Friday, January 4, 2013

Sharing Salads with Sadie

If you sat at the right end of the couch, you had to pet Sades. It was required. She nuzzled you until you did. Guests were forewarned of this when they sat there. Anyone who visited was nuzzled and loved by Sadie. And left full of fur.

As we walked along the lake, she actively sought out dead fish to roll around in and was pleased with her aroma. She was a locomotive blazing paths in deep snow, an avid rodent hunter and she loved her vegetables. I never chopped a vegetable without Sadie directly underneath me hoping for an "oops." There were quite a few "oops."

In her older age, she developed a love of artichokes. Both she and the cat came running when I sliced artichoke hearts. And I sliced artichoke hearts all winter. Which was 6 months long. Bear with me - the recipe's coming. It has made my year of "mindful eating" relatively easy. A good salad will do that.

Cats and dogs can be friends.

Sadie loved her tomatoes. In the last years when she was blind, she would sniff them out and have her fill of sun-ripened plum tomatoes. Not wanting her to have an excess of the stuff, I put the tomatoes in pots and moved them around the yard but she sniffed them out. Eventually, I would just have to beat her out the back door in the morning if I wanted tomatoes.

Eight and a half years ago, I went to Petco for guinea pig food and returned with Sadie. One of the best decisions of my life. She was my solution to my mid-life crisis. The kids were graduating from "something" every two years and I could see my child-rearing days were coming to a close. I told Sadie she was never going to graduate from anything.

She was a rescue dog. One look into her chocolate-brown eyes and I was smitten. I don't know if I chose her or she chose me. (My friend Brian did suggest that Sadie chose her human.) For 8-1/2 years she was our stress-buster and our smile.

Her nose was often dyed yellow from zucchini blossoms or red from the tomatoes. And scraped from chasing chipmunks up drain spouts. Sades had a technicolor snout during the summer.

I still find myself setting aside bits and pieces of salads for Sadie. This salad is so simple - I hardly call it a recipe. It's earthy - a bright smile all year - which is why both Sadie and I love it. And easy.

For 2-3 people + 1 salad eating dog:
1-2 packages of thawed artichoke hearts - sliced thin
3 celery ribs - sliced thin
1/2 fennel bulb - again sliced thin
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano - you determine the amount
Salt and pepper to taste
a fistful of chopped (fresh) Italian parsley

Dressing:
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon (I do equal amounts)



Think of it as crunchy sunshine. Try it - and share it.


"To some, she's an animal. To me, she is an adopted daughter who is short, furry, walks on all fours and doesn't always speak clearly."


Sadie: 1998-May 2011
Forever in our hearts.

61 comments:

Chris's Gourmet Fashion said...

That's such a beautiful eulogy. So sorry to hear that Sadie is gone. Loosing a pet is always terrible. I'm sure that every time you make that salad, it will bring back memories.

Beth said...

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Sadie. I can hear your love for her in the words you wrote. Thank you for sharing those beautiful stories (loved the dead fish smell!) and photos (the first one in particular is just lovely). Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.

Vicki Wilde said...

This is such a beautiful post, she sounds like she was a wonderful friend. Thank you for sharing these fantastic photos and your memories of Sadie.

Pam said...

What a wonderful tribute to Sadie. I can imagine the difficult time you are going through with her loss. She obviously had a wonderful life living with you and I can see why she liked the salad. Take care...

Juliana said...

Oh Claudia, I am so sorry to hear about Sadie...love the post and the pictures in it. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Take care Claudia.

La Bella Cooks said...

Awww, there is nothing so unconditional than the love of a dog and Sadie sounds like she was a gem. What a lovely post.

Wanda..... said...

Sorry for your loss of Sadie, Claudia.

Saji said...

Sorry for your loss of Sadie!!!!

Mehjabeen Arif said...

That was a beautiful post !

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

very sad to read this, Sadie is family, period. I always cremate my pets unfortunately we have lost many of our best friends... I always think about the joy they bring, the post is such a beautiful tribute.. many of us will share and understand your pain... thinking of you with heart felt sympathy my dear... lots of cyber love coming your way~

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Sadie...I know she was a wonderful friend and companion. Our old lab runs to the kitchen when I say oops, too...otherwise she doesn't move very fast. Next time she munches on something I've spilled, I'll think of your dear Sadie. xoxo

Reeni said...

What is it about vegetables? My cat loves them too! Sadie sounds like a pure joy. She found the best home with you - she knew it had the most love to give. So sorry for your loss. HUGS

Anne said...

Such a beautiful tribute to your dog, Sadie. Sorry for the loss of her. She will always be in your heart.
Take care.

