My name is Sadie, and this blog will be used to express my thoughts and opinions. I am a personified canine and represent nothing other than a personified canine.

Puppies by nature are chewers. When I cannot find something suitable, I like Ugg and Feragamo shoes, very tasty. I don't suggest that you make a habit out of shoes though. Bones are a much better choice.

A visit to a pet store will provide you with a wide selection of chewing options. I want to warn you though, us Shepherds can chew, we chew to consume. Rawhide bones are tasty but dangerous. If you've never watched a GSD in action with a rawhide, you're in for a real eye opener.

The most popular rawhides are in the shape of bones, with knots on either side. It's quite easy for us to chew and untie those knots. The next thing we'll do is chew the rawhide until it's soft enough for us to swallow. Here in lies the problem. Chunks of rawhide can cause blockage in my digestive system. If I'm successful, I'll be able to throw up the piece of raw hide. If I'm not, I must be taken to a vet ASAP.

You'll know I am having issues if I'm straining to potty or throw up. If that's what you observe, call the vet and get me there. Another tasty bone is the smoked bones you can buy in the same pet store. These bones are so processed that I'm able to chew them up into pieces.

What do you think I do with those pieces?? Certainly not leave them on the floor for someone else...I'll swallow them. Just like rawhide, they can cause blockage, or more seriously puncture wounds in the digestive track.

I would suggest you stick to bones purchased from a butcher. They call them soup bones, as that's probably an easier way to market them. You can find these bones retailing for anywhere from fifty cents to one dollar per pound.

If you don't have the heart to give your dog a fresh bone, you can boil them. I find that these bones are the hardest to chew up, but extremely good for you. They last forever and don't break into pieces.

Know the signals that your dog displays. The more you know about their habits and tendencies, the better informed you will be. With that information, you'll know when I'm not feeling well and will be able to take corrective action.