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Computers & Software Energy & Environment Leisure Activities Technology U.K

Energy Efficiency: Re-Using Heat From Data Centres to Heat Up Public Swimming Pools

The rising energy prices in the UK have affected not just households but also businesses. Data centres, for example, require a lot of energy to keep their computers cool. The cost of running air conditioning for these can be astronomical.

Similarly, public swimming pools require energy to keep the water warm enough to swim in. Maintaining a steady 30 degrees C means an energy bill can cost thousands. And, with the anticipated increase in heating costs, leisure centres are expecting to pay £100,000 more this year.

However, someone noticed the opposing requirements of these two entities and figured why not get them to help each other out.

But, why do data centres need help? 

One can see how the heating cost is a factor for public pools. In fact, BBC News reported that 65 pools have closed down since 2019, with rising costs being listed as a significant factor. But data centres?

The Problem Data Centres Face

Cloud computing and digital transformation have meant that the need for data centres has grown exponentially. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services need more data centres in the UK. 

However, they face the likelihood of being hit with sustainability-related regulations to keep them out of certain parts of London. Some of these regulations might limit the amount of power they consume and mandate how they reuse heat.

These regulations will mean data centres might have to either scale back their expansion plans or look into newer ways of energy efficiency and heat capture.

Swimming Pools to the Rescue

The founder of tech startup, Deep Green, Mark Bjornsgaard, came up with the idea of using small data centres as “digital boilers” for swimming pools. He provided a small, washing-machine-sized data centre to the Exmouth Leisure Centre.

The “digital boiler” is made up of computers housed inside a white box, which is surrounded by oil. The oil absorbs the heat generated by the servers and then it’s pumped into the heat exchanger, where the absorbed heat is transferred to the water.

The cooled oil is sent back into the boiler to continue the heat transfer process.

This system has provided around 60% of the heating required for the pool. And, it’s been so successful that up to 20 public pools might adopt this heating system this year. 

The best part is, this system is free for the pools. As mentioned above, data centres need to demonstrate sustainability, whilst also keeping servers cool. The data centre installed in the Exmouth Leisure Centre pool has been provided free of charge.

What’s more, Bjornsgaard also refunded them the electricity cost of running the server.

Is This the Heating Solution of the Future?

As the need for more data centres grows, there is a possibility that, at some point in the future, people could house (pun intended!) data centres in their homes as “digital boilers”. However, for now, people still need to rely on traditional boilers to heat their homes. 

Of course, as heating costs rise, regular maintenance and repair of boilers (by reliable service providers, like Mulgas Boiler Care Specialists) will help keep homes energy efficient for now.

In the future, however, it is entirely possible that when boilers act up, homeowners might need to call a server repair technician.

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Thornton Park Hosts St Patrick’s Day Block Party In Orlando Florida.

Orlando FL – Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 – The Thornton Park St. Patrick’s Day block party is back for local residents to enjoy and celebrate the day. The restaurants and bars of Washington Street in the Thornton Park District are teaming up to host this amazing event for the community.

A team effort from The 808 Orlando, Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen, and Burton’s Thornton Park will create this awesome event they are calling SHAMROCK THE BLOCK on St. Patrick’s Day!

Guests will enjoy street games including beer pong, flip cup, and cornhole!

The event will offer prizes, exclusive drink specials, amazing local food, DJ Digital, and an NCAA Basketball viewing area.

Guests will enjoy one complimentary drink getting their choice of Tito’s, Tullamore Dew, Guinness, or Miller Lite with their event ticket between 4pm-8pm. Admission to the event will be only $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event.

The venues will give you a variety of dining and cocktailing experiences to enjoy throughout the day.

At The 808 guests are transported to an old-school, laid-back surf shack where the vibe is relaxed and everyone is welcome. Their Hawaiian “inspired” menu has offerings for every taste including fresh seafood, and plate lunches. Their full liquor bar features delectable tropical concoctions with fresh ingredients and exotic spirits.

Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen is a fun, casual sports bar in the heart of Thornton Park. They offer solid cocktails and Northeast (Philly & NYC) influenced cuisine. They have a cool comfortable vibe for hanging out or watching all the games.

Burton’s Thornton Park is a casual bar in the Thornton Park district popular amongst locals. They offer beer, booze, and wine to quench their patron’s thirst while they hang out and play pool, darts, golden tee, pinball, and watch sports on 16 TVs.

