WOW, a whole month has passed!

Hello all my furr gaurdians, I hope you had a wonderful November and are still stuffed with turkey and all the trimmings. I can't believe it's been an entire MONTH since I last posted a blog, and the only excuse I have is that November was crazy busy!

There has been so much going on I don't even know where to start! I guess let's start with something fun and in my mind really cool. Our tree at Christmas in the Park!!!!! We had SUCH a fun time decorating our beautiful tree and I still can't believe we were able to get all the ornaments on!!! I believe that we had close to 200 ornaments all of which are pictures of your furr kids. I personally handmade each ornament, which was quite the project! The other items on the tree are candycane shaped rawhides, kitty jingle balls, stuffed mice, doggy squeeky toys, and the tree is topped with a round doggy ball. We also have a fire hydrant, and a shiney red bowl with red glass ornaments in it.

I have mentioned to some of you that finding your furr kid could be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, but if you see a picture of your furr kid on our website then he/she is up on the tree! We are really proud of this tree and being a true part of the community. Christmas in the Park goes through January 1st and our tree is #633 right next to Santa's House. If you get the chance you should really spend an afternoon viewing all the cool displays and the many decorated trees. http://www.christmasinthepark.com/

There are so many fun pet related holiday events going on in December, and I wanted to mention a couple of them.

Santa Paws at PetSmart! This is an event that benefits my friends at 13th Street Cat Rescue and it's a great opportunity for you to meet these wonderful folks. Your furr kid can pose with Santa Claus and have their picture taken for a resonable $9.95. Five dollars of your fee will do directly to 13th Street Cat Rescue, which will help them incredibly. This event will be held on December 13th and 14th between 11:00am and 4:00pm at the PetSmart located at 607 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110. To learn more about 13th Street Cat Rescue please visit their website at http://www.13thstcats.org/

Santa Paws at Santana Row! This is a fun event where you can bring your four-legged friends, (cats and dogs only) to Santana Row's Park Valencia for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus! Photos are just $20.00 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. This will be held on Sunday, December 7th from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Registration begins at 10:30am, so make sure to come early.

I know that this isn't really pet related, but coming from a long line of SJSU alumni I thought I would mention it...besides, we all would love to see happy Children. The SJSU University Police Department is collecting contributions for its 16th annual holiday toy drive. Each year, UPD delivers new and gently used toys to 1,000 needy children living near campus. You can help by contributing cash or toys. Cash contributions should be made online or via check or money order to the Tower Foundation of San Jose State University, One Washington Square, Attn: UPD Holiday Toy Drive, San Jose, CA 95192-0183. Please write "UPD Holiday Toy Drive" on the reference line of your check. Toys can be dropped off in the UPD office lobby on the ground floor of the Seventh Street Gargage by December 12th. To learn more you can contact Liza Rios, UPD administrative analyst, at (408) 924-2171. Since 1991, the San Jose State University Police Department Holiday Toy Drive has been providing community children with toys to celebrate the holiday season, and over the years, Santa's list has grown from 50 families to more than 300!

This is the second year in a row that my Sister, Mom and I have donated and I must say...we go a little overboard. :o)

I wanted to welcome all our new furr kids to our SVPN family...Gadget, Mia, Cherry-Pie and Hummer, Newbie and Pinky, Buck, Chocolate, Cisco, Duff, Hudson and Slash, Clara, Muddy-Pie, Killer, Loverboy and Rebel, Candy and Nugget, Bentley, Gucci, Ambrosia and Clem and Toshio. I also want to welcome and thank all you furr gaurdians who have allowed us to care for your wonderful furr kids. If I have forgotten any of you please let me know and your furr kid will be included in the next entry.

Since it's the holidays, I thought it was only appropriate to include a yummy "Howliday Recipe" for your pooch or kitty if they are adventurous eaters.

Giggy's Corn Muffins with Turkey Giblets!
Yield 12 to 18 mini muffins

2 oz. bacon grease or shortening
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 C. flour
1/3 C. water
1 tsp. parsley flakes
7.5 oz. box corn muffin mix
2 -3 oz. chicken/turkey giblets, (enclosed pack minus the neck)

-Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
-Grease a muffin pan with nonstick vegetable spray.
-Melt the bacon grease
-Puree the liver and giblets in a blender or food processor.
-In large mixing bowl, whisk together the pureed liver, water and bacon grease.
-In separate bowl, stir together the corn muffin mix, flour, and spice. Mix into the liquid mixture.
-Divide the batter evenly among the muffin slots and bake for 15 minutes or until the toothpick test is dry, turning the pan once for even baking.

I guess that's all for now...enjoy this last bit of our Indian Summer and a wonderful weekend.

Until next time.....