la guerison

A Higher Love : something only God and Dogs (and all pure-hearted creatures in between...) can teach.

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la guérison (gair-ee-zohn) noun, feminine
    : healing

en voie de guérison = getting better
la guérison par la foi = faith healing
la guérison rapide = rapid recovery

Audio File & Example Sentence: Download Wav or Download MP3

Pour tous ces cas, le traitement à l'argile... complète le soin pour accélérer la guérison et permettre une rapide cicatrisation. For all these cases, the clay treatment completes the care for accelerating healing and permits rapid closing up (of wounds).

--"Argilothérapie: un trésor de bienfait également pour nos animaux," Le Monde Francophone du Chien - Nov 8, 2006

A Day in a French Life...
by Kristin Espinasse

La guérison continues... If Smokey is oblivious to his oozing scrapes, this is because, like most "kids" his age, he's too busy playing to take notice of his plaies.*

One of Smokey's favorite games is "Jouer à Faire Semblant"* (he loves to pretend he is a Kangaroo!). Boy, can our boy jump! I regret to not have any photos of Smokey The Kangaroo in action. Meantime, here are some slide-by-slide images of our thrice-daily routine, wherein our kitchen comptoir* is transformed into Care Clinic Supreme:


There's our (Kangaroo) outpatient, patiently awaiting his clay cataplasm. But first we need to clean his wounds... Currently we are using eau oxygenée,* though I hear (thanks to readers sharing knowledge in the comments box) that gentle soap and water is better... for the hydrogen peroxide is pretty harsh on the newly regenerated cells.

Looks can be deceiving ("King Kanga" as Smokey fancies himself) is not as sad as he seems -- he just hates that word on the box to his right, the one that rhymes with "peril".

Here we have "Kanga The Conqueror" jumping to it -- or simply standing up so that we might reach the second wound, there above his neck (where he had a half-dozen staples removed after the two-dog attack, four weeks ago). Kanga kindly, patiently, lets me apply the green mud, after the peroxide. (I have wet the powdered clay, which comes in the form of marble-size "pebbles". Aunt Marie-Françoise suggests setting the dry clay in the sun, before wetting it, to absorb even more healing properties, vitamins, I guess...).

As soon as the clay dries on Smokey's face, I notice the thick white bead forming on top of the dried clay: it is the infection, having been expressly pulled from the inside out! I dab the infected "pearl" with a clean towel, to dry the area, and re-apply the wet clay. "Pearl" after white pearl, the infection is leaving our puppies wound.

(Re photos, click to enlarge... In the above photo, note the tea pot, in case Smokey fancies a cuppa. He fancies a lot of things, especially things with strings -- like that he got the better... of my favorite robe and sweater!)

Back to "mud," we are using green clay. For those of you who wrote in, alarmed, and wondering if I had, in desperation, run out to the river bed to collect copious amount of diseased dirt -- no worries: I am using "argile brute séléctionnée" (carefully selected and quality controlled "argiletz" clay).

After applying the clay, the wet "poultice" (this is a new word for me... thanks to "The Other Jean-Marc" and other commenters, who thoughtfully wrote in...) quickly dries... and ends up on our floor. I don't mind the clay covering our floor and ending up in bits and dust. In fact, I am hoping the clay's "pulling" qualities (which are working so well, I can attest, to drain our pup's infection!) will suck out those grease stains (see them there, beneath the chair, in the photo just below?). Jean-Marc thinks they'll just disappear on their own... those stains, and that our terracotta (clay...) floors are pulling them in. Every time my husband fries (and spills something) he says the same: no worries, ça disparaîtra! As if, by hocus pocus! Sounds hokey to me!

Then again, neither of us can now deny the "pulling" powers of poultice. 

***
Comments welcome, click here! Please use the comments box (as my inbox is limping at the moment... from the weight of unanswered email... and guilt).

Oh, do I have plans for those newly-roasted peppers which are currently marinating (skinless now) in a bath of thyme, rosemary, and savory... and olive oil from our friends at Mas de Martin! (And garlic power, too. I was too impatient, this time, to cut up fresh garlic.)

