Our daughters complain that we spoil our two Jack Russell terriers. I say, just because they get homemade treats and go to a doggy spa for vacations doesn't mean they are spoiled. Anyway, as rescue dogs, they deserve a bit of special treatment. Besides, I tell the girls Bosco and Gabby don't talk back and never give us attitude.

National Dog Day is Sunday. An annual event since 2004, the day was founded by the Animal Miracle Foundation, an advocacy group for domestic and wild animals. The foundation hopes the day will bring public awareness to the thousands of dogs needing rescue from cruelty and neglect each year. It recognizes the unconditional love that dogs give their owners and the work they do to save lives and to bring aid and comfort to humans every day.

The foundation helped rescue efforts to provide shelter for more than 1,000 displaced pets during Hurricane Katrina. Proceeds from events held around the country last year helped save over 12,000 dogs. This year's goal is 15,000 dogs. You can read more about this worthwhile event and find out how you can be a sponsor at http://www.nationaldogday.com/media.htm.

In honor of National Dog Day, I made a container to hold dog treats I sent to the spa with my dogs. They could be used as a craft to sell and raise funds for rescue animals. I found these instructions at http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0211900/crafts/container.htm. I'll also give you the recipe for simple liver treats that my dogs just love. Keep them refrigerated or freeze them if you are planning to store them for longer than a few days.

• 1 package frozen beef liver• 1 box (8.2 oz.) corn bread mix• Food processor.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet that has sides.Thaw a 1 pound package of frozen beef liver, place in food processor and puree.Place liver in a bowl and stir in one box of corn bread mix.After well blended, spread in the pan.Bake about 15 minutes, or until the center is firm to touch.Cool in pan before releasing onto a countertop and cut into 1-inch pieces.

• 1 plastic disposable container• Felt pieces in various colors, yarn, pompoms and ribbon• Wiggle eyes• Cool-temp glue gun.Cut a circle from felt.Cut two oval-shaped ears from a contrasting color felt and glue to the top of the container.Add a felt tongue, wiggle eyes, a pompom nose and ribbon bow.