For anyone living or visiting the Orlando area The Thornton Park District’s SHAMROCK THE BLOCK party is the place to be for St. Patricks Day fun. The party will start on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 12:00 PM and continue till 10:00 PM on 808 East Washington Street in Orlando Florida 32801.

Get tickets and more info at: shamrockorlando.eventbrite.com

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Business Food & Beverage Leisure Activities Lifestyle U.S

Is Fido a Foodie? Then Say Bone Appetite to This Purrfect Treat! eCommerce Sensation Unveils PetCakes® for Retailers

Orlando, Florida – March 7, 2023 – Cats and dogs everywhere will want to get their paws on the most innovative treat at the Global Pet Expo 2023 in Orlando on March 22-24 as Melinda Kirk Stenger, also known as the Canine Caterer, debuts PetCakes® Complete Baking Kits for Cats and PetCakes® Complete Baking Kits for Dogs branded exclusively for brick and mortar and large retail stores. 

Melinda, who has over 20 years of canine culinary experience, is the creator of the award-winning PetCakes line, the first ever DIY organic microwavable pet treats for both cats and dogs that created a large presence on eCommerce platforms like Amazon and Chewy.com and has generated over $25 Million in online sales. PetCakes is a solid favorite with pet moms and dads who want to pamper their pooch or princess kitty and has received over eleven thousand 4.5 star reviews for the PetCakes birthday kit alone.

“What people don’t realize is that many dogs are allergic to wheat, corn, and soy, which I discovered with my rescue dog, Bella,” Melinda says. “She’s a deaf Jack Russell mix, my official taste tester, and the inspiration behind everything I create including PetCakes. For our retail rollout, we’ve created complete baking kits that are made with the finest human grade ingredients plus we source and make everything in the USA.” 

Each kit makes six fish shaped cakes for cats or two bone shaped cakes for dogs plus 24 frosted mini cupcakes and pet parents can customize flavors or add healthy toppings and includes:

  • One fish shaped re-usable pan (for cats) or One bone shaped re-usable pan (for dogs) 
  • Four cake mixes
  • Two frosting mixes
  • Both microwave and oven instructions.

“People think it’s too complicated and time consuming to cook for their cats or dogs,” Melinda says, “but this makes it so easy and why I developed PetCakes Complete Baking Kits for both cats and dogs so parents and kids can have fun and bond with their pets in a unique way while cooking for them.” Melinda has also created complete baking kits for all occasions pet parents want to celebrate with their furry friends including birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas, with purrfectly nutritious, homemade treats that will have tails wagging.

The PetCakes Complete Baking Kits for Cats and PetCakes Complete Baking Kits for Dogs retail at $24.99 and will be available to pet owners and their furry families at select retailers across the country later this year following their launch at the Global Pet Expo. Melinda is excited to be at the show this year and shares, “When we launched PetCakes in 2010 as a completely unknown company and brand, we were thrilled to win ‘Best New Product of the Year’ here and now we are back and hope to earn that honor again in both cat and dog divisions with PetCakes Complete Baking Kits.”

Melinda Kirk Stenger will be meeting with buyers and retailers at the PetCakes Booth #5804 located in the Boutique Section at the Global Pet Expo 2023 where she is also available for media interviews and product previews. Find out how to order a PetCakes Birthday Kit for those special furry friends at ilovepetcakes.com or follow Melinda on Instagram.

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Business Celebrity Fashion & Beauty Leisure Activities Lifestyle

A Closer Look at the Top Model of AAA Abraham Ackermann Agency

This competition has been held for many years and this year Serbia is sending its representative for the second time. This year, in anticipation of spring, the largest and most glamorous competition in medaling is coming to us again. In the period from February 20 to March 4 this year, the contest for “Top Model of the World” will be held. The finals of the prestigious competition Top Model of the World are held in luxurious and modern complexes and cities around the world. Previous finals were held in Egypt, Shanghai, Berlin and Miami.

The AAA Abraham Ackermann Agency, which is the owner of the license for Serbia and Brazil, has decided to once again send top model Tara Računica, who took second place for Miss Europe last year.

The preceding year the same agency was also awarded for the best model agency in the Balkans, and its director and owner AAA Abraham Ackermann for gentleman of the year. Tara is 19 years old and comes from Belgrade. The world got to know her well last year during the preparations for this event. The audience and the jury could not resist her charm and charisma. The whole team was proud of their ranking. However, as this top model reveals to us, this year she is ready to conquer the world.

