Hi Nancy - I am so glad to hear that Griffin is not have negative side effects from the chemo! Let's hope that continues - but in case Griffin's appetite lags after future rounds, I bet this stock would be just what the doctor ordered 🙂 If you can get your hands on chicken necks or chicken backs, they are the best for stock - they are relatively inexpensive and they make a richer stock than normal cuts of chicken (they have a higher bone to meat ratio). Just make sure you strain the stock afterwards, while it is still warm, to filter out any wee bones that might have come loose. 

Hi Nyoom! You are most welcome for the recipe. I, like you, am a vegetarian, so for me to purchase, handle, and cook meat tells you how much I love my dog! I get a big stock pot and put in lots of cold water. To that I add the legs and bring it to a boil at high heat. Once it boils i cover it loosely (so some steam can escape) and let it simmer on very low heat for hours. You want the fluid level to go down by at least half. If it's not going down fast enough, you can remove the lid. Once done, let it cool. I like to chill the finished broth so the pools of fat on the surface solidify and can be easily removed. Careful when you handle the legs because at this point the meat will be "fall off the bone" tender. Be really careful to not only remove the big bone (tibia) but also the small very pointy/sharp fibula. Since you don't eat meat I am not sure you've ever seen drumstick bones up close. I do not salt the broth and don't add anything else to it.

Rescues are the BEST! I found Dexter at a shelter called Helping Hounds in Central NY state. After I adopted him I started volunteering there as a dog walker and that is how I got Bella. I was walking one of the shelter dogs (her name was Rowena) and a fellow volunteer came out into the parking lot with Bella. She had just been relinquished (for a second time) and she was freaking out so badly about being back at the shelter she had to be taken outside before she totally lost it. I knew she was new - hadn't seen her before - and I called out to the other volunteer "Hey, Cindy, who's that?" Bella heard my voice and RAN over to me -totally yanked the leash out of Cindy's hands - and threw herself into my arms and buried her head into my shoulder and neck. I just sat there, down on one knee, this big puppy in my arms. Of course, she came home that night and we've never looked back. For Dexter and Bella, it was love at first sight. And this was also why his diagnosis was such a horrible shock. Not only would i mourn him but she would too. Which is why I am so relieved and grateful that we'll have more time together. 

Thank you for the reminder to take breaks and to rest up a bit. You are right! This sort of thing takes a toll - all the worry, grief, etc. I hope you are faring all right through your own journey with Hazel. Please keep me posted re: what Hazel thought of the broth. Sending hugs, and please kiss Hazel on the head for me 🙂

Best,

Laura, Dexter, and Bella 🙂