Gone to the Dogs Part 2

By Rachel

I bet I spend more money on my ONE dog than many of you do on several dogs!!

Truly, my dog is a financial liability. By the time I pay for her medications each month (for hip dysplasia, eye issues, incontinence, and some disorder that only occurs in 1 out of every 200,000 dogs) I could send my kids to private school AND to Europe for the summer. The latest medical emergency was her ears. She was shaking her head so hard I thought she was going to give herself shaken baby syndrome. Took her to the vet and heard smothered giggles as bystanders watched me break a sweat trying to drag my 80 lb dog out of the car. And let me say right here to that lady who was holding her phone up like she might be video-taping: I DO NOT WANT TO SEE MY BUTT ON YOU TUBE!

I finally got the damn dog in and had to endure my hundredth lecture on her weight. I let the vet know that she will NOT eat the green beans he suggested I use as “treats.” Hell, I can’t even get my husband and kids to eat green beans! The truth is that I bake chicken and mix it with her medicine. Yes, I cook my stupid dog chicken every morning. I’m pretty sure she eats better than we do - especially when I’m serving ramen noodles or pork and beans. I think she kind of shows off munching on her baked chicken.

So while we were at the vet, my daughter ratted me out and told the vet that I have given the dog table scraps for the past two days. Hey, I’ve been a busy lately and haven’t gotten to the store to buy fresh chicken – therefore, using table scraps with her medicine. My vet glared at me and told my daughter he was glad she was there. (Note to self: leave children at Tot Spot – or bus stop - when going to veterinarian’s office.) He then proceeded to lecture me for another 10 minutes on my dog’s diet and how I need to help her lose weight (my eyes are rolling to the back of my head).

FINALLY he checked her ears (the reason we were there) and informed me she has allergies. I now have to take her off all dog food with food dye and discontinue the baked chicken/turkey/beef products as it could also be causing the allergic reaction. Her “treats” are now supposed to be lamb or venison. Yup! Now I have to buy her expensive dog food AND feed her lamb or venison. I don’t remember the last time I ate lamb or venison. Guess I’ll take up hunting. But, we love her and think of her as our third - and most expensive - child. 

So, the next time you have a get together with your girlfriends’ to discuss the financial liabilities in your lives, make sure you whip up some Baked Parmesan Chicken to serve. It has been tested and approved by our dog, Coco!

Baked Parmesan Chicken

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup Italian bread crumbs

 ½ teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons oil

½ - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a bowl, mix the oil and garlic. In another bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the oil mixture, then in the bread crumb mixture. Place the coated chicken in the baking pan, and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes in the oven, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.