Buying markdown meat is an excellent practice. I typically shop after the weekend and really stock up. I overdid it a few months ago and overfilled my freezer. Please don’t judge me but I’ve been reading about the health benefits of cooking for dogs. My vet suggested I cook one third good quality meat, one third brown rice, and one third veggies. That sounded easy enough. I put about three pounds of mixed venison and beef in the crockpot on high, added three cups of brown rice and two pounds of mixed vegetables. After an afternoon of simmering, it smelled wonderful. The dogs kept coming through, checking out the enticing aroma.

They weren’t the only ones. Bud found his way to the kitchen. “What are you cooking?” He asked, lifting the lid. “That smells great!”

It occurred to me, this was not the time to mention I’d planned to reheat the homemade chicken noodle soup I’d made the day before. Lo and behold, the concoction experienced a conversion. Hallelujah! “Oh, just some stew. I need to add some onions and garlic.” It will be ready soon. You might want to get a piece of fruit in the meantime.”

I got busy with onions, garlic, and parsley as well as seasonings. It smelled heavenly. Before long, Bud tucked into a big bowl of stew as the dogs watched mournfully. They may have to be satisfied with chicken noodle soup.