One of my favorite dog-loving friends and I were talking about how our dogs have changed our husbands as well. I think it’s safe to say that Kiera is the first dog Andrew ever completely bonded with. And so he’s been just as deeply affected by her loss as I have.

My friend, Judy, lost a dog that changed her life not that long ago too, so we do the only thing people can do when they can’t possibly feel an ounce sadder than they already do–they start telling funny stories. And Judy is one of the funniest people I know.  I thought you might enjoy a little levity about her partner and her beloved (albeit very difficult) rescue dachshund.I should preface Judy’s story by explaining that when she got her dog from rescue, he had major aggression problems. I don’t know many people who would have put as much into Reuben as she did–he would have been undeemable for pretty much anyone else. But Judy fell in love, and Reuben was saved from an otherwise terrible fate. By the end of his life, Judy had worked miracles on turning him around. Anyway, that’s all another story for another day. Here’s Judy’s tale about her partner and Reuben. And if you have a funny partner/dog tale, please share too.

“Haa, Reuben tolerated Brian but certainly didn’t bond.  Brian was very good to him but Reuben was Reuben.

However he absolutely adores Olive (Judy’s corgi). A lot of times I will see him carrying her around and kissing her; you can’t help it she’s just 10lbs of sweetness. And he is great with Archie (her other dachshund)  too and often the two will go to the park without me.

There was one time in the early days of Reub and Brian.  I was having my kitchen remodeled and the only place cleared off to eat was the table on the deck.  I brought out the sandwich stuff and placed it on the table and left Reuben and Brian alone out there (always a mistake when food was in the picture).

I heard the growling and ran out and asked what happened and Brian said “I picked up a piece of bologna and he went berserk.  Haa, Reub used to always try to bully Brian if I was out of the room.  So now when I say “awww don’t you miss Reuben? he’ll say ‘I don’t miss him trying to steal my bologna.”

The very first night they met, I had Reub in his crate in another room and told Brian how to react “don’t look at him don’t talk to him, do not react no matter what he does, let me handle him”.  So I let Reub out and Brian said “Isn’t this how things went terribly wrong for Ziegfeld and Roy? 

So Reub comes out and is about a 4 on a scale of 10 as far as agitation.  I’m telling him to “leave it” every time he looks or goes near Brian and all is going well.  After a few minutes I leave the room and from the kitchen I hear fabric being tugged/pulled/wrestled.  I run back in and Reub has Brian’s jeans in his mouth by the ankle and is tearing in to him to get to skin. 

I could not believe that Brian remained calm during that.  ha…he really did not want to risk me throwing him out I guess.  And of course, Reub made a mark with his teeth on his skin.  It got much better over time and they could hang out with each other comfortably, but Reuben always had the “Don’t push me Brian, you know what I’m capable of” look.”

Oxo Good Grips® Salad Dressing Shaker  $14.99

Oxo Good Grips® Salad Dressing Shaker helps make, mix, serve and store dressings, sauces and marinades. The Shaker unscrews to reveal a wide opening that is ideal for adding ingredients. Cup, milliliter and ounce markings are printed on the sides for easy measurement. Once ingredients are added, screw the top closed and shake to quickly mix dressings with no spills. Shaker is watertight! Can also go straight to the table and is ideal for serving. Flip back the top lever to pour, and flip it forward to seal. Allows easy storage of leftover dressing and sauce right inside the fridge. 1 1/2-cup capacity. measures 2 1/2″ diameter x 8 4/5″ H. Dishwasher safe. BPA free. Lifetime warranty. Imported.

simplehuman® 8-Ounce Sensor Pump Dish Soap Dispenser $31.31

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Specifically, dog food treats are most welcome. But if you’ve forgotten yours at home, no worries. I’ve attached a container of kibble right at garage door knob level. You can’t miss it coming in.

Think of it akin to entering church, where you bless yourself with holy water before entering. Kinda like ensuring good luck–

Only, here, the good luck is that if you throw the kibble for Graidy before you enter, instead of being greeted with non-stop barking and rushing, you’ll be greeted with licks and wags.

If you have a guarding or sentry dog, this is one easy step you can take to help condition your wary dog to more easily accept letting your friends into your home.

Once your friend has thrown the kibble, then you just need to remind her to stand sideways, not speak in high-pitched squeaky voices, avert her gaze, and not try to pet your dog, until your dog is calm and approaches your guest on his own. Easy Peazy.

BUT…

It’s so rich and delicious and special–and SIMPLE to make–that you could serve this at any dinner party and get rave reviews. It’s my family and friends’ all time favorite soup!

1 fillet of flounder (about 11 ounces)
1 fillet of halibut, scrod, or cod (about 8 ounces)
1/2 pound medium-size shrimp (10 to 12), shelled and deveined
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon curry powder, approximately
2 cups fish stock or clam juice
2 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill

1. Wipe fish fillets with damp paper towels. Cut halibut into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut flounder into 3/4- inch pieces. Cut shrimp in half lengthwise. Transfer fish and shrimp to medium-size bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice, and toss to combine. Set aside.

2. In a large soup pot, melt butter over very low heat and whisk in flour and curry powder until thoroughly blended for 3 minutes.

3. Whisking constantly, slowly stir in fish stock or clam juice and chicken stock. Add salt and pepper and bring to a boil over med/high heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.

4. Add fish, shrimp and cream and continue to simmer about 4 minutes. Add peas for last minute.

5. Remove pan from heat and whisk in dill.

6. Serve with a side salad and a good crusty loaf of French bread.

(Recipe from one of my all-time favorite cookbooks:
Great Meals in Minutes)

Seems the ones that do it for me are always a combination of function and form. Something of utility that is beautiful to look at or just beautifully designed. Like these.

This is a little “Secret” Box– just 2″x3.” Great for stashing tiny treasures.

The lid is “hidden” in the top of the box and slides open like so.

And this tote… well, this is self-explanatory. : )

What turned out to be your most favorite gifts?

Recently, talking with one of my more orginal-thinker dog friends, she shared this tip for how she’s found her and some of her friends’ missing animals.

You know I’ve used my iPhone to find lost animals. When my cat, Leo, took off for 3 days in the spring I recorded the sound of my microwave ding because this is the last sound he hears before he eats (because I warm up the dog food).

I carried it in to the woods and repeatedly played the ding.

Every night I would go out back and call and call and he would not make a sound. One night I sat on the back step and played the ding and he meowed back! lmao…and then from that point he came closer and came in the house.

My friend’s dog constantly escapes when she can, and takes off in to the woods. My friend called a couple of weeks ago saying the dog was not back yet and could I possibly go over there and see if she was back to put her in the house–because it was so cold. So I went there and no Rosie. I recorded her other dog barking for a treat and took that sound in the woods. Rosie is a jealous dog and God forbid anyone else should get attention or a treat without her. I figured in dog language his whine would be about food. I played his whiney bark and the next thing I knew she was standing behind me. LMAO.

 

The recording can be anything the dog relates too…even the ding sound in the car when you first get in. Some happy sound that makes them come running. In the old days I would hold the electric can opener out the back door as I made it whirrrr….but oh, we’ve come so far!

I think this is a brilliant idea! I’m making recordings of sounds my crew responds to now as we speak. Better to have these sounds saved before I need them.

With all Kiera’s health stuff lately and many trips to the vets, this tree just seems fitting.

Here’s Cait’s contribution for some holiday humor.

Wishing you and yours a safe and peaceful Holiday season!

See you in the new year.