THE STORY OF LINCOLN (NO, NOT Home Sweet My name’s Lincoln. I’m a 4 1/2-year-old springer spaniel, and I’ve been living with Dr. Clark since I was 5 months old. But Dr. Clark and the family weren’t my first humans. My first humans were a really nice young couple in Butte. They taught me a lot of neat tricks when I was still just a puppy. Unfortunately, they didn’t know how energetic springer puppies are. All puppies can be hyper, but we springers can be a bit extra. With a 2-year-old already in the house and another baby on the way, they quickly realized they weren’t going to be able to give me the kind of time I needed. That was okay because Dr. Clark and Rose Ann happened to be looking for a new springer at that exact time. Dr. Clark and Rose Ann heard about me through a client involved in English Springer Rescue America, an organization that helps springers find good homes. When they brought their golden retriever, Teton, out to meet me, I was so excited that I flew around the living and jumped up onto the back of the couch to look out the window. I guess that counts as a good first impression, because Dr. Clark laughed and said, “Oh yeah, he definitely belongs at our house.”
The Many Wonders of Omega-3s ONE LITTLE PILL THAT CAN DO YOUR BODY GOOD Because fish oil is said to improve everything from heart health to chronic dry eye, it may sound a bit like, well, snake oil. But this brilliant little supplement packs a big punch, especially for older adults. Heart Health Benefits The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to support heart health in multiple ways. The Mayo Clinic cites research suggesting that higher levels of EPA are associated with a reduced risk of congestive heart failure in older adults. Studies also report that people with moderate to severe hypertension typically see a positive effect on their blood pressure if they regularly take omega-3s. Joint and Eye Benefits Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with osteoarthritis and other joint disorders by lubricating the joints and acting as an anti-inflammatory. As we age, our ability to produce tears diminishes. Fish oil’s lubricating and anti- inflammatory properties also make it a great treatment for and defense against chronic dry eye. Cognitive Function Benefits Several studies have concluded that regularly consuming omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain cognitive function. While research shows no cognitive recovery in extremely elderly subjects who already suffer from dementia, evidence indicates that taking fish oil on a regular basis may prevent or postpone the onset of cognitive decline. Omega-3 consumption may also improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety at any age. Which Omega-3 Supplement Is Right for Me? If you eat fatty fish several times a week every week, you may already get enough omega-3s, but it can be difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone on a regular basis. A fish oil supplement can provide additional fatty acids. Look for an ingredient list that specifically shows EPA and DHA; some brands use misleading labeling that only shows the total amount of fish oil rather than the actual omega-3s. Recommendations vary, but most sources indicate that a dosage of 1,000–2,000 milligrams (1–2 grams) of combined EPA and DHA provides benefits. If the smell or “fish burps” bother you, choose enteric-coated capsules, which dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach. Omega-3 caps also come in vegan options sourced from seaweed and algae. Hey there!
Homemade Peanut Butter and Bacon Dog Treats Give your dog some extra energy this spring with a homemade treat that’s full of protein. Note: This recipe contains milk, so make sure your dog isn’t lactose-intolerant before serving them this treat.
Ingredients
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1 cup natural creamy peanut butter 3/4 cup nonfat milk (replace with lactose-free milk or almond milk for lactose-intolerant pups)
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1 large egg
2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder
1/3 cup oats
2–3 strips cooked bacon, chopped
Inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction
WWW.KALISPELLVET.COM
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