Plan A is to cut up the peppers and put them in the next olive cake (or olive "loaf" if you prefer) along with feta cubes.... Plan B is to take half the peppers and make pipérade (I have no idea what that is, but I think the name is funny. I'll make an "au pif" ("by guesswork") Provence version, with inspiration from my belle-mères tapenade recipe... Voilà Provence + Tapenade = Pipérade!

What would *you* do with these red and yellow roasted peppers? Comments and recipes welcome!

French Vocabulary

une plaie (f) = wound; jouer à faire semblant = to play make believe; le comptoir (m) = counter; l'eau (f) oxygenée = hydrogen peroxide

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Comments

[Jens]

Great photos!

I believe a pipérade is a sort of an omelette from Pays Basque.

But Kristi, honestly, you live in the South of France and use garlic pow(d)er? I hope you have not told Jean-Marc about it!

Cheers,
Jens from overcast Copenhagen with 10 degrees celcius.

[Kristin]

Bonjour Jens! (How do you say "Hello" in Danish?) Re using garlic powder... I know, Iknow! Even worse is not knowing what piperade is... after visiting Pays Basque. Thanks for the reminder :-) (Next time we're in Basque country, I'll order it!)

[Bill in St. Paul]

How can you not love that beautiful face of Smokey, even with the clay on his face. You're breaking my resolve to not get another dog, besides we'd have to clear it with our house manager (Julius, the cat) who is very possessive of his total control over us and the house.

I love to watch dogs make up "games" like being a kangaroo. We had a dog when I was growing up who would take a short piece of rope, put it on the ground, nose it until he'd created a loop, and then flick it into the air and catch it. He'd do this for hours!

In St. Paul, it's dark (6:17am), overcast, chance of rain, 51 degrees, which may be the high for the day.

[Sue Klein]

Ah, grilled peppers in a marinade.
I think pasta. Toss the sliced peppers in some warm pasta with some Parmesan cheese, and maybe some chicken. VOILA.

I am a former Minnesotan (USA) now living near Dijon. We really love it here [it has been 8 years already). And the wine!

Sue

[Jens]

Bonjour Kristi,
In Danish you say 'Hej', meaning 'Hi', or 'Goddag', meaning 'Good Day'.

You can even say 'Hallo' which is the English 'Hello', but something you say on the phone.

Bon après-midi.

[ali ferdinand]

Your darling little dog is going on my prayer list.

As for the peppers in the marinade, how about a lovely pasta al dente added. Crunchy bread, wine. You know the drill far better than I.

[lisa marie]

Smokey, I love you! Please continue to get better! xo

[Evvy Goebel]

Bonjour. Smokey is such a good patient. Sounds like the poultice is working very well - I use them on my horses every now and again.

Good luck and thanks for sharing !

evvy
(from cypress texas where it's going to be a beautiful fall day)

[Margaret]

To all at Chez Espinasse--

Smokey seems the ideal patient. Tell him he is getting a treatment that women pay top euro for in at the day spa. You could turn this into a doggie spa flick.

I must say, my eye went to the peppers - yum!

Do keep us posted. A poultice is a great old remedy that just might do the trick here. He certainly doesn't seem to mind the treatment and attention. If I tried that on my cat, I would have eyes left.

Margaret in still rainy Durham, NC.

[Robin]

