Self Sufficiency
8 Reasons Dogs Are Happier Than People
Want to know the reasons dogs are happier than people? I’ll give you eight reasons why and I’m sure you’ll agree!
8 Reasons Dogs Are Happier Than People
Anyone who has spent much time around dogs knows one thing for sure—dogs are happy creatures. I sometimes joke that if you look up the word “happy” in the dictionary, there will be a picture of a dog instead of a definition—just a mug shot of a big goofy animal with its tongue hanging out of the side of its mouth and laughter in its eyes. Just like my Golden Retriever.
It isn’t just Goldens, though. I once stopped at a wilderness lodge to trade in some outdoor gear I had purchased, and could hardly get anything done. Instead, I was waylaid by a friendly pit bull who brought me her prized Frisbee and would not take no for an answer. I spent the next half hour playing with an exuberant dog.
I used to know a Pomeranian that bounded onto the couch with such joy and enthusiasm that it was impossible to be grouchy or sad in her presence.
Dogs so often radiate so much joy that it’s easy to imagine that they are happier than people. Maybe they are. And if that’s true, here are eight things that make dogs happy. And it might even be possible for us humans to learn a few tricks of happiness from our canine companions.
1. Dogs live in the moment.
They don’t brood about what happened last week, and they don’t fret about what might be around the corner. It is all about right now. If a dog is doing something great right at this minute, it’s happy. And being happy right now is all that counts. Worrying about the past or the future just sucks the joy out of the present.
2. Dogs are forgiving.
They don’t hold grudges or get their panties all in a bunch over perceived slights or hurts. My dog doesn’t even get upset over real injuries. She’s been kicked, squeezed, and stepped on many times, bu she seems to understand that it was an accident. A hug and a heartfelt apology from the perpetrator, and she’s over it. Dogs experience discomfort at the hands of veterinarians, but mine have always given the vet a sweet slurp on the hand when it’s over. Resentment can cloud up the bluest of skies, and dogs don’t let that happen.
My dog Jake was ten when I got him from the animal shelter. The staff told me he had been abandoned when his people got a divorce, and a relative had finally brought him in for surrender. He was filthy, skin and bones, and had been so inflicted with skin parasites that his coat had bare patches the size of my hand. He was Lyme positive and so lame he could barely walk. A large scar on the back of his neck and ground-down from teeth suggested he had spent much of his youth tied to a doghouse.
Yet when I helped him into the back seat of my pickup, the eager expression on his face told me he had wiped the slate clean and was ready to begin a whole new chapter of his life. I was astounded at his sweet trusting nature, so happy and hopeful for a bright future. So ready to forgive, even after so much abuse at the hands of humans.
3. Dogs are all in, all the time.
No tentative “Well maybe I’ll try it, just this once.” No sticking their big toe in to test the waters—nope, they jump right in. They embrace life and everything in it, sucking the marrow of its goodness. Whether dogs are leaping off the end of the dock into the lake, barking to warn the family of approaching strangers, or napping in the sun on the back deck—whatever they are doing, they give it their all.
4. Dogs never run out of favorite things.
Throw a ball for a dog, and the dog’s body language is likely to shout “Chasing balls! My favorite thing!” But if you stop for a moment and rub the dog’s ears, the story changes. Suddenly it’s “Having my ears rubbed! My favorite thing!”
Dogs are definitely enthusiastic. Car rides? My favorite thing! Snuggling on the couch with my human? My favorite thing! A new toy? Supper? Company coming? Fresh snowfall? Sunshine? Teasing the cat? My favorite things!
5. Dogs are not picky eaters.
Dogs at my house get high quality food from a pet store, often served up with a bit of broth rendered from local organic meats. In addition to regular meals, foods like egg yolks left over when the recipe calls for just egg whites or a bit cheese that got dropped on the floor make nice between-meal morsels.
But none of that stops, or even slows down, the canine urge to seek out self-serve smorgasbords around my place.
My dog Honey likes to participate when I pick blueberries or tomatoes, but you may not be surprised to learn that I do not appreciate her help with those tasks. Stealing crops from the plants is not her most unpleasant eating habit, however. She enjoys tasty tidbits left behind by chickens and other livestock, or even the cat. When she is sick and I call the vet, the first question they always ask me is whether or not we have made any changes to her diet lately.
“She’s a farm dog,” I always reply. “She changes her own diet without my approval.”
Of course I am by no means suggesting that anyone of any species would be happier if they picked up Honey’s eating habits. Rather, I am saying that having an appreciation for a wide assortment of foods can enhance one’s life.
6. Dogs never question whether or not you came just to see them.
Of course you did! Honey often accompanies me to my local small-town bank, hardware store, and feed store. When other customers come in, it never occurs to my dog that they might have come to do banking or shopping. She naturally assumes that they are there to see her. Once in a while she encounters a person who isn’t interested in petting her, and she seems befuddled by that. Her face looks as if she is wondering why on earth they would have bothered come at all.
It’s the same at home. Visitors are exciting, and it never dawns on dogs that the visitors are not their visitors. After the greeting and belly rubs, dogs seem to allow their humans to cut in with a hug for the new arrivals as if it’s an afterthought.
7. Dogs get rewarded for bodily functions.
They do what comes naturally and get a treat for it. Who wouldn’t be happy with a life like that?
8. Dogs know how to get comfortable.
A dog can always find the shade under a tree or the softest section of the rug. Dogs can take up the best part of the bed or slink undetected to the forbidden piece of furniture, sprawl across a lap, or paw at a pillow to get it into just the right position.
Not only are dogs good at seeking out comfort, they are willing to pay a price to get it. We humans once watched in incredulity as our dog Honey and our cat Carlos dramatized this point. At our house in winter, the carpet in front of the wood stove is prime real estate. Despite the fact that the whole room is warm and comfortable, all the pets vie for that one two-foot-wide piece of floor. Honey crowded her way into the space that day when the cat had already staked a claim for himself. Annoyed as she inched closer, the cat finally reached over the bit her ear. Honey winced, but held her ground for a few seconds, and then resumed creeping in. Carlos bit her ear again, and the whole scene repeated. Finally, Carlos got up and stomped off in disgust, and I’m sure I saw Honey smile a little as she claimed the special spot.
Again, a disclaimer. I wouldn’t want to suggest that I am advocating subjecting oneself to pain in order to attain something coveted. Rather, I am saying that seeking out the ultimate and being willing to sacrifice for it is worth a lot.
Remember Jake? The ten-year-old dog from the shelter? We had four great years with him, during which time he was sweet, loving, and loyal. Antibiotics restored his mobility, his coat grew into a handsome luxurious mane, and he was never tied to anything ever again. He passed peacefully on the back lawn on a warm summer day, and I hope he never regretted giving humans another chance.
We can’t all be dogs. We don’t even all want to be. But if you have a dog in your life, you know what a wondrous thing it is to be part of their joy. And you know that every now and then, you have to reach out and grab some of that happiness for yourself.
Want to see just how happy dogs are? Watch them here from MashupZone:
Have a dog? Share your memorable stories with them below in the comments!
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How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
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Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
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Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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