Today, I wondered when it was we acquired a horse. Not a most appetizing subject but I had this thought, as I picked up from the backyard (with an appropriate tool) two full, heavy, over-flowing scoops of, well…you probably get the idea. It has to go somewhere after all…but the quantity and scale; I must be feeding Ginger & Buddy far too well, because as Tom pointed out, it wasn’t coming from the wild bunny that frequents the yard.
With Buffy, there was no knowing where the outhouse might be. It was, generally, outside. I didn’t question when, what, or see where (as long as it stayed outside). No leash. No baggie. No scoop. Back then I lived in Alaska though, for the first quarter of her life (minus the first year when I saved her from a certain fate in Oregon); no leash required (back then).
Later, living in Pioneer Square (downtown Seattle), she and I were pioneers again, no leash owned or collar worn (shame on me). One day my Dad came to visit us, Buffy and I. He refused to take her outside without a leash (smart man). I came to realize one of those days, that he had been escorting her to the adjacent park sporting a white electrical extension cord as a leash with a red ribbon as her collar. Classy. Later, when I finally met Tom, he did not find this as amusing.
When Buffy was five, she and I moved to an apartment that had a courtyard out front; and home to many dogs doing their “business”. The first night we moved in, I took her out there and almost immediately heard a women call out to me from the window of her apartment above.
“Where’s your bag?” She said.
I was confused, what bag?
“Where’s your baggie?” She called out again.
Still confused, I gave her a blank stare.
“Your poop bag; I don’t see one. You better pick it up!”
So now whenever I watch Kate and Leopold (with Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman), specifically during this scene where Leopold has to do the unimaginable (for an aristocrat), I am reminded of my reaction that night (lack of title notwithstanding).
The memory I flashed on today, as I scooped, was quite different. I have a vivid memory of my Grandpa Edwards (paternal) heading outside to their backyard in California with a shovel during one of our long-ago summer visits to their house (with five dogs). I was young and naively, I asked him what he was doing with the shovel.
“Picking up poop.” He said. Whaaat? Why on Earth would he do that, I thought? Yet, this is what I was now doing.
Perhaps this is (partially) why:
I like to tear the chicken to release the flavor into the liquid.
Chicken Broth for Dogs
Ginger & Buddy recently got their senior blood panels taken (again). They both had elevated kidney levels which indicated potential kidney disease and dehydration. Without going into the tedious specifics, they both now seem to be stable and well. Their doctor recommended we include chicken stock to help get more liquids into their diets.
While I realize there are a few organic, low-sodium options, I got to thinking that most chicken stocks you buy are made using onion, a known toxin to dogs, and too much sodium no matter what they say. So, I decided to make a version that would not only ensure no onion or excess salt, but would also allow them to feast on the pure chicken and vegetables that provide the stock.
In order to add extra nutrition I sprinkle in a mushroom powder which you can read about here. You could, alternatively, add mushrooms, along side the carrots and chicken, to the water for an even heartier stock (Ginger & Buddy prefer their mushrooms roasted, on the side, then mixed into the broth).
INGREDIENTS & PREPARATION
There is no specific set of measurements because it can vary depending on the size of the dog(s) and how much/often you plan to feed them this broth plus the solids. Since my pups are (relatively) small, I usually just cook a small batch at a time that will last two, maybe three days as a supplement to their regular diet.
You will need a chicken breast, or two, bone and skin removed. A handful of baby carrots, maybe 12-14 (of the snack-pack variety) and enough water to cover the chicken and carrots.
Simply put the chicken and carrots in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, the carrots are tender and the broth is flavorful.
Let it cool down in the pan, then transfer the entire contents to a container with a tight fitting lid, or serve right away.
TO SERVE
If they are thirsty but won’t drink their water (yes, I have finicky pups) ladle spoonfuls of broth into a bowl, preferably white porcelain (they are royalty) and set in the spot their dinner bowl sits. That’s it.
Unless they are also hungry. I realize they might think they are hungry all the time, you be the judge. In this case, remove the appropriate amount of carrots from the broth and cut into dice.
Remove the chicken breast and chop off a lobe, chunk, what have you. Dice that up too. Add these bits and pieces to the broth (hopefully sitting in a white porcelain bowl) and set in the place of their dinner dish. Light a candle (the rechargeable LED variety works well around fur) to make them feel the appropriate sort of atmosphere.
Then watch them slurp it all up as they forget (don’t care) that they are in a fine dining establishment.
Follow by reading them a few chapters from Miss Manners, or better yet, Emily Post.
Buddy comes around the corner to see if Ginger has some more.
I love this post, Stacey! I have been out of the loop for so long.. I have truly missed your funny, yet heart warming stories.. I love how you take care of those two sweetums.. Walking away from this with a smile on my face.. ❤️
Thanks Prudy, so good to hear from you and glad I could make you smile (although I doubt you are ever without one).
Pooper scoopers and bags are not common in rural Germany or France, but than there is horse, cow and sheep manure. The worst of it is chickensh#t , it is all over my parents back yard and it is nasty.
Yes, that would be hard to keep up with. I am jealous of those fresh eggs you must have though, trade-offs.
Omg, only you would give your doggies a candle for atmosphere! I can relate to this though, as my chronically ill kitty is on last legs and is being treated to things like smashed cornbread in milk and chicken-butter soup. What we won’t do to spoil our furbabies (they deserve every bit, of course). You’re a good mommy 🙂
But of course, they appreciate a little flower, music and mood light too. Buddy likes to eat to Stan Getz but Ginger can only feel the music now so she likes something more up beat.
So sorry to hear about your kitty!!! You are a good mom too.
You might try a Ramsey Lewis mix on Pandora – little bit of everything they both might enjoy. Just enough bass to keep Ginger entertained 😉
Stacey you are one of a kind. I love the idea of broth in the water bowl, I was thinking bone broth would be really really good for them. Nando drinks so much water because of the diabetes I’m afraid he would overload if I put chicken broth in his bowl. Good their bloodwork is better now. Picking up poop, well, some condominiums in NY and NJ take DNA samples from your dog, and if they find poop outside they test it and if it’s your dogs poop that wasn’t picked up you get a hefty fine. You can also get a $115 ticket if the police see you not picking up after your pooch. I love the romantic setting candle and all.
Thanks- you are sweet. Good for Nando keeping those liquids up; hope things are okay.
Good idea adding bones to the broth. I made a liver stew a few nights ago and they are over the top for it now.
DNA samples huh? Now that sounds serious. I can picture it now, a new television series.
Buffy & Gramma got busted in Seattle! I have a vivid memory of taking Buffy for her walk on Queen Anne Hill when you all lived there and we visited. I, too, did not have a clue about Poo-baggies and a neighbor came out and nailed me for this disgrace. I assured him I would head home and return to do my community service;-) We have since learned proper poo etiquette and know that Ginger and Buddy require MANY baggies on our walks. Gotta love them!
Ha, such memories! They do require many bags (horses, horses).
So funny. As I walked Lola this morning as I was wondering what is wrong with people that as soon as it snows here – it seems like a license to stop picking up after dogs. Grrrr. I haven’t actually called anyone out yet – but I’m tempted. And love that you confessed! xo
Awww, this is what my dad does for Bailey! He LOVES it. <3
Your Dad uses an electric cord as a leash too?