Every day I read in anticipation of Smokie's recovery. It breaks my heart what happened to him and I pray for his recovery. We had a cat Spunkie, who when very young had gotten attacked by something out in the country. We believe dogs. She had emergency surgery and an abcess. It was awful. She had to have a drain pipe in her side. She lived until about 9 and she too lived in Paris. We now have 2 goldens Lucy (from England, where we lived after France), and Rebel. Their predecessor Cindy lived with us in Paris! She had been hit by a car and 2 surgeries later had a metal splint in her leg that never quite healed right. On our walks people would stop and ask what happened and we had to explain she "casse" (spelling?) her leg. They pitied her. Cindy was very happy though and lived until about 11. We could have had another surgery, or taken the leg off, or put her down. We couldn't bear any of the choices and she got along fine and was happy to be with us. Sometimes she would try to sneak the baguette bread from under someone's arms as they carried it from the bakery on the corner near our apartment! Sometimes someone would drop a croissant and she would get lucky! Tyler our other cat who is rather a klutz would sit on the ledges outside of the window and sometimes would take a "tombre" from the first floor of our apt. He is like Tomasina with 9 lives. He now is 11.
Keep the posts and pictures coming about Smokie. He is darling and I am sure he will recover!!!!!

[Karen - Maryland, USA]

Oh - that face, THAT FACE!! He is just SO cute no matter what he's doing. He melts my heart. You must have a bond that transcends all mother / canine-son relationships by now. Truly a higher love, as you say. Fingers and toes are crossed and pointed towards the heavens (what an image) pour la guérison rapide.

Don't forget to tell us about the olive loaf with tomatoes!

Karen from gray (but NO RAIN!! and sadly still no Rouge-Bleu) Baltimore, Maryland

[Marianne Giordano]

I looked forward to this mornings post from you Kristin. I was thinking about Smokey since last you wrote. He looks wonderful, and I am so glad that you have an Aunt who is so versed in holistic remedies. That clay did the trick. I did click on your links to the clay, but it seems different than what you have for Smokey. Is yours only found in France?

I will continue to look forward to hearing about your handsome boys and beautiful girls (dogs and kids). It makes my day three times a week. And, don't worry about those stains.....I have them too...comes with the territory of husbands, kids and animals.

It is cold today in Patterson, New York. It is suppose to be 60 degress F on Sunday...can't wait.

bein amicalement a vous.
Marianne Giordano Patterson, N.Y.

[Style Spy]

Sweet Smokey -- what a very good and patient pateient he is!

As for those peppers -- I don't think I could wait to cook anything to eat them -- I'd just slice them and put them between two slices of black bread with a little chevre. Mmmmmmmm...

[Marianne Giordano]

Oh, about the recipe for the peppers. Brown some very think cut pork chops with bone in.
Remove from pan. In the same pan brown a thinly sliced medium sweet onion and about 2 or three fresh garlic cloves chopped (more or less to your tastes).. when that is ready, add some of your wine (do you have white?.. if not red) let that cook for about a minute. Then add some chicken broth. simmer. Place the pork chops back in the pan and add your delicious peppers. (they won't need to cook too long because they are already roasted) and let everything simmer until flavors are combined. (Sorry, I just eyeball everything and don't have specific amounts, but I'm sure you'll do fine)..You could serve it over Fettucine or just get a great big loaf of crusty bread and mop everything up.....UMMMM

Hope you enjoy them!
Marianne Giordano,Patterson, New York

[Marianne Giordano]

Woops, that should read "very thin cut pork chops"..............
bonne journee.
Marianne

[Betty Bailey]

I would probably make Ratatouille with some of the peppers and roast the rest for use in my Tuna Pasta recipe. They look perfect!

Best wishes to Smokey!

[Patricia Anzalone]

So glad Smokey seems to be doing so well. He's growing too!
For the peppers, I'd slice them thinly and put them in a bowl almost covering them with extra virgin olive oil. I'd sprinkle red pepper flakes and some salt and stir. My special touch is that I let the broiled juices go into the bowl as well. We'd eat it as is, and use our bread to soak up the remaining oil juices.
Bon Appetit!
Patricia on an overcast 50 degree morning in northwestern Virginia. Looking forward to seeing my 11 year old grandson star in A Christmas Carol this evening at a local play directed by my daughter and with my oldest granddaughter in it as well!! (Proud grandmere, n'est pas?!!)

[Laurel Brooks]

The peppers are beautiful. I would love to see the recipe for the olive cake (loaf) you consider here.