“I am proud of my team and all of Serbia. We did a great thing last year, but this year we will be even better. I am glad that my country is part of this world event for the second time. It is certainly a great honor to be a part of all this for the second time! My team and I promise you that we will win” – said young Tara.

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Agriculture & Farming Arts & Entertainment Leisure Activities Media & Communications World

Festival of Lights makes a comeback this November at Sweet Valley Ranch.

Festival of Lights makes a comeback this November at Sweet Valley Ranch.

This November, Sweet Valley Ranch will host its annual Festival of Lights once again.

 

Holiday-loving families are in for a treat as Fayetteville, Sweet Valley Ranch’s Festival of Lights makes a triumphant comeback this season. In Fayetteville, Sweet Valley is a working farm with a natural aesthetic that also serves as a local tourist destination and recreational spot for the locals and neighbors. Families will once again enjoy its annual Festival of Lights.

 

Over a million lights and more than 350 unique exotic animals can be found in the enchanting Christmas holiday wonderland known as the Festival of Lights. Come see animals take center stage in this enchanting ranch this holiday season with your family and friends. The Festival of Lights is a drive-through event, and parking is available for visitors at Tiny’s Winter Wonderland across the street.

In addition, the event offers vendors, gift stores, rides, food, and more. The drive-through event requires all ticket holders to be in the same car.

 

New for 2022, 100 foot Prehistoric Cave featuring custom Ice Age lighted exhibits and over 30,000 lights. First responders, Santa’s Backyard, Dinosaur World, Star Wars, Santa’s Drive-Thru Gift Shop, Nativity Scene, Gingerbread House, The Grinch’s Mansions, and Military Tribute are just a few of the special exhibits available. From November 25 to December 26 the festival of lights is open, with many specific days accessible throughout the week. Check the website and day that are convenient for you because this event is expected to last for only a few weeks.

  

Festival of Lights has received excellent ratings from people from all over the world and has been voted the best destination to spend Christmas according to many different magazines and publications. The festival offers exhilarating activities to provide each guest with a memorable experience they won’t soon forget. At the Festival of Lights, exotic creatures are not just sideshows; they are the main event. A tractor-pulled farm wagon rental program is another fantastic service provided by Sweet Valley Ranch. Guests can take advantage of this to experience and explore the lights and animals. 

 

About Sweet Valley Ranch

Sweet Valley Ranch in Fayetteville draws its inspiration from nature and has strong ties to farming, agriculture, and animals to offer visitors and families a fun and exciting experience. Sweet Valley Ranch is keen on charity and was founded with the intention of giving back to the local area and Community. Here, nature and adventure merge under the ownership and management of Fred and Anita Surgeon. Seasonal activities held in Sweet Valley include Backwoods Terror Ranch, Springtime Adventures, Dinosaur World, Festival of Lights, and Music at the Farm. Sweet Valley Ranch is committed to giving back to the community and collaborates with nonprofits to assist residents of Fayetteville, NC.  

 

Find more details by clicking here.

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Leisure Activities Lifestyle Travel U.S World

Adventures in VolunTourism: The Most Rewarding Hawai’i Vacation Experiences Not Found in Guidebooks

Hawaiʻi has always been a favorite vacation destination but most tourists don’t know that some of the best adventures NOT found in any guidebook and they may be missing out on some of the most life changing experiences that the islands have to offer that go far beyond the beaches and popular attractions.

Visitors have been eager to return to Hawai‘i to enjoy its natural beauty and the spirit of the islands rooted in native Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian islands are legendary for their stunning natural beauty, plants and animals that exist nowhere else in the world, and the tightly knit community of 1.4 million residents that welcome visitors with the Spirit of Aloha to the tropical place they call home.

John De Fries was born and raised in Waikīkī and is the President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA). In recent TV interviews, he shared, “It’s time to reclaim all the things we love including travel and experience destinations on a much deeper and meaningful level. Hawaiʻi’s beautiful beaches are always a main attraction, but we have so much more to offer.”

Most visitors don’t know that the Hawaiian islands have amazing voluntourism opportunities where they can be part of a circle that enriches everything and everyone. In fact, through the Mālama Hawaiʻi Program, visitors can engage in volunteer activities working alongside members of the local community to experience Hawaiʻi on a much deeper and connected level, so they return home more rejuvenated and inspired by this unique experience

De Fries says, “Mālama means to care for and whether you’re visiting the islands or Hawai’i is your home, we have so many ways to work with our community side by side and immerse yourself in our unique land, ocean, and unique wildlife projects so that you’re not just a visitor, but you can become part of the fabric of our islands as well.”

