Jack Davis' 6th Birthday

Made by Cindy Cook
For other creative ideas click here for Cindy's Page!

Before you roll your eyes at a blog about my dog, just gimme a sec. I'm goin' somewhere with this. Anyone who knows me even a little knows that my most loyal companion and favorite "person" is Jack Davis my 6 year old Maltese. He pretty much leads a life any person would envy. Jack was a welcome home gift of sorts from my step-mom. I was planning on moving back to Tennessee after having lived in Virginia for close to ten years. I was excited to be moving, starting new, and wanted desperately to fulfil my child hood dream of owning a puppy. What kid doesn't at some point dream of a puppy ?! My step-mom helped me hunt the web and local ad's for a pup. I was originally looking for a Yorkie. Something small, hypo allergenic, and easy to keep up and travel with. I saw several different pups, different breeds, but no luck. One day my step-mom called and said " I got a puppy! If you don't like him we can sell him and keep looking, but he was too cute to pass up". I was hesitant that I wouldn't like him because he wasn't the breed I had been thinking about. My new pup lived with my dad, step-mom and their dog Daisy for about a week before I finally made the move back to TN. She sent me several pictures and I was in love.

CUTEST PUPPY EVER!

As soon as I met him I knew he was perfect for me. Great lil' spirit, great lil' attitude and very well behaved......for a puppy. He played and wrestled with my dad's bigger dog Daisy as if he was just as big. After a few weeks home I set off with Jack to Chattanooga and have enjoyed his faithful companionship ever since. That move would've been so lonely with out his company. He was so small and fit in the palm of my hand. I took him everywhere, still do.  He looked like a walking cotton ball. So precious!

Jack "playing" dress up
with a friends daughter.
Such a lil' trooper!

Jack w His Bday Squeak Toy

I have been mocked relentlessly for the way I treat Jack like a person. Yes, he has clothes, toys, a variety of leashes and yes, I have been known to bake home made treats!! When we lived in the dorm he received endless amounts of attention every time we left the apartment. The girls would hear his collar jingle and come out of their rooms to play with him. He is a very pampered pooch that is for sure. But before you go takin' me down a notch with your "all that you do for a animal you should be doing for people" and what not talk, gimme just another second to state my case. Today is Jacks 6th birthday. I am fully aware that he is a dog and has NO clue that it is his birthday. However, I did bake him some dog friendly pup cakes and get him a new squeak toy, because even if he doesn't know it's his b-day, I do. I didn't go purchase extreme ingredients for the cup cakes or spend more than a dollar on the toy. Doing these fun things for Jack is just a good way to get me out and about. To keep my mind focused on more than just myself. When we lived in the dorm Jack softened a lot of hearts. There's nothing like a dog in a dorm to make you feel more at home. Doing these things reminds me to be thankful for the many ways and many things God uses in our lives to reach us and to reach others.

Jack w one of his favorites, Aunt Chrystal!
Yes, he has on a grass skirt.
It was a Luau, he had to match
the theme. Don't judge.

Today we took two of the bday pup cakes to my "sisters", my dad's dogs. Peaches and Daisy love their "sister", a.k.a. ME and they love a peanut butter flavored anything. We took a pup cake to my Great Aunts house for my cousins dog, coco and we went to my g'parents to show them that indeed Jack gets fed (mamaw thinks because I don't allow him hot dogs at all meals he must starve :-).

Jack @ "Good Dog" in Chatt.
Surprisingly dogs aren't
allowed inside.

In the past with home made treats we've taken them to other aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors to share. Folks are surprised to learn that dog treats can be made in your very own kitchen. And everyone is always very excited to see Jack Davis come prancing up the walk way.  This lil' pup has a way of making even dog haters want to play with him.

Who could resist ?!

As I thought about the silliness of my celebrating Jack's birthday and even the idea of this blog, I realized that this silliness over the last 6 years has helped keep some of the rough edges off of me. It's so easy when dealing with people either in your personal life, in your profession or ministry to let them rough you up. To let them make you a little less softer than when you began your journey. Heck, just watching the news can make you wanna be a hermit! I know that for me with the different curve balls life has thrown at me I am extremely vulnerable to bitterness and rough edges. It's easier than allowing myself to be open to continued disappointment or pain I have mistakenly thought . I also have seen Jacks sweet spirit comfort many college students and co-workers as they hurt. I can't tell you how many times a girl would knock on my apartment door in the dorm and just ask to come in and play with Jack for awhile. Not everyone is a pet person and I get that. But for me it is a sweet way of getting to love on some folks that I other wise might not get the chance too. Some people have children to help them keep focused on something other than them self. Some don't even need a reminder, they are globally focused always. I am not so naturally selfless so at the moment, I have Jack. Crazy as it may sound, the Lord will use anything you allow Him to show His love to His people.....even Jack Davis.

Happy Birthday Captain Jack Davis!!!

Every Day is a Bow Tie Day, but especially on your Birthday!

"Peanut Butter Pup Cake" ingredients for those that have asked :-)

(This is my combo of several web recipes.

 I couldn't find just one that fit my want/requirements

so I had to take bit's a pieces of several. )

1 cup self rising flour (whole wheat is best)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup veggie oil

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 egg

1 Cup Shredded Carrots (if you want, I didn't)

Preheat & Bake on 350 for 30 min.

I made 6 pup cakes, but it can make a small round cake as well.

Peanut Butter Pup Cakes

Icing - 6 oz. vanilla or plain yogurt and 2 heaping tbsp of natural peanut butter

(some add smashed banana to the mix, I did not)

Blend together and once the pup cakes are cool feel free to decorate as wanted.

They are surprisingly moist and smell Yummy!!!

These PupCakes are Jack Davis Approved!!!!