The Chase

The following story is a true experience. No one could make up such a tale.

Life has never been the same for us since Bella, a 75 lb. yellow lab, entered our lives. It can be challenging at times to keep up with the energy level of a fairly young dog. Fortunately, a nearby fenced in dog park has been our salvation. I must admit some days can be a bit unnerving when owners and their dogs enter the gated area. They unleash their beasts who run full force down the hill toward the path in your direction. Free at last! But what about me? I feel like a moving target!

Yesterday, much to my surprise, a young woman steps onto the path with a very large unleashed dog who quickly bounds away. She then proceeds to set down a young piglet that she has been carrying and releases its leash. The fearful piglet (found out later only 8 weeks old) is quivering in fear as several dogs surround and cautiously begin sniffing it. Seems like this is some kind of ritual greeting dogs give each other. An alarmed look spreads across the owner's face when the growling and barking begins. It was then- the hot pursuit ensued!

Bella who thought surely this young piglet was only fair game began the chase. The piglet realizing danger ran down the path squealing and crying with Bella not far behind. As Bella quickly gained on her target, the owner now realizes there is a serious problem. She starts screaming running after the two of them yelling "Stop! Stop!."

Now I ask you... "What dog is going to stop with such a prize almost within her grasp?"

With the three ahead of me (all running full speed) I tried running hoping to catch up. All I can hear now is barking, squealing, crying and angry shouts. Just as the owner reaches her piglet, dives on top of it to protect her, Bella leaps on the heap. Truly this was a Kodak moment!

Luckily this tale has a happy ending since there were no obvious injuries. Bella wondered what all the fuss was about and seemed a bit dismayed since her next meal had been oh- so close.

It was a relief to me when the young woman (in disgust over the recent events) said she would find a different park closer to her house next time to take walks. But I do wonder if next time her piglet will be so lucky!

___________________________________________________________________________

Caramel Apple Sauce

Makes three cups

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

pinch of salt

Directions:

Bring sugar, water, lemon juice and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan. When bubbles form, cover and boil 3 minutes. Uncover and boil till mixture turns the color of ice tea about 5-6 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Whisk in cream and brown sugar.

Reduce heat to low, simmer 2 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

Stir in

1 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, diced

1 tsp. vanilla

Serving Ideas:

Serve as a dip for chopped apples or pretzels omitting diced apples in last part of recipe

Drizzle caramel sauce over spice pound cake

Drizzle caramel sauce over gingerbread cake

Note: The sauce will seem thin, but will thicken once it cools

Recipe adapted fro Cuisine At Home October 2005