who let the dogs out
adventures in dog-sitting + one last winter stew
Last month, I had the opportunity to answer a big question: Who let the dogs out?
Reader, it was me. I let these dogs out.
(And they came back, this isn’t a sob story.)
I was back in Alaska, house-sitting for dear friends, and three large dogs were part of the equation.
The thing is, I’m a cat person. Several pairs of my socks are cat print, as are kitchen towels and oven mitts. Framed prints. Tchotchkes. Two cat brothers asleep in the living room. They warm my heart and add that little something special to any & everything that comes out of my kitchen. A wisp of cat hair, naturally. It’s a way of life.
Let me be clear that I don’t dislike dogs. I’ve just long gravitated to cats. What about you?
I remember a big famiy dog in my early years, Bogie (after Humphrey), who I’m told I took rides on. Did something happen? Or was simply this a contrarian trait in the making? Did I hear “man’s best friend” and even then, think “but I'm a girl!” with an “ew, boys, ew dogs” distaste? Was it the early pull of feminism, the unsaid but almost understood, ancient power of witches?
(And by that I mean, strong women; see the R + R at the bottom for a recent rec.)
Was it more so how small and fierce, yet adorable, a wandering neighborhood cat could be? How you probably need them more than they need you? Relatable.
I don’t actually think one needs to pick one species or the other. I maintain compassion for all animals - even - especially - the ones I have a seriously healthy fear (and awe) of. And obvs, that list grew in the 49th. We safely saw a huge brown bear, and by that, I do mean Grizzly, just the other day out in the park. Fear, awe, beauty, space and might - repeat.
And here in Alaska, being a cat-lover is seemingly almost as rare as not eating other animals. We’re not alone, for sure, but we’re outliers in a dog-meet-dog-meet-musher state. So, doggone it (oh, yes), Jules and I got to really “fit in” with this trio of dogs we were no strangers with, since we used to live next door.
For the first time in my life, I slept with two dogs beside me! They didn’t eat me!
I read by the fire with dogs asleep by my feet. Stretching out on my yoga mat the minute I laid it down (and taking up so much more room than my little cats!!!) ! Showing me where the snow-covered trail should be. Running after moose tracks. Hoping I’d cut carrots for (my) dinner. Following me room to room with big sweet eyes. Stoked for (dog) dinner. Thrilled for treats. Showcasing their personalities. Ahhhhhhhhh licking me!!!!
This is all hereby proof that I spent 10 days dog-sitting & house-sitting during what became the last stretch of winter storms and my grand “spring, spring, a bit more winter” getaway, and lived to tell the tale (ba da bum).
And of course, there was cooking, too.
Still-winter stewed tomato, garlic & cabbage with white beans
Remember when it was…cold? It’s since risen to sunny & 60f – and now 70f in Fairbanks! in the interior – making winter, suddenly, a (long, long) memory away. For a little while.
This stewed cabbage affair was the last one of the other-season, which again, broken record, is most of the year here. I made it during that final snow storm in early April, during those first few days of house-sitting at a not-so-faraway friends’ house.
It’s a rustic, two-step recipe that starts with roasting (canned!) tomatoes and a bit of garlic in the oven, and being a stew, finishes doing its thing on the stovetop. It comes together thanks to a couple of cans, some sweet time (literally - with the roasting of those tomatoes & garlic) in the oven, the requisite it’s-still-winter cabbage, and a bit of wine, to boot.
Bonus freshly baked ciabatta for dippin’
Other dishes I cooked on my last leg of home-away-from-home:
Lately - perhaps another end of the snow thing - I’ve been groovin’ on these big pieces of oven-seared tofu in dark & smokey & crimson marinades.
another perk of this nearby house-sit: I could email Jules a short list of ingredients to bring with for dinner : )
My (former, but perpetual & super duper cool & precious) neighbors’ house has at least three jars of curry powder out and peace signs around every corner. I could not resist such a dish. And again, their plates ! ! ! Iconic.
practically Spring at that point
With that, I bid you & the pups adieu from underneath a peach cat <3
References + Relevant Links:
A Solitude of Wolverines (Alex Carter #1) by Alice Henderson
Fluffy Vegan Oatmeal Pancakes with Aquafaba, Serious Eats
In Defense of Witches: The Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women Are Still on Trial by Mona Chollet, translated by Sophie R. Lewis [seriously recommended]
Jamaican Chickpea Curry, Ital Eats and Treats
Jet Tila’s Vegan Pad Thai {jess note = go generous with the sauce: noodle ratio}
Dog person here, but I too have framed cats on my walls and cat socks! I suppose I probably would like to have a cat and a dog but alas, Jordan is allergic. So I'll just keep petting the neighborhood cats on walks with the kiddo!
Also, please tell me more about those roasted tofu hunks! They look amazing!!
Dogs are coo,l and all, but everyone knows where my heart and soul lies. I'm cats to the core!