It Ain't Easy Being Green

Kermit said it best, it ain't easy being green. But that doesn't mean we don't strive towards doing what we can to lesson our impact on the environment. Here are just a few of the things Petit Four Legs is currently doing to be more eco-friendly:

* We're introducing Fiberstone(tm) labels on our Petit Four 4-treat gift bags. Made from natural chalk, Fiberstone (tm) is a low carbon, tree-free alternative to paper and saves 16,000 gallons of water, 9,000 btu's of energy and 20 trees per ton.
* All packing materials used in shipments contain 100% recycled material. We use only recycled newspring and, when available, packging peanuts recycled from shipments received by suppliers.
* We're involved in a comprehensive composting program that enables us to compost all kitchen food waste rather than placing the material in the trash. The food waste is composted and used as fertilizer in city parks.

In Memory of Nesta

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Nesta. Part shepard? Part collie? Perhaps part wolf? We never did find out but he was beautiful and unique in his own way. Rescued as a puppy, Nesta came into our home and - as with any dog - made us realize that we could never imagine our life without him. True to his namesake (Nesta is Bob Marley's middle name), Nesta was laidback and ever so cool. While other dogs wanted to run around and bark to kingdom come, Nesta was never more content then when sleeping at the feet of his people.

In losing him it's like we're losing a bit of ourselves. This fur-person has been a part of our graduations, marriages, joys, and loses. He is a part of us and no words can truly explain how dearly he will be missed.


Photo taken yesterday morning of Nesta enjoying his morning walk in his favorite kind of weather.

Quarterly Recipe - All-Natural Alaska Granola

In honor of earth month, this HUMAN recipe was given to our pastry chef by an Alaskan Fisherman and is full of natural energy. Goes great with yogurt or toss in some chocolate pieces to make a yummy and satisfying mid-afternoon snack.

4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup flaxseed
5 oz shredded coconut
1/4 cup + 1/8 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup + 1/8 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Mis all dry ingredients together. Add oil, honey, and vanilla extract and mix well to try and coat dry ingredients. Place mix into a lightly buttered 9X13inch baking dish and spread the mix out so that it creates a shallow layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until oats appear dry.

Granola can be stored in plastic zip-lock bags for up to one week in humid climates an up to two weeks in dry climates.

What is Carob and is it safe for dogs?

With Easter around the corner it's hard to walk into any store without being bombarded by chocolate goodies in all sorts of bunny and egg shapes. As most dog owners know, these chocolate goodies aren't safe for dogs but many treats, including some of Petit Four Legs', offer up carob as an alternative. So what exactly is carob and why is it safe for dogs?

Like chocolate, carob grows on trees and it is the seed pod which is edible. Native to the Mediterranean, carob has an illustrious history. It was eaten in Ancient Egypt and is mentioned in both the Talmud and the New Testament. Today it is most commonly used as a sweetner or chocolate substitute. Carob is also believed by many to boost nutition and actually be healthier for humans than chocolate but no scientific studies have confirmed this yet.

For dogs, the reason that carob in moderation is a safe alternative is that carob does not contain theobromine, an alkaloid found naturally in chocolate. Theobromine, in amounts as small as 50g for small dogs, can cause tremors, dehydration, and even seizures and death. For this reason treats that use carob are a safe alternative for dogs who are hoping for their own Easter basket this time of year.