wowed the crowd as he made a seamless transition from chasing the “real McCoy” in England (where he won the 2005 Waterloo Plate) to chasing the “plastic bunny.” The run between the two highest scoring Greyhounds for a special p h oto co u r t e s y o f d av i d a l l e y Lure Coursing Corner The season is in full- 7 Protecting Your Greyhound in Your Vehicle, continued Holiday Gala Plans Save the date! dealerships and measured van interiors, and the only one I found that would accommodate the size and number of crates I needed was the Eurovan, which also matched my other criteria as well. I secured a pre-approved car loan, ordered spare crates from my favorite pet supply mail order catalog, and began my search for used Eurovans. Within a matter of weeks, I was the proud owner of a 1993 VW Eurovan. The first thing I did when I drove it home from the dealer was to remove the rear passenger seats and secure my new crates with bungee cords. Later, I built a wooden platform to raise two of the crates over the rear wheelwells, maximizing the useable surface area and providing storage space underneath. I love my van (named Willi — a good German name for a good German van) and consider its purchase one of the very best decisions, financial or otherwise, I’ve made in my entire life. My Greyhounds participate in com- petitive dog activities, including lure coursing and obedience. I knew that I would need an appropriate vehicle not only for the safety of my dogs in transit, but to haul them and equipment to dog shows and coursing trials. With my van, I am able to leave the dogs crated, both for their own safety and that of the interior of my van (Greyhounds often destroy car interiors in their excitement to chase the lure) regardless of the weather. When it is hot I can open the rear and side doors and rest assured that my dogs will not overheat. I have traveled over 1,000 miles to many dog shows and Greyhound specialties in the dog days of summer, and my canine companions have traveled comfortably and safely in their air-conditioned van. I hope sometime soon to make a crosscountry trip with my dogs and am confident that my van will get us all there as safely and as comfortably as it gets us to our visits to the dog park. beth levine The Annual Southeastern Greyhound Club Holiday Gala will be held on December 2nd 2006 at the Sheraton Midtown Atlanta Hotel at Colony Square. Join us at 7p.m. for cocktails and then at 7:45 p.m. for a grand dinner. Festive Casual attire requested. We will be presenting the Friends of Greyhounds Awards as well as the Texas Trophy, awarded to the highest pointed ASFA Greyhound starting the year as an Open contender. It is sure to be a celebratory affair to culminate a successful year in greyhound ownership, adoption and promotion. More information will be available on our website in the coming days. Pumpkin Puppy Muffins Tested and approved by Remi and Sugar Peterson 8 2 cups wheat flour 1 cup quick cooking oats 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2/3 cup canola oil 2 cups pumpkin 1 tablespoon vanilla robin davis In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add oil, pumpkin and vanilla. Using mini-muffin pans, spray lightly with vegetable cooking spray. Fill cups 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes in 350 degree pre-heated oven. Freeze and remove to unthaw before feeding. patti peterson