[Candy Witt]

Your precious Smokey "Roo"!! I'm so glad that he's healing - physically and emotionally. Such a trauma for a wee little guy! Dog tricks are always fun. I had a 140 lb rotweiler/lab who thought he was a lap dog! His 2 favorite activities were playing in the sprinkler (ever see a 140 lb dog jump over the spray going back and forth!?) But even funnier was watching him chase "Tinkerbell" - you know, the little spot of light that reflects on the floor and walls when the sunlight hits your watch? I've never seen a dog do this and certainly not a "giant" dog like Rocky. He loved chasing the light! We'd say "Rocky, where's Tinkerbell?" and he'd start looking all over the floor! He was soooo cute. I lost him 5 yrs ago and still miss him every day, but I now have 2 other sweet pups to love. There's nothing like "puppy love"! Hugs to you all - and have fun with the peppers. I think I'd just put them on toasted bread with some yummy cheese!

Candy - originally from beautiful Colorado Springs, but now living in Liberal, KS to help care for my mom. It's 60 right now but there's a storm a brewin' for the weekend!

[Sarah Gaede]

This is the best pimiento cheese recipe in the world! It will astound your amis francaises--if you can find the cheese!

Miss Verba's Pimiento Cheese--from Frank Stitt's Southern Table.
1 pound sharp yellow cheddar
1/4 pound cream cheese, softened (mascarpone might work too
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 large red bell peppers, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise (I'm guessing you won't be making your own!)
1 teaspoon sugar
Splash of hot sauce, such as Tabaso
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Grate cheese in food processor or by hand. Place in a bowl; add remaining ingredients, and blend together thoroughly. Refrigerate. I like to let it warm up a bit before serving. In the south, we serve it on saltines for an hors d'ouevre, but it's also good for sandwiches and as a dip for crudites.

[Maryli]

It's always a wonderful start to a day when I get your email. The love for Smokey that emanating from your pictures and words.

With a great, big, loud "YEAH!" I realized that I have some of the same green clay from France in my bathroom closet. Last time I was in Paris I picked up a box, intrigued with what it promised to do for my skin. I'm moving it from "beauty shelf" to "first aid shelf," in case - heaven forbid, my dogs or cat should get into a bad scrape.

It is a gorgeous, bright, autumn day in Atlanta (about 66F).

[Lana Holmes]

You can dilute the hydrogen peroxide with warm water - gentler.

[Lisa in Montclair, NJ]

Smokey looks like he is definitely on the mend. His spark and courage are evident in these photos! What a sweet, brave character. Keep up the good work Smokey! You're in good hands. Your fan club keeps growing every day with each friend and relative I tell your story to (including my cats Nike and Maja, would you believe?)!

[Phil Rainey]

Hi Kristi,

I stumbled on to your blog while searching about learning the French language. I had been listening to Edith Piaf and then started learning about other singers from the 30's and 40's, like Lucienne Boyer, Yves Montand,Georgette Plana, Tino Rossi etc. Now I am hooked with the tales of Smokey and I'm glad to hear he is doing well. Your clay treatment is interesting, hopefully I never have the need to use it! I like your word/words of the day and the mp3 files are helpful. It would be helpful if you could include the English translation in the sound files. As I collect them and go back then I wouldn't have to go back and figure out what the heck that sentence was...

[Elaine, Virginia]

I am very happy to see Smokey is doing well. He reminds me of my golden, Chelsey.

Thank you for the updates.

[Jean Marc]

All of these ideas for those peppers sound scrumptious! My first thought was to stuff them with a mixture of ground meat, cheese, sauteed veggies (onion, celery, garlic, carrots, parsnips, zucchini, whatever you have), mushrooms, a slosh of your vin rouge, and a few bread crumbs. It can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and substituting more cubed zucchini, aubergine, or other squash. Then bake until the stuffing is done.

It's a gorgeous fall day in southern Michigan, sunny and 40 degrees on its way to nearly 60.