Torviewtoronto said...

lovely post Sadie will always be in your heart
lovely pictures and salad looks wonderful

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Oh Claudia, what a beautiful post sharing about Sadie. I am glad that you both found each other and were able to experience so much love! Pets are such a blessing and I cannot imagine life without them, even if it is a brief time. Big hugs to you sweetie!

My Little Space said...

I tell you what my dog loves! She enjoys eating carrots and sweet potato leaves. Believe it or not? haha... But she hated bananas. Anything with banana flavour is yiking her. Your Sadie looks so healthy and strong. Good on her.
Hope you're having a fabulous day, Claudia.
Cheers, Kristy

Mister Meatball said...

RIP Sades.

Good dog.

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

Yes, a beautiful tribute to your Sadie! Isn't it funny how our pets have theire food fancies just like us! I miss my Gus, too, and feel like I never want to replace him. He was our baby, like your Sadie.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I am so sorry, Claudia. It is so hard to say goodbye to pets we love. She sounds like a wonderful companion and I know how much you must miss her. I hope you have a great day. Hugs and blessings...Mary

spcookiequeen said...

I'm so sorry Claudia, pets do become family. I missed my Lucy for years, you just expect to look down and have them sitting there waiting for an oops. I'm sure Sadie will be greatly missed.
-Gina-

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Claudia - Sadie sounds like a really special dog and you were such good caretakers of her - letting her have her favorite artichokes, tomatoes and plenty of love. It sounds like you were mutually rewarded. Great recipe too, by the way.

Emily Malloy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss :(
Dogs really become a part of the family, don't they. What a beautiful dog Sadie was!

I love this memoir and the salad.

Island Vittles said...

What a beautiful post and eulogy for a great (and beautiful!) friend. I type this with tears in my eyes, thinking of the 4 legged friends we have "rescued" over the years. I know how hard it is to lose a friend like Sadie. My condolences. Theresa

Jill Colonna said...

Claudia, what a beautiful tribute to Sadie and sorry to hear the news. She certainly sounded a real foodie (first time I've heard of a dog eating artichokes and tomatoes - cool!) and can see why you were such friends.

That Girl said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Every life is a little more enriched by a dog nuzzle.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about Sadie, sounds like she was a wonderful dog.

Catherine said...

Dear Claudia, My heart goes out to you. What lovely and beautiful memories of a dear friend. I will keep you in my prayers. I know how difficult it can be to loose ones best buddy. I am a dog lover. I have never been without a canine buddy. They just ease into your heart and thats it, they are there for life. I will keep you in my prayers. Blessings, Catherine xoxo
P.S. I love artichokes and your salad looks wonderful.

art is in the kitchen said...

Claudia you are one blessed human to have owned somebody like Sadie. What a beautiful friend! Thank you for sharing her photos and life with you. Moments worth remembering for a long long time. I love her already for we have the same favorite vegetable! Cheers!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

With tears rolling down my cheeks, I am trying to write and tell you what a beautiful tribute you've written to Sades. Four-legged children were the only ones I ever had and my heart goes out to you.
Love and hugs,
Sam

Jeannie said...

I can understand how you felt...I just lost my Gigi last April and your Sadie reminds me of her...may both of them rest in peace

Angie's Recipes said...

You and Sadie are lucky and blessed for each other!
Thank you for sharing the delicious salad too!
I wish you a relaxing weekend!
Angie

Jen_from_NJ said...

I am so sorry for your loss - Sadie was a beautiful dog. I know how much she will be missed. I am still missing my Chloe... Pets really can steal our hearts.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

I think Blogger broke down after I posted my comment, and it seems lost, so I will tell you again how lucky both you and Sadie were to have each other. There was obviously mutual love, and naturally there is sadness when you lose any loved one - person or animal.

Alessandra said...

What a lovely story Claudia! I am a follower of your but I don't think I came here enough! Anyway, I love animals and thus I love animal stories, and the fact that you can remember Sadie so so much kindness.

And then I like the fact that your dressings are simple, Italian style :-). I would hate to ruin a lovely fennel with a 10 ingredients' dressing, when we just need olive oil, salt and lemon :-).

Ciao

Alessandra

Kate@Diethood said...

What a beautiful post, Claudia... I am sooo sorry for your loss :((

chow and chatter said...

such a heart warming post so sorry for your lose and wow she had Italian tastes

great salad sweet Claudia

hugs Rebecca

Unknown said...

Claudia, so sorry to hear about Sadie. :-( I know that losing a pet is like losing a part of the family. She sounds like she was very sweet and gave you a lot of great memories.

I also love artichoke hearts...and fennel...and parmigiano reggiano...so this salad sounds pretty much perfect.

Dara said...

you were so blessed to have her share your salads and tomatoes :) im sorry she had to leave you

Lori Lynn said...

