A few days ago I took our Labradoodle, Archie, on a long walk around the neighborhood. In less than an hour I was stopped SIX different times by people asking all sorts of questions and making comments about the dog. (He looks like a Muppet…on steroids.)

 My favorite was the woman who just stood up in the driver’s seat of her Suburban, leaned all the way out the window, in the Utah winter, with both arms waving, and yelled, “I LOVE YOUR DOG!” as we were crossing a busy street.  

Seriously? That’s so nice but…sort of alarming.

When we got back home I started thinking of Archie in new ways. I Googled emergency dog foods and found lots of sites that sell very expensive solutions. I also found recipes for dogie-casseroles and dogie-stews that sounded much better than most of the meals I serve my children.

What I would like to know is how the pioneers kept their dogs alive and healthy? There have to be some lower cost options. Does anyone know if dogs can survive on a diet that’s mostly grains and beans? Just curious.