[Flynn]

Bless your heart for what you have done for Smokey---I look forward to seeing how his healing is coming along, and I think about how lucky his is to have you, his mama, and the rest of your family. I am sure he will also bring so much joy into your home. Thank you for sharing your kindness (and knowledge of clay masks!); if only all people would realize our responsibility to protect and care for all the amazing creatures on this planet. Merci beaucoup!

[bev]

Smokey is definitely looking bunches better. What a dedicated nurse/Mom you are! In my recollection our furry patients never looked entirely healed to us until the shaved hair had grown back, enabling us to give extra special treatment for some time after, strictly speaking, it was medically necessary. But who doesn't thrive on some extra special treatment?
The peppers? Well every one of the suggestions makes my mouth water. I can hardly believe your three times daily nursing duties leave you time for "cooking from scratch." By now, I'm pretty sure I'd have depleted the stash of frozen for the future goods in the deep freeze. And segue to...
weather. Here in Saskatchewan it's -11C but sunny and heading for a high of +3C.
Good morning, best wishes to all of you.
Bev

[martina]

Smokey is such a good pup. I'd roast the peppers, remove the skin, clean and slice them into strips. Saute with carmelized onions and slices of turkey sausage. Rainy and 40 in Seattle. Home of one standard poodle that likes finger dips of wine(especially Rouge Bleu if she is lucky) and another standard who likes to herd humans.

[Christy]

Way to go Smokey! He is so adorable and seems to be on the mend.

For the peppers - roughly chop them, add good olive oil, some capers, chopped kalamata, crumbled feta cheese and serve it with crusty bread. Delish....
It will be a beautiful day in Dallas, TX heading for a high of 75

[Jean Lillibridge]

Re the pimento cheese recipe: I'm going to try it for thanksgiving time. Tell me right away Sarah Gaede, are these red peppers cut up RAW? thanks for reply. Jean : roblilli@aol.com

[Janine]

HI Kristin:
Smokey is so lucky to have such a loving mother and family. He is so adorable.
As for the peppers, I would roast them and put them in your favorite ratatouille recipe.
Give Smokey a big bisou from me.
Janine Cortell

[Teri]

Smokey has the sweetest spirit that radiates through the camera lens! I love reading about your life in France and seeing your photos. As for the peppers, we roast, cool then peel them, sprinkle with crumbled feta, drizzle with olive oil, add sea salt and pepper (I prefer white pepper). Sometimes I add a bit of crushed rosemary from our herb garden. Run under a broiler briefly to warm. Simple.

It is a GORGEOUS sunshiny day in Madison, Mississippi. Unfortunately, we have cannot get your husband's wines here :(

[Jo Anne Parkin]

Best wishes on Smokey's recovery! Behind the stove top are three posters(?)of Paris, London and Rome. Can you tell me more about them? They'd look great in my kitchen. Thanks.

Jo Anne

[Ophelia]

Kristin -- I love peppers and almost anything made with them -- except pimento cheese. But I would undoubtedly make a complete mess of them.

Am so impressed with your nursing skills and the daily applications of argile, etc... You're amazing.... With all that gentle care and love, Smokey's guérison should be vite.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop and for all the magnificent photos.

Ophelia

[Julie]

I'm so glad the poultice is working for Smokey and that his spirit is still high. Sometimes the simplest remedies are the most effective. Since my hound mix, Skyler pokes around where she shouldn't in the summer, she frequently gets stung. I make a paste out of water and Adolph's meat tenderizer and put it on the sting to conquer the swelling and extreme allergic reaction. I wonder if your clay would do the same trick for her? I'll have to try it next summer.

As for the peppers, they are crying out to be stuffed. Cook some ground meat, tons of diced tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, other italian spices of your choice. Stuff the peppers and top with grated cheese (I like a sharp cheddar). Add some bits of dried bread (croutons) to the top and then cook until it all smells too good to wait one more second to eat it.

Here in St. Louis, MO it's an unseasonable 53F (11C) with a bit of cloud cover. Perfect for raking leaves this weekend.

[Judy]

I pray that darling Smokey continues to recover.

