Wednesday, September 14, 2011

What Else is Cooking

Call me crazy, but I've been cooking for Zelda. That's right, I've been cooking for my dog. She had an upset tummy last weekend and the weekend before. The weekend before it was bad enough to go to the vet. That was an emergency visit on Labor Day and boy, did *that* cost me! She's worth it, though.

Anyway, boiled chicken and rice was recommended to me by a friend. It's bland and is something a dog with an upset stomach can tolerate. I made her some and she snarfed it down. I decided to take her off the canned dog food all together. That stuff gives her terrible breath, and she happened to get sick to her stomach after eating one particular flavor of a particular brand of dog food. Twice. I threw it away and decided she was getting home-cooked food from now on.

I did some research online to see what foods were good for dogs and what I should avoid, besides the obvious onions, garlic and chocolate. I had no idea avocados were bad for dogs!

Since Zelda enjoyed the chicken and rice so much, I made some beef and rice for her. I used brown rice and added small pieces of carrot and some frozen peas. She LOVED it. Tonight she had boiled chicken thighs (skinned, excess fat removed, boned) with orzo pasta (and some leftover rice), carrots and green beans. My dog eats better than most kids. My dog eats better than I do!

I wanted someone to cook for. I was lonely and felt unloved and unimportant and depressed much of the time. Then Zelda came along and now I have someone who is happy to see me when I get home from work, and I get to cook for her every few days!

I pray that no one tries to come and claim her now. She was abandoned and I've had her for almost 4 weeks. If one of those wretched former owners come around, I'll tell them to go fuck themselves. Pardon my French. ;)

Here, have some cuteness:

3 comments:

~ Jayne ~ said...

Thank you for sharing Zelda's "cuteness" as well as her story.In my opinion,she was destined to come to be yours!Here's a healthy biscuit recipe for her to enjoy : Mix together 1+3/4 cups organic whole wheat flour and 1+1/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal,pour 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 cup water or broth into the mixing bowl,combine well til firm then roll out onto a floured surface,and cut into shapes.Place on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated 300*F oven til golden in colour; cool completely before storing in an airtight container.Recipe yield is about 2 dozen biscuits(depending on the cutter shape) and you can add ingredients like a tablespoon of brewer's yeast(to ward off fleas),a clove or two of freshly minced garlic(to banish parasites),or perhaps a 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter(as a flavour variation).

Bird said...

Oh, she is such a precious sweetie and reminds me of my beautiful little Jaki Jay that came to live with me when I was only 14 years old. She was my best friend. She was abandoned too, and I prayed no one would come for her. After two weeks, we all considered her mine and she became inseparable from me. I loved that little darling and I miss her very much.

My sister's dog can only eat home cooked meals as well. He loves chicken and rice (though turkey is upsetting to him) and he loves cheerios, which I guess are one of the best treats you can give a little dog. I didn't know that. Also, I always gave my dogs garlic to help with their coats and keep away parasites and such... I'm not sure of it being so bad for them. Mine handled it very well, but I guess it depends on the dog.

She's adorable, and I say since you've had her for four weeks, it's time to stop the search for her owners, take down those signs, and enjoy your newest member of the family.

Brightest blessings to you and Zelda,
Bird http://birdsearthyspirit.blogspot.com/

Persephone said...

I hope you'll get to keep small, barking happiness and she will keep you content and smiling for many years to come!
I don't think anyone will claim her after 4 weeks and to be honest I hope no-one does considering how good you're treating her! ;)
The food you mentioned makes me remember my aunts dog... COMPLETELY insane and in love with chocolate. She would 'beg' for a cookie when visitors were around... And kept coming back when you gave her one. What a dog that was!