Chicken Soup for the Picky Dog Soul

They say chicken soup is good for the soul, and when your dog isn’t feeling well, you’ll try just about anything to get them to eat. Over the weekend, Penelope decided food was simply beneath her, and since she’s usually a picky eater anyway, this quickly turned into a game of "What Will the Queen Accept Today?"

I racked my brain trying to think of something she might actually eat. Then I remembered reading about someone making chicken soup for their dog. Sounded simple enough, and given that I was rapidly running out of options (and sanity), I figured, why not?

Carrots and chicken, ready to become a gourmet masterpiece… or at least something Penelope will consider eating.

The original recipe called for one pound of chicken breasts. Naturally, I doubled it—because when in doubt, add more chicken. It also called for fresh parsley, which I did not have and, let’s be honest, Penelope wouldn’t have touched it anyway. I also added some chopped carrots, just to pretend I was being extra wholesome.

Instead of cooking the chicken whole, I cut it into little bite-sized bits beforehand. Then I chopped about six carrots into small slices. Everything went into a big stockpot, covered with water, and brought to a boil. After a good simmer until the chicken was fully cooked, I let it cool and served up a bowl fit for a canine connoisseur.

Success! Penelope actually ate it! Well… most of it. The carrots? Left in an artistic little pile at the bottom of her bowl. I should have seen that coming.

And now, we wait… simmering hopes and dreams that Penelope won’t turn her nose up at this!

Still, it broke her fasting streak, and soon she was back to eating normally. Crisis averted! However, my triumph was short-lived. By the next day, the same chicken soup that had revived her appetite was now beneath her refined palate. She took one sniff, gave me an expression that clearly said, "You expect me to eat leftovers?" and walked away.

Enter Maverick, who was more than happy to step in and finish the rest of the batch. He’s a firm believer in the "waste not, want not" philosophy (or more accurately, the "if you don’t want it, I do" philosophy). At least someone appreciated my culinary efforts!

So, what’s the lesson here? When in doubt, make chicken soup—but don’t expect gratitude from a picky eater. And always have a backup dog who will eat anything.