Canine Cuisine

My brother-in-law Jack has been telling this story for years. I am certain that it is based in fact but has meandered a bit from the truth as time has gone by to enhance its theatrical and humorous qualities.

The tale is this: On a particular Sunday when he (my brother-in-law) was courting my sister-in law Susan, Jack was invited for a family dinner. Upon arriving, he could smell that my mother-in- law was in the kitchen frying meat for her Sunday sauce. So he went into the kitchen, intent on stealing a meatball or two. But as his hand hovered over the plate, my mother-in-law, sensing the impending theft, quickly turned around smacked his hand and said Those meatballs aren’t for you, they are for Buddy!!

Buddy was my mother-in-law’s beloved Yorkshire terrier.

Jasper (God rest his soul) would eat anything. He was a rescued dog. He learned to eat whatever food was put in front of him as he never knew where his next meal was coming from.

Cosmo on the other hand, is not terribly interested in food.

In order to coax him into eating his kibble I have resorted to adding some additional protein.

“Adding some additional protein” is my euphemism for I cook for him. 

Mostly I roast some chicken thighs with a little lemon juice, fresh parsley, and a dash of Bell’s Poultry Seasoning. Sometimes I sauté some ground beef. But today I made his favorite: chicken livers. I seared them in a little olive oil and sea salt and then finished them off in the convection oven.

And while many might think I am crazy, I defend myself by saying that cooking for Cosmo is cheaper, more organic, and more nutritious than canned dog food. It also produces the desired effect—he eats quickly and appreciatively. And my only regret for my behavior is that my mother-in-law did not live long enough for me to disclose my little habit to her. Because she would not think what I do is bizarre in any way---and it would have given her ammunition to fire back at my brother-in law: See-- even Karen cooks for the dog.