Dear Claudia - So sorry for your loss, my little beast is a rescue too. They are special for sure. We are fortunate that they found us. Your photos show all the joy you brought to each other.
LL

Sandra said...

Oh I am so sorry! What a nice dedication post! Great photos and memories! Once again I am really sorry!

Anna C said...

Claudia, I'm so sorry for your loss. This is such a sweet tribute to your dog Sadie who left you with so many fond memories. The photos convey so well the joy and love she brought to your family.

OysterCulture said...

What a wonderful tribute to a special 4 legged friend. I love stories like this that show how much richer our lives are as a result of what they bring. She sounded truly special.

tasteofbeirut said...

Claudia

This was such a moving post! I am not a dog person (more cats) but I felt so close to yours; she sounded like such a fun dog, easy to get attached to! Can't believe she loved these veggies so much! The salad is wonderful, too.

A SPICY PERSPECTIVE said...

Oh Claudia, I'm so sorry! I know exactly how tough it can be to lose a favorite pet and family member. Beautiful story!

Miri Leigh said...

Aw, I am so sorry for your loss- that is never easy. But, this is a beautiful post and story. Thanks for sharing.

Megan @ Pip and Ebby said...

Awwww, I'm sorry for your great loss! :( On the other hand, I am very glad to have stumbled upon this recipe! I ADORE artichokes!!

Nancy said...

Claudia, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sadie sounds like she enriched your lives and filled you with love everyday. My hear goes out to you and your family.
My pup is going to be 13 in a couple of months. Everyday we try to show him as much love as possible. I think he and Sade would of become great friends. Hugs

Fresh Local and Best said...

This is quite a sentimental post. Dogs are simply a human being's best companion. They know every season of emotion you are feeling and more importantly respond appropriately and lovingly. I'm sorry for your loss. Sadie is irreplaceable and the hole in your heart will never fill, but I am confident this ache will lessen over time.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Claudia, as pet owners we know the sorrow of losing a beloved pet but we also know the joy of having had their lifetime share a part of our lives. Sadie was a good dog, a good friend and will always be a part of all your family's hearts. I do believe our pets choose us and notr the other way around. It's kismet!

{{{ hugs }}

Angela said...

What a precious puppy. It looks like your family was very blessed.

Velva said...

I know how difficult it is to lose a furry member of our family. I am very sorry. No doubt she has brought you a lot of unconditional love. You will miss her but she will always be there next to you in spirit.

Velva

Megan @ Foodalution said...

Hi Claudia - Aww... what a beautiful story of love and companionship! I have no doubt that Sadie chose you too! We are thinking about a dog... since more kids are definitely off the menu.... cheers to those wonderful pets that become the sunshine in our day! Blessing! - Megan

Savoring Italy said...

Dear Claudia-This post is beautiful. I could see Sadie's technicolor snout. How adorable that she liked tomatoes and artichokes. Smart girl and a beautiful one. I'm truly saddened to read that she is no longer here with you. Hugs to you.

Heather S-G said...

Oh, beautiful Sadie...rest in peace. Such a sweet post. I'm typing through tears and smiling at the same time after seeing those photos. Delicious salad, as well...great tribute to your Sadie. I'm sorry for your loss, Claudia.

Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking said...

Claudia, this is such a fresh, flavorful and delicious looking salad. What sweet, sentimental photos to compliment it, too. I'm so sorry for your loss of Sadie. She seemed like a really lovely member of the family.

Amy said...

Claudia, so sorry for the loss of your adorable dog :(. Sending happy thoughts your way! How unusual for a dog to love veggies, especially artichokes ;)! this salad sounds delicious and fresh! Hope the rest of your week is better :)!

MegSmith @ Cooking.In.College said...

This was the sweetest post I have seen in awhile...I am so sorry for your loss. The love between a dog and a human is something that only people who have experienced it understand and I can say I truly understand. She looks like an absolutely wonderful companion, friend, and she obviously had good taste in food!

Magic of Spice said...

I am so sorry for your loos dear Claudia, Sadie is so beautiful...I am glad that you brought each other such love and warmth, she will always be beside you.

Barbara GF said...

I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your dear Sadie, Claudia. She had a blessed life with you, and all those tomatoes you so generously shared!

Michele said...

I'm so sorry to read about Sadie. I know what it is like to lose a pet. I can't believe that she liked artichokes! That's my kind of dog! Beautiful recipe and post!

Quay Po Cooks said...

Claudia, it has been a while since I last visit and I am so sorry to hear that you lost Sadie. She looks like a very loving dog and I am sure she has given you and your family much joy throughout her life. I am sure you guys will miss her a lot. When my dog "Gus" went missing 2 years ago, I was devastated and I still miss him terribly.
I lie the salad you made and I am going make it and give some to my Ruby (my minature Sznaucer). Have a nice weekend.