Today, December 21st, a very special member of our family is having his 15th birthday. He is ‘our’ little mini German Dachshund with the cute name of ‘Amigo’. My sister Loretta, adopted Amigo when he was only two months old so needless to say, their hearts have been well secured together.
Brion & I have had the incredible pleasure of being able to share in his life as well. On different occasions he stayed with us while Loretta had to attend to other things. It would usually take a bit of time at first for him to accept the idea she was gone temporarily. Then we would become part of his ‘pack’.
When I was growing up on the farm we had a Collie. I loved that dog but being a farm dog living outdoors, your interactions were only when you were out of the house. Until we cared for Amigo, I just had no idea what a privilege it is to be loved by a dog. Dachshunds are such a special breed. Amigo has left an imprint on my heart that will remain forever with me. Whenever Amigo is present, he brings such happiness and the perspective to enjoy the moment along with a dogs’ uncanny ability to understand humans and give so much unconditional love. We humans really need to learn some of these virtues.
As we watch him growing older, I find it so unfair that animals give so much and yet they still have to suffer the aches and pains of old age the same as humans. It seems they should be spared this ordeal.
Amigo is definitely a great source of pleasure to Loretta and I am truly grateful their lives were connected so long ago.
Two of Amigos favorite foods have always been cheese and chicken. Although he isn’t going to be having any, I’m putting a chicken meal on my blog today in honor of his birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMIGO!
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- 6 boneless/skinless chicken breast halves
- 110 grams Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley sprigs, packed
- 2/3 cup dry bread crumbs,
- 1/2 tsp EACH salt & pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 Tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup flour
Ingredients
Chicken & Stuffing
Breading
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- Flatten chicken breast to a 1/4-inch thickness. In a small bowl, combine cheese & cranberries. Divide cheese mixture between breasts; roll up & secure with toothpicks.
- In a food processor, place walnuts & parsley; cover & process until ground but not over processed. Transfer to a shallow bowl; stir in bread crumbs, salt & pepper. In another shallow bowl, combine eggs & mustard. Place flour in a third shallow bowl. Coat chicken with flour, then dip in egg mixture & coat with walnut mixture.
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with greased foil paper. Place breasts seam side down & bake for 35-40 minutes or until thermometer reads 170 F. Remove from oven; discard toothpicks & serve. This is real nice served with couscous & a veggie.
Tears in my eyes, as I watch Amigo struggle with old age, but he’s not ready to go, and I am not ready to let him go. (Will I ever be?) He continues to bring joy to my life, thank you for remembering him on his birthday.