February 23 is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!

No, this isn't likely to be listed on your Hallmark calendar, banks and offices will NOT close, and mail WILL be delivered. There won't be any parades, special cards, or bone-shaped candies in colorful bone-shaped boxes or wrapped in pastel-colored cellophane. And it won't inspire family get-togethers or calls from out-of-town relatives and friends. It won't be the main news topic on CNN, not even a mention on your local TV stations.

There are no colored eggs to hide (though you could make a game of it by hiding a few biscuits around your house for your dog to discover), no hams or turkeys to buy, no loud firecrackers, no colorful costumes or knocking on doors, no candles to light or dreidels to spin, and no trees to decorate or stockings to hang. No shopping. No stress. Nevertheless, February 23rd is a holiday for our canine friends, and it is truly one of the easiest holidays to celebrate. So...

May I eat them now, Mom?

Woof, woof, hooray--Happy International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Go to your cupboards, get out the Mother Hubbard's (Mother Hubbard's dog biscuits, that is), and have a party with your pooch! The day may not have any special significance for you, but your dog will appreciate your efforts on his behalf. 

Here's a little quiz to test your knowledge about one of a canine's favorite treats. You'll find the answers at the end of this article.

1. What were the earliest known dog treats?

2. Who was the first person to make dog biscuits in the USA?

3. When were the first bone-shaped biscuits made? By whom?

4. After NABISCO bought Bennett's company in 1931, the name of Bennett's Maltoid Biscuits was changed to the name they are still known by today. What is it?

5. Why are dog biscuits and other dog treats an effective training tool?

Aww, there's only one left!

My dog, Mindy, loves Mother Hubbard treats in various flavors, but her number one favorite treat is Frosty Paws--a dog-alternative to a Skippy cup ice cream treat. When given her Frosty Paw, she carries it to her favorite spot in the living room, lays down, her half-closed eyes glaze over, her tongue makes contact with the tasty frozen treat, and she's in another world--her own private bliss.

Frosty Paws = Bliss

So, to Mindy and all our canine friends, a very happy International Dog Biscuit Day! What are you doing to celebrate with your dog?

Want to make some homemade treats for your favorite canine(s)? Check out this recipe from Martha Stewart-- http://www.marthastewart.com/article/homemade-dog-biscuits

Answers to Quiz:

1. In Roman times, people gave their dogs very stale, dry pieces of bread, called "dog's bread."

2. James Spratt, from Cincinnati, Ohio, got the idea while on business in England in 1860. He was the first to obtain a patent for dog biscuits.

3. In 1907 by F. H. Bennett, to try to improve sales of his dog biscuits.

4. Milk Bones

5. Because most dogs are motivated by food, though some prefer a favorite toy as a reward, or just a good old-fashioned tummy rub.