Some of the voluntourism experiences include hiking deep into Hawai’i’s forests to plant native trees that are being permanently threatened. Also, Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and coral reefs are highly endangered and visitors can get involved in projects to replant coral reefs or self-directed beach clean-up that help protect marine life. Finally, one of the world’s most famous battleships, the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, has a restoration project that visitors take part in to help preserve this iconic American treasure.

John De Fries concluded, “We’ve also implemented a reservation system for certain tourism “hotspots” like Lēʻahi, or Diamond Head State Monument, to distribute capacity for the well being of natural resources, visitors, and residents. Traveling to Hawai’i comes with a kuleana, or responsibility and privilege. A kuleana to not only care for the land, but for all the people and wildlife who call the islands home and we’re inviting tourists to join us in that effort.”

Hawai’i is home to unimaginable beauty and living things that inhabit Hawai’i are found nowhere else in the world and that is why it’s essential to protect the islands for future generations. To find about more about how to take a trip that gives back, visit GoHawaii.com/malama.

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Arts & Entertainment Celebrity Leisure Activities Living U.S

Nowhere to Go But Up: Live Comedy is Back and Better than Ever at Side Splitters

If you’re looking for a place to see some of the funniest comedians around, look no further than Side Splitters Comedy Club. They are now hosting more live events than ever, with something for everyone. You can see nationally touring comedians, join in on their open mic night, and much more. Plus, they’re available in three locations – Tampa Bay, The Grove at Wesley Chapel, and Coastal Creative in St. Pete. So no matter where you are, you’ll be able to enjoy some Side Splitting comedy. Check out their website for more information and event schedules. Laughter is the best medicine after all! Laugh it off with Side Splitters Comedy Club!

What Is Comedy?  

Comedy is the use of humor to provoke feelings of amusement or laughter in an audience. It can be done through wordplay, physicality, or a variety of other means. Comedy often relies on taking something that is normally considered serious and making it funny. This can be done through exaggeration, incongruity, reversal, or through a variety of other means.

Some argue that comedy is simply whatever makes someone laugh. However, this is difficult to define as what makes one person laugh may not make another even crack a smile. There are many different types of comedy, and what one person finds funny may not be the same as what another finds humorous.

There are several theories about what makes something funny. Superiority theory suggests that we laugh at things that make us feel superior to others. This can be done by making fun of someone else’s misfortune or by poking fun at a topic that we know more about than the person next to us. Relief theory proposes that we laugh in order to release tension or stress. This can be seen in physical comedy or in jokes that play on our fears.

Comedy is an important part of our lives as it allows us to step back from the seriousness of the world and just enjoy a good laugh. It brings people together and creates bonds between strangers. So next time you’re feeling down, watch a funny movie, tell a joke, or just spend some time with friends and family. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Where Can You Watch The Best Comedy Shows In Florida?  

There are many great places to watch comedy shows in Florida. If you’re looking for nationally touring comedians, Side Splitters Comedy Club is the place for you. They have locations in Tampa Bay, The Grove at Wesley Chapel, and Coastal Creative in St. Pete. You can also join their open mic night or catch one of their many events, any night of the week.

Side Splitters Comedy Club has something for everyone. They offer a variety of shows, from stand-up to improv to sketch comedy. Plus, they have a full bar and menu so you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat while you laugh the night away.

If you’re a new comedian looking for a place to do some research, they’ve got you covered. Join one of their open mic nights, see how others do it, use their shows as research for your own shows, and maybe even give it a try yourself. You got this!

Which Comedians Can You Expect To See At Side Splitters Comedy Club?  

Some of the funniest comedians around have graced the stage at Side Splitters Comedy Club. National touring comedians like Doug Stanhope, Tom Papa, and Iliza Shlesinger have all performed at Side Splitters. Plus, many up-and-coming comedians get their start at Side Splitters open mic night. Do you think you have what it takes? Join their next open mic event!

No matter what your taste in comedy is, you’re sure to find a show that you’ll love at Side Splitters Comedy Club. So check out their website or stop by one of their locations today. Laugh it off with Side Splitters!

More About Side Splitters Comedy Club  

Side Splitters Comedy Club is the largest comedy club in Tampa Bay and one of the best in the country. They have been entertaining audiences for over 20 years and show no signs of slowing down. With three locations, a full bar and menu, and a variety of events, there’s something for everyone at Side Splitters.

So whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a date night with your significant other, be sure to check out Side Splitters Comedy Club. You’re guaranteed to have a good time. Laugh it off with Side Splitters!

For event updates, tips for comedians, and more, also check out the Side Splitters Comedy Club Social Media pages: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter

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Thornton Park District is Hosting the 8th Annual Putt N’ Pour In Orlando

Orlando, FL – July 19th, 2022 – The Thornton Park District will be hosting the 8th annual Putt N’ Pour Minature Golf Pub Crawl In the Downtown area of Orlando near Lake Eola Park.

Day Drinking “Golfers” will be challenged by holes designed and built by eleven Thornton Park District bars and restaurants while enjoying beverage specials and prize giveaways.

After the crawl, golfers and spectators converge at Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen for the official post-party complete with drink specials, and raffles!

Participants will receive one free Tito’s John Daly Cocktail per ticket purchase at check-in!!

This event will take place on Saturday, July 23rd from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm. Guests will check in for the event in the TPD Circle located at 431 E. Central Blvd. Tickets for the event will be $15 in advance and $20 the day of for singles. Foursomes can play for $40 in advance and $50 the day of.

Pub Crawlers will enjoy playing minature gold holes while having drinks at World of Beer, Aku Aku Tiki, The Abbey (set up at the TPD Circle), Eola Wine Company, Dolce, Bynx Orlando, Graffiti Junktion, The Veranda, Burton’s Bar, The 808, and Cavo’s Bar & Restaurant.

If you would like more information or join in the fun you can get more details at The Putt N’ Pour

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Books & Literature Leisure Activities Lifestyle Transportation & Logistics Travel

What Airline Passengers Don’t Know About What Happens Behind the Scenes with Air Traffic Control and Most Experts Won’t Reveal

TheWashington, D.C. – Each day, an estimated 2,900,000 passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports and most have no idea what goes on behind-the-scenes. They don’t know what is involved to get them safely to their final destination or what decisions are made by air traffic controllers to safely navigate their flight. While most days are usually uneventful, situations occur that can be the difference between life and death, and that’s where people like Andy Watson come in.  

No ordinary pilot, Watson has been flying airplanes since he was eight years old, and has also worked as an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Specialist at many of the busiest facilities throughout the eastern United States for more than 14 years. In fact, he is one of only a select few pilots who has a multi-faceted understanding of aviation, which most pilots never realize. Watson’s experiences both as a pilot in the aircraft and professionally tracking planes on the air traffic control radar scope inspired him to write The Pilot’s Guide to Air Traffic Control, a collection of behind-the-scenes stories that places the reader right in the middle of real-life situations that bring the stress and urgency air traffic controllers deal with on a daily basis to bear.*  

Watson has written more than thirty chapters about his experiences as an air traffic controller with pilots in mind that includes an exclusive peek into an intense world which travelers rarely see, and dispels several myths about the aviation industry. 

#1 – How often does a passenger have to land a plane? Although this has been depicted in film more than once, this is actually an uncommon occurrence, but it does happen. Last month, an emergency took place when the pilot of a single-engine turboprop Cessna Caravan en route to Florida became incapacitated and the inexperienced passenger was doing his best to fly the plane. Luckily, an air traffic controller on duty, Robert Morgan, was also an experienced flight instructor. Once notified of the situation, he sprang into action. Despite himself never having flown this make and model of aircraft before, he was able to access a picture of the Cessna Caravan’s instrument panel to guide the impromptu student step-by-step on how to land the aircraft. “As I reviewed the incident,” Watson noted, “I thought it was absolutely brilliant that controller and flight instructor Robert Morgan printed a picture of the Cessna Caravan’s instrument panel so he could explain to the passenger over the radio exactly where to look in order to control the aircraft. I believe Robert saved the three lives on the aircraft that day!” Similarly, Watson’s book tells the story of another ATC save where the flight crew was suffering from hypoxia – a lack of oxygen – was rendered all but unconscious. A controller was able to get them to descend before they passed out. 

#2 – Why is Spatial Disorientation a Very Serious Inflight Emergency? Statistics show between 5 to 10% of all general aviation accidents are caused by spatial disorientation, 90% of which are fatal. Spatial disorientation was determined to be the probable cause of the crash that claimed the life of magazine editor & pilot John F. Kennedy, Jr. and more recently, basketball legend Kobe Bryant.  Watson remarks, “Spatial disorientation occurs when the body feels oriented in one direction, but in reality, it is oriented in a different direction. Literally, the pilot doesn’t know which way is up! It’s the same feeling kids get when they close their eyes, spin in circles, and then try to stand up straight, usually resulting in them falling down!”

