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How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

It is no secret that the last few years have been transitional ones. Embarking on a life as a single parent and learning that it is OK to be that has been eye opening. It has also been emotional, stressful, redeeming and uplifting. I am proud of myself for getting through it, despite the struggles, and coming out the other side happier and a better mother! I would be remiss if I did not clarify that I did not do it alone. Though family and friends were instrumental in reaching out their arms to me, my dogs also reached out a furry paw, a wet nose and a warm snuggle body that I leaned on more times that not. All of my three dogs are rescues: my oldest from a craw fish boil and my other two from the Houston Beagle Rescue. I have had Bud since he was 5 weeks old but Piper and Jack have only come into my home in the last year. I think back to how I got them and the timing behind it and I am amazed at how my rescue dogs rescued me right back.

Keep reading to learn how to make Homemade Stinky Dog Away Spray!

How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

As I type I reach over and pat the head of Piper. She sees her NEW favorite treats, Nudges® Grillers Chicken treats, on my desk and is pleading with her eyes for just one more. I found them at Walmart last week and they have quickly become the salivation triggers for all of my dogs. I smile and lean over to give her one, always amazed when I open the bag at the aroma of real grilled chicken that escapes. She chomps down eagerly and licks her chops. As little Jack hears the satisfaction, he runs over and stands on his hind legs, begging for his Nudges® Grillers made with real Steak. Again, the bag opens and the aroma filters through making me want a grilled steak for lunch. He jumps around, one eye bright with anticipation, and swallows the treat almost whole. Old man Bud, as I call him, saunters over, secure in his training of me and promptly gets his Nudges® Sizzlers with real beef and chicken. Smiling at my three pups, each one holding a special place in my heart, I shoo them away so I can get back to work.

Nudges® Grillers and Sizzlers are made with real meat as #1 ingredient

Listening to the scamper of twelve feet running to the doggy door to pursue the always evasive squirrel, I settle back into my thoughts about how the support system over the years has always included my pups.

How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

It is interesting how dogs come to us. When I found Bud, I was newly dating my ex-husband. I was not sure about him and did not know if I wanted to continue the relationship. But when we went to a craw fish boil and little 5 week old, 2 pound Bud needed a home, he seemed to bond us as I took him in. Raising a rambunctious puppy made me see my ex in a new light. I still did not love him and was unsure but I knew that if I had children, he would be OK with them. Almost 11 years later, Bud is still here and the ex is not. But I have three daughters I would not trade a decision or a day for. Bud is now our protector. This little man has a large bark and will go after anyone he sees as a threat to me and my girls. He is also kind and gentle and patient with my kids and the other dogs.

Our dogs need nutrition, exercise and grooming to live the best lives!

How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

Piper came to me during a time when I felt lonely. Having been through her first six years being unappreciated and poorly taken care of, this brown Beagle needed me as much as I needed her. I had searched online for a female Beagle and thought I found the perfect fit. But when the rescue called me and told me about a 6 year old female that had been turned in, yet again, by her owners – who had her on anti-anxiety medications and tranquilizers – I thought I had better meet her. It was love at first sight. I took her off all of her meds and let her be a dog. The first night I had her, she curled up in my bed, warm body tucked as close to me as she could get, and has been there ever since. I have not felt a day of lonely since this sweet girl came into my life.

Help your dog develop their emotional needs by socialization with other animals and people

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My little energy ball, Jack, came to me only 6 weeks ago. A spitfire of a one year old, the start of his life could have led to certain tragedy. If it were not for the kind hearts of the rescue, he would not be here at all. His first year was what no dog should know. He came to me when I started to feel restless and like my life was stagnate. I did not realize it was. But the day to day monotony was setting in. Even with three energetic kids, sometimes we all get in a rut. I needed motivation to enhance my life with energy and excitement. Jack offers both! A disabled dog due to his first year, he also keeps me humble. He is also a constant reminder that no matter what we all go through, and what we may lose in our lives, there is joy and happiness on the other side.

Treats are a great way to enhance a dogs mental needs – dogs get bored too… play games and train them at least every few days using treats to help

How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

All of my dogs have come to me when I needed them most. They are the fur I cry on, the companions when I am down, the playmates when I want to be silly. They are best friends to my girls and protectors of my home and family. I can not imagine my life without them. So spoiling them with high quality treats that taste and smell more like real food, like NEW Nudges® Grillers or Sizzlers is a no brainer! I stock up!

They have a real meaty texture, appearance & smell

Living with dogs is wonderful but when you live with them, you need to have some things on hand to make it a little more pleasant. High quality food and treats, good leashes for training and walks and a homemade, non-toxic, dog spray to help them smell a little better in between baths are all necessary!

Check out my Homemade Stinky Dog Away Spray recipe below. I use it on their fur, their beds and even in the car if they have gone on a ride in it!

Dogs have Social needs too! It is why I have more than one and let my friends bring their dogs over too! 

How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

You will need

8 ounces Distilled water

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Essential oils – I use 6- 8 drops of Lavender with a drop of Peppermint

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and it is safe to use on your dogs fur. The coconut oil helps the scent last and also softens the skin. A spray or two brushes through will help keep your dog smelling less like ‘dog’ and more like a family member!

How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

Taking care of your dogs is so important. They take such good care of us, after all. Share with me how you got your dogs and which variety of Nudges® Grillers or Sizzlers they would eat up!

 How my Rescue Dogs Rescued Me Right Back #NudgeThemBack #ad

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