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The Food Party!

By Laura Stec

E-mail Laura Stec

About this blog: I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for many years. From eating disorder to east coast culinary school, food has been my passion, profession & nemesis. I've been a sugar addict, a 17-year vegetarian, a food and en...  (More)

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Dog Greets and Treats

Uploaded: Nov 22, 2021

While out walking around the neighborhood this morning, I took the opportunity to ruminate on that ol’ seasonal question,

What am I truly grateful for?

Along the way, a cute little doggie and I crossed paths; she was all young and jumpy and excited. Definitely one of those times I felt the need to ooze the right energy. I approached in a manner taught to me not all that long ago by an old boyfriend and dog owner.

Hand down.

“Don’t go in for the pet immediately,” B. would instruct. “Present the back end of your hand and let the dog sniff and say hi first.” From there, you can try a scritch under the neck, and if reception is good, only then move your hand to the top of their head.

I welcome the opportunity to befriend any dogs, but haven’t known about this technique for all that long. Didn't hear it as a kid or in school - actually not till my 50's (thanks B), and clued in this morning with gratitude to have learned something so basic later in life. Maybe you too have fear of approaching new dogs? If so, I hope this technique might enrich your life as it has mine.


- photo by Wendy H.

You may have noticed I’ve been absent for awhile now, struggling with a lack of inspiration about life and the human race. The song “Joy” by Lucinda Williams summed up my attitude - brought down by COVID and the cultural low-vibe we all seem bathed in lately. I’ve wanted Laura to get her groove back. The return has been slow, but I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to write, and flattered you might come back for the party. My plan is to saddle-up and get a few more Food Parties! out in 2022.

This week, wanted something light, something sweet, to start the party off. If you are wondering what dogs have to do with food, there’s always dots we can connect. Allow me to reintroduce what to expect. The Food Party! is a place we talk about all things food; using the theme to explore food establishments and recipes, sure, but also hot topics, timely issues, and even emotional/spiritual needs and desires. We throw a house party, and you are invited. The subjects we will discuss are vast. By the way, it’s a potluck. Please take a moment to contribute your comments and perspective as well.

In that spirit, this is where we close out with a fabulous recipe for homemade holiday dog treats – the ideal gift for your favorite pooch-a-rooch. But alas, I don’t have one. Thought I did, can’t find it. No worries, a quick search online reveals many to choose from. Better yet, if any readers have one to share, please email it with the link on this page, along with a picture of your doggie and we will post both for everyone to enjoy.

Next on our list, the Food Party! reports on unique places to celebrate holiday fun, in and around San Francisco and the Peninsula, so please come back soon. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May your Food Parties! this week be inspired and delicious.


Peanut Butter Dog Treats by Eat the Gains

Democracy.
What is it worth to you?

Comments

Posted by Casa De Cerveza, a resident of Evergreen Park,
on Nov 23, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Casa De Cerveza is a registered user.

Welcome back...Glad to see the Food Party is on again! I'm looking forward to your insights into dog-friendly holiday treats too.


Posted by Laura Stec, a Mountain View Online blogger,
on Nov 23, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Laura Stec is a registered user.

Yeah! Casa de Cerveza back in the house! The party has started!


Posted by Penelope Cook, a resident of Sylvan Park,
on Nov 24, 2021 at 9:50 am

Penelope Cook is a registered user.

Though dogs do enjoy peanut butter, it builds up plaque on their teeth. A bacon or cheese flavored treat with a Milk Bone hardness/texture is preferable. Or simply share your Sunday morning ham and cheese omelet with them. Chances are you will not get any complaints or rejections. An abhorrently cruel vegan neighbor down the street actually feeds her dog tofu and broccoli which he seemingly detests and so my kids sneak him a steak bone from time to time when she isn't looking!


Posted by Mike Lane, a resident of Woodside,
on Nov 24, 2021 at 10:05 am

Mike Lane is a registered user.

The only vegan food our dog will eat is a baked potato preferably slathered with butter and sour cream. A tofu-eating dog is a victim of unfortunate circumstances.


Posted by Laura Stec, a Mountain View Online blogger,
on Nov 24, 2021 at 10:22 am

Laura Stec is a registered user.

LOL Penelope and Mike, you make me laugh this AM. I guess the dog population is grateful that I do NOT own one - as they would be getting leftover tofu too!

I left a piece of tofu dog on top of peanut butter on a rat trap once in hopes of capture. The rat ate the peanut butter but left the tofu dog! My dad got a good chuckle about that.


Posted by Tristan Rogers, a resident of another community,
on Nov 24, 2021 at 12:01 pm

Tristan Rogers is a registered user.

If I were a dog, I'd rather take my chances at the pound with the risk of getting euthanized than being adopted by hard-core vegans and forced to eat tofu and broccoli for the rest of my life.


Posted by Marian Beck, a resident of Crescent Park,
on Nov 24, 2021 at 2:24 pm

Marian Beck is a registered user.

Vegans who feed only tofu & vegetables to their pooches should be reported to the ASPCA.


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