[Mona]

I am in love with Smokey and cannot wait each Lundi, Mercredi, et Vendredi to hear about his progress. He is adorably sweet, this little fellow is stealing everyone's heart.
I am also really needing to know your piperade recipe. I have been doing the leek soup all the time because it is so easy and yummy.
I don't know about graisse vanishing from tile, hmmm? I think men believe in that concept but perhaps using clay is not bad idea.

Love and great weekend,

Mona

[Kristin]

Thanks, everyone, for your stories and mouth-watering recipes! I will be trying many of them!

Jo Anne : the metal posters were a Christmas gift, last year, from Aunt Marie-Françoise. I noticed the back was marked "Alinea" -- a deco shop here in France.... I have probably done a faux pas by using them as "grease catchers" (placing them against the wall, above the stove top... but, in this way, they get double-usage (and are easily cleaned, due to their metallic fronts!)

Phil: great to know how you found us! And helpful tip, thanks, about including the English in the MP3 files. I'll think about that...

Marianne: a friend gave me the sack of clay. The brand is "Argiletz". Here's a link... but you should be able to find a similar product in your area (and avoid shipping costs from Europe!):
http://www.argiletz.com/

Laurel: I'll try to get the olive cake (new version) recipe up soon... so that Mona can have a break from all that Leek Soup (no offence to James R. Wilson, the sharer of that recipe) and move on to Brigitte's "cake aux olives"!

Mercis encore for your prayers and wonderful shares.

[Claudia - Bridgehampton, NY]

I shared your site yesterday with a friend who is an incredible animal lover. Her reaction was a very positive OMG, especially, I'm sure, about the photos and tales of Smokey!

As for those peppers, try this ... yummy:

ESPELETTE PEPPER JELLY
3 Red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and quartered
4 cups sugar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon ground piment d'Espelette or dried Anaheim chilies (or ground mild chili pepper)
2 tablespoons finely ground dried red chili pepper
1/4 cup liquid pectin (1/2 packet)

In food processor or blender, pulse the red peppers to a coarse puree. Transfer puree to a copper jam pot or a large saucepan. Add the sugar, vinegar, piment d'Espelette and the chili powder and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, 6-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the pectin. Return to the heat and stir constantly for 1 minute. Ladle into the sterilized jars to within 1/8 inch of the tops. Wipe the jars and threads. Cover and screw in the tops tightly. Invert the jars for 5 minutes, then turn them upright. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Store unopened jars in a cool, dry place for up to one year. Refrigerate opened jars for up to three weeks.

Equipment: Food processer or blender, a copper jam pot or a large saucepan, three 8 ounce sterilized canning jars with lids.

It's a very rainy and wildly windy day on the east end of Long Island. What better time to make jelly than in a Noreaster!

[Kathy]

Dear Kristin,
Although not veterinarians, we are 'people' doctors and deal with wounds and infections on a regular basis. The description of the pus 'pearls' concern me greatly. You can ask the vet if he/she can sedate the pup and 'debride' (dee-BREED) the wounds thoroughly. This means an aggressive cleaning of the infection and removing any dead tissue as a result of the infection...This is very important for success in this case. Otherwise, the wound infection festers with lots of 'medium' to grow on and will lead to 'sepsis' (blood-born infection) or 'osteomyelitis' (infection of the bone). The first is often fatal; the second is almost always long, expensive, and deforming IF it heals.
It would be well worth the money to treat the wounds aggressively now. Oral or IV antibiotics are a must! Good Luck! I will keep the puppy in my prayers!

[Marta R.]

Hola Kristin:

I'm so glad Smokey is doing better, and my prayers to St. Francis for Smokey's full recovery. As for the peppers, just drizzle some extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar, and bon appetite.

Marta
Hollywood, FL 68F (burrrrrrr)

[Marianne Rankin]

Is "tapenade" the same thing as "olive cake"? I had tapenade at a wedding shower once, and it was delicious. I'd like to have the recipe if that is convenient.

I've told my son (who adores our three cats) more than once that they have better lives than some people do (Isn't that sad?) They have food, shelter, medical care, toys, and affection from us.

