Create shareable treats for furry friends.
Share these treats with shelter dogs, canine neighbors, or host a pet treat bake sale to raise funds for an animal shelter near you!
Possible recipients
Many local Animal Humane Societies and animal shelters appreciate donations of homemade treats.
What you’ll need
Large bowl
Rolling pin
1/2 cup cornmeal
6 tbsp oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup water or broth
Cookie sheet
Cookie cutters (especially dog-bone shaped!)
Container
Instructions
Call your nearest animal shelter first to be sure they can use the dog biscuits you make. Ask when to drop them off and whether you can get a tour or visit with the animals.
To make the dog biscuits: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together well. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake 35-40 minutes, let cool, and store in a tightly sealed container.
Reflections
Why is it fun to spend time with animals?
Why is it important to care for animals that don’t have a home?
How do you think a dog might feel to get a special treat? How do you feel when you receive a special treat?
What are other ways we can help animals in need?
Discuss the many wordless ways animals show their feelings -- pain, hunger, excitement, loneliness. Ask your children how those emotions and responses are similar to their own.
Resources
Maggie’s Second Chance by Nancy Furstinger
Ages 4-8. Jeff and his 4th-grade classmates save Maggie, a rescue dog, by petitioning the town council to establish an animal shelter. Based on a true story.Buddy Unchained by Daisy Bix Ages 4-8. The story of a dog that was abused before finding himself in a loving home.
The Shelter Dog by Christine Davis
Ages 4-8. Hero, an angel dog, decides he wants to go back to earth to be a shelter dog so a loving family can choose him as their pet. Slowly he realizes that living in a shelter isn’t as nice as it appears.A Dog’s Life: Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
Ages 9-12. A puppy separated from its family must learn how to survive on its own.
Take it further
When you deliver your goodies, spend some time playing with the animals. See if you can get a tour of the shelter and ask about other ways you can help out.
Consider fostering animals, which means providing a temporary (a few days to a few months) home for animals that require special attention because they are very young, sick, or because the shelter has limited space.
Offer to assist an elderly neighbor or friend who might need help with dog walking or other pet care.
Make other pet treats or toys for animals at the shelter.
Browse the projects in our Big-Hearted Families Tookit!
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