My name is David and I love DOGS!   I’ve been a team member of Tails of the Trail for over a year and am also a regular volunteer at Metro Animal Care and Control.   I found my black Lab mix, Tracy, on Craigslist after many failed attempts to find the right dog.  She is the first dog I’ve had since high school.   At the time I knew nothing about rescues.  Now I am a regular volunteer and know that rescues save the lives of dogs and cats on a daily basis.   Tracy’s exact birthday is unknown but that didn’t stop me from celebrating it on the day she became a beloved member of my family, September 25, 2011, at the age of three (3).  We have been together five (5) years now and recently celebrated her 8^th birthday.  Being a dedicated dog lover, I took a week off from work to celebrate her special day and we did fun activities such as visiting several dog parks and pet stores.  I even baked her a special carob (aka dog chocolate) cake, recipe below.  We ate our slices and frozen yogurt on all fours; unfortunately the video was too dark to view…you know, in the birthday candle lighting.  BUT I can assure you we had FUN!

In the minds of many this may seem like it was a bit overdone for just a dog, but Tracy came to me at a time in my life when I was coming up from a major low point.  I often believe that she has helped me to avoid going back there.  She rekindled my love of dogs that had been forgotten for many years though I do still miss my childhood dog, Dizzy.  Tracy is the reason I learned about dog parks and the need to exercise their minds and bodies to stay healthy.  I think back to the day I first visited Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) to learn about their dog exercise program which ultimately lead me to become a volunteer member for the past 2¹/₂ years and counting.   Coincidentally this is where I also learned about meetup.com and the Tails of the Trails nonprofit organization.   And can you believe that the first event in which I participated was held at MACC.  I love my time helping the dogs during Tails of the Trail events and at MACC.

Now the love I have for Tracy has expanded to other dogs and animals in general to the point that I no longer eat meat.  I truly respect the lives of all animals and treasure my time with Tracy.  Whether we’re learning or practicing tricks, walking the greenways, playing in the dog parks or she is simply snuggling against me at night I know that I am blessed.  She provides many laughs and much love and I cannot imagine my life without her!

I strongly encourage you to volunteer at your local shelter and adopt a dog or two…you won’t regret it.

Doggie Birthday cake:        

1 cup carob powder

1 cup plain yogurt

½ cup flour

½ cup honey

¾ cups peanut butter

8 oz plain cream cheese

5 large eggs

Mix well and bake in pyrex dish at 375 degrees

for about 35-40 minutes.

The cake comes out about 1.5 inches high.

Icing

16 oz cream cheese

1 cup large Frozen fruit like strawberries or ½ cup small frozen fruit like blueberries

½ cup honey

Spread onto cooled cake and enjoy.  Human and canine edible; don’t forget the candles!