PHAR

I am doing a switch with this blog and telling you about Potomac Highlands Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Hardy County, West Virginia, does not have a shelter for rescues and strays, but it has several brave and persistent women who devote considerable time to rescuing animals and finding them foster or permanent homes. Small dogs and cats have a good chance of being homed through animal agencies in DC and Northern Virginia, but larger dogs are always an issue--- particularly if they have never been allowed to live inside a home, which is too often the case out here. PHAR also helps arrange for pets to be neutered or spayed, which helps tremendously with the overpopulation issues.

For several years, Lost River Artisans’ Co-op has sponsored PHAR fundraisers. We set up in the gazebo, post signs all over the Lost River Valley and State Park, and arrange for Chestina, our local PHAR rep, to bring the van and some animals. After the first event, Chestina went home with more cats than she came with; thank goodness we have not done that again! We raffle off donated prizes, sell healthy dog biscuits (containing the stuff WE probably should all be eating), and have a good time. For a change of pace, last year I began making quilted potholders to sell at the co-op between events. Those have proved very popular and all of the money goes to PHAR. A more deserving group I can’t imagine! Visit Lost River Artisans’ Co-op; there are new potholders in the basket!

 

Healthy dog biscuits*

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup oats

2/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1½ cups chicken broth

½ cup corn oil

2 eggs

The ingredients, when combined, may either be rolled flat and cut out, or shaped into small balls and flattened before baking for about 40-50 minutes at 340˚ F. They last indefinitely when thoroughly baked and dry. I’ve never met a dog who does not like them!

*From No barking at the Table (Howell Books, 1996).