STOP DOG BREEDERS!!!

Thinking of getting a dog? Don't choose a dog because they are of a particular "popular" or "trendy" breed ... instead visit your local ASPCA or other animal adoption site. Visit them and visit often because someone there will surely capture your heart.

Breeders are over breeding pets based on popularity leading to overcrowded kennels. Many that are not sold as puppies end up being discarded (take that as you may).

Take a look at this video. Although it takes place in Japan, the realities are here as well. WARNING ... this is graphic and may not be watchable by all ...

WELCOME HOME DADDY!!!

One of the greatest joys of dog parentship is coming home to someone that is always happy to see you.

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Strays to the Rescue

I just couldn't resist ...

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1930475_1968031,00.html

DO YOUR DOODY!!!

It really annoys me to live in a dog friendly neighborhood with a few lazy, irresponsible, disrespectful dog owners. If you're choosing to take on the responsibility of adopting a dog then you're choosing all the responsibilities that come with it ... which includes curbing your pet. They've even made it easy people by providing drop off stations that include convenient "poop" bags (rather high quality ones too).

Not only is it unsightly, but it's unhealthy as animal droppings often contain harmful bacteria, such as e coli, salmonella, and giardias.

Here are some additional facts courtesy of 1800dogpoop.com

1. Canine fecal matter is a top contributor to storm water pollution.
2. Waste matter accumulation can negatively effect your lawns appearance and health.
3. Dog waste cannot be used as a fertilizer.
4. A pile can take a year or more to fully breakdown.
5. Dog waste accumulation can attract mice and parasites.
6. Dog's can be found in 3 out of 5 households in the U.S. That's a lot of poop.
7. There Are Dog Waste Mangement Companies In Your Area Standing By.

I'm contacting my HOA today about the abundance of curbside poop in the neighborhood lately and I suggest you do the same if it's a problem in your neighborhoold.

Follow-up to Lilly, the 5-Legged Pup

Asian Beef Noodle Soup

This is a favorite dish of mine and the best places to get them are from the night markets in Asia (a lot of the best Asian foods are found there actually). The noodle and the broth was always cooked separately an only combined right before consumption (brought back from the markets in two separate plastic bags). I haven't quite found their equal in the U.S. but the Grand Asia Market in Cary is about as close as it's gotten. They're usually served VERY spicy and the beefier the meal the better. I've tried duplicating this using ramen and braised chuck roast as well as rib eye steaks but it never was quite right. I hope these recipes will guide me to duplicating this deliciously hearty meal.

For more information: http://www.sinica.edu.tw/tit/dining/0396_Noodle.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_noodle_soup. I can actually remember visiting the Lai Lai Sheraton mentioned in these two articles, but did not try the noodles there. According to a post I found on an Asian food blog, "(s)ome chefs ... substitute tomatoes for chili peppers for their similar reddish color. The addition of tomato adds a slight acidity and sweetness, which further stimulates the appetite. "

• http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Taiwanese-Beef-Noodle-Soup-231502


• http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2009/02/southeast-asian-soup


• http://southeastasianfood.about.com/od/riceandnoodles/r/VietBeefNodleSo.htm


• http://scienceblogs.com/goodmath/2008/03/friday_random_recipe_niu_rou_m.php

Check back to see my notes on this recipe. Bon appetite.