When it comes to cooking, Breehan Gerleman's focus is on making healthy, homemade treats for her toy fox terrier, Zesto. She wrote to The Tribune wanting to share her recipes.

"I feel like there is a pretty big group of devoted dog people in Ames who would be interested in trying out some fun 'pupcakes' or dog cookies," Gerleman said.

Gerleman said it is her fiancé, Andrew, who does most of the people cooking, while her specialty is doggie cookies, pupcakes and dog-sicles.

"Zesto helps in the kitchen by keeping me company," Gerleman said. "And he's never far away when I'm making some treats. He helps me by taking care of any spills, licking the spoon and, of course, taste-testing."

Gerleman said both she and Zesto have a sweet tooth and would rather eat apple cake or a peanut butter cookie rather than a cheesy or meaty treat.

"In Zesto's ideal world, I'd just let him eat a bunch of licorice and Hot Tamale candies for treats," Gerleman said.

She began cooking homemade dog treats when Zesto became sick shortly after his adoption. She suspected a food allergy and researched to find a nutritious brand that he could eat. Now Zesto's daily food is made with healthy ingredients such as bison meat and blueberries. Gerleman said the dog treats came about after her research and pet food recalls. She emphasized that more and more owners are making treats and other food for their pets.

"Making treats for Zesto is one way to let him know how much we love him - and it is fun to watch (him) gobble up fresh treats," she said. "Some people may think it's pretty crazy to cook for your dog, but so be it. I'm OK with being a crazy dog lady."

Mid-Iowa Cook
Breehan Gerleman, of Ames
Occupation: Communications specialist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University.
Age: 27.
Lives: Ames.
Family: Marrying Andrew Lucchesi, a nursing student at Des Moines Area Community College, Aug. 4; Zesto, a toy fox terrier.
Hobbies/favorite pastimes: Reading, spending time with family, antiquing and anything to do with dogs.
Favorite cookbook/cooking show: Some great resources for dog treat recipes are www.dog-treat-recipe-exchange.com, www.hungrymutt.com, www.treatworld.com and "Three Dog Bakery Cookbook" by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff.
Quoteable: "With the recent pet food and treat recalls, I think interest is growing in wholesome, homemade dog cuisine where pet parents can be sure ingredients are safe."