It is clear to me that you have lavished as much as possible on Smokey and Braise.

I think that the more we care for animals, the better we learn to care for humans. Interesting that the word "humane," mostly applied to dealings with animals, has the word "human" in it. No act of kindness is ever wasted, and I think especially for children, having pets can teach them compassion and empathy.

I'm so pleased that Smokey is making such good progress. I'll keep the clay in mind in case anyone needs it - intriguing how it works.

[Jacki]

So happy to see the puppy feeling better - the clay is miraculous, n'est ce pas? After a surgery of my own two years ago, the doctor advised me to use hydrogen peroxide diluted by half with water to cut down on the harshness on the healing skin.
As for the peppers, just imagine them dressing a portabello mushroom sandwich liberally laced with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and gorgonzola!
Jacki in Boise, ID -- Sunny and COLD - 36F
Our first snow is forecast tonight!

[cathi]

I was so worried when I first read about Smokey's attack, but I am so grateful for your family that he is doing well. He is adorable!

[Dana Harms]

I've been following Smokey's recovery with a hopeful heart. I am so glad that he seems to be improving via the poultice! Merci mille fois for sharing his story with us.

Amicablement from a lovely fall day in northern Kentucky,
Dana

[Elissa]

Smokey, Kristen & Family,
Keeping track of Smokey thrice a week from here in Ocala, Fl our day is about 75 with a cool breeze.
Big hugs to brave Smokey and Braise too as she and yourself are the Mom's we all strive to be!
My Mom, Betty, turns 88 on Sunday, lives here with us as we are fortunate to have her! She suggests (in her infinate gourmet wisdom) just add them, as you've already marinated, to whatever you want a "zing" of freshness in...salad, pasta, omlet, atop of toasted bread, or even soup, a puree of their own with some cream, or added to any home made (or dare say storebought) soups!
Keep up the healing & we'll say our puppy prayers for Smokey!
Love, as always,
Elissa Ocala Florida

[Drew]

Bonjour Kristin,
Food for thought: Our Vet never allows a dog to be up on the exam table unless a family member has a firm hold on the dog. The Vet does not worry so much about the cats as he says they will land upon their feet if they fall off the table. The sad thing is he says dogs always seem to land upon their head before their feet if they fall or try to get down. Naturally this can result in sad results for the dog.

The Peppers: Stuffed with tofu, rice, veggies and almond cheese. Voila !!

[Gretel]

Little Smokey is so adorable...puppies have such a zest for life!! You have had lots of advice for healing infections but once my son ( and I know he is not a puppy!) had a bad cut on his leg that would not heal and my doctor said to bathe/soak the wound in salted water... this is a natural antiseptic and also allows the skin cells to grow back. Worked like a miricle! Just something else to keep up your sleeve.

A tapenade with your marinading red and yellow peppers sounds wonderful!

Cheers
Gretel
PS. Beautiful, sunny day forecast of 27C...perfect for going sailing on Pittwater!

[Passante]

Glad the pup is progressing and that the magic clay is working so well.

As for recipes, how about giving us the recipe for olive loaf with peppers and feta? It sounds wonderful and I'd love to make it.

[Kitty in Seattle]

Ca Va Kristi? I made Piperade 26 years ago, at cooking school, chez Maxims in Paris, and don't think I have made it since. Yep, it's an egg and pepper omelette, avec beaucoup de beurre, bien sur! WE met while you were touring w/your book and hubby, in Seattle. It is so nice to meet the person behind the camera!

[Sue Chamberlain]

Marinated Pork Loin with Roasted Peppers (Basque Recipe)

Marinade
1 garlic clove
Salt
1/2 cup Olive Oil (and a little bit more, as needed)
2 Tblsps paprika
____

1 Kilo boneless pork loin (trim the fat off)
3 Tblsps Olive Oil (and more if needed)
____

4 roasted peppers

Mash the garlic in a mortar with a little salt. Add the olive oil and paprika, mix until the paste in very red.
Rub the pork with the paste, and