Watson, who has worked in the FAA’s Air Traffic Safety Oversight office in Washington, D.C., has encountered several aviation accidents caused by this condition and says, “I realized I had received training on spatial disorientation as a pilot, but I did not remember any training on it as a controller.” 

#3 – What is a big mistake pilots make? Watson’s experience is that while commercial pilots are quick to declare an emergency when necessary, the pilots of smaller, general aviation aircraft are often more reluctant. It seems to Watson that most of them try to avoid declaring the emergency to the maximum extent possible. “I suspect because they are afraid of the FAA. I can tell you, if the thought of declaring an emergency even crosses your mind, then you probably should go ahead and declare it! I have heard pilots talk around the word ‘emergency’ specifically to avoid saying it. When an emergency is declared, air traffic gets extra help to assist you in whatever means they can. Phone calls for additional assistance are made, options are presented, and whatever else the pilot requests are made available. Don’t do it without good reason, but the FAA and ATC is truly there to help you effect a safe arrival.” 

Andy Watson will be on hand at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, the Largest Airshow in the World, for interviews and to personally sign copies of The Pilot’s Guide to Air Traffic Control. The book is also available on Amazon and at atcStories.com. While the title may say it’s for pilots, this book also provides a view from behind the flight deck door of how almost three million passengers travel safely each day in the skies over the United States. 

*The perspective and opinions given in the book are that of the author alone and may vary from those of the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Toxic Mistakes Dog Owners Make: Stop Feeding Dogs Table Scraps

CINCINNATI – What pet mom or dad can resist giving their favorite pup a treat? Dog owners love sneaking food to their pets that are begging for table scraps and what may seem like a good idea at the time can, unfortunately, be deadly for dogs. Many people do not realize that dogs cannot eat certain human foods and innocent table scraps could land a precious pup at the vet with a very serious illness or worse.

Melinda Kirk Stenger has been cooking for dogs for over twenty years and she is on a mission to educate pet parents and says, “There are so many foods we eat at the dinner table that are toxic for dogs and you need to know which ones to avoid giving them. These include grapes, raisins, chocolate, and any food containing Xylitol like pre-packaged cookies and muffins or even gum.” 

Melinda, who is known as the Canine Caterer, was inspired to make homemade recipes for her dog, Bella, a Jack Russell mix who had allergies to many dog food ingredients like wheat, corn and soy. Her determination to keep Bella healthy began her journey to become an expert in dog health. Melinda’s passion led her to create PetCakes® that are do-it-yourself kits to easily make healthy treats for dogs. “People think it’s too complicated and time consuming to cook for their dog, so I invented PetCakes® mixes that have NO wheat, corn or soy to make it fast and fun to give your pets healthy, homemade snacks,” she shares. 

Each PetCakes® kit has everything needed to make homemade pet treats including a BPA free and re-usable bone-shaped pan for dogs (or a fish-shaped pan for cats). Just add water to the mix, pour the batter into the pan, and microwave it for less than three minutes. Melinda adds, “The birthday kits also come with a candle to add to the cake. When you cook for your animals, you bond in a fun way that creates lasting memories with them.”  

PetCakes® mixes also have no added salt, sugar or preservatives. Melinda warns, “Dogs specifically should never have added salt or sugar in their food because it contributes to health issues leading to a shorter life span.” 

Melinda Kirk Stenger has dedicated an entire page to a list of toxic foods in Paws & Brunch, a cookbook packed with a collection of delicious dog treat recipes inspired by human food like Woof Waffles, Canine Quiche, and even Barktown Biscuits. “Each recipe is designed with healthy, human-grade ingredients and are so easy, even kids can make them,” she says.

Melinda’s dog, Bella, is the official taste tester, mascot, and inspiration behind the recipes in her cookbook, “Bella was seriously injured in an accident and it required me to cook homemade food for her to help her recover. Cooking for her inspired me to go above and beyond and to make human looking food she’d love. When she got better, I expanded into planning extravagant birthday parties, high-end doggie brunches, and even dog weddings.”

PetCakes® are available online through Amazon or Chewy and you can follow and connect with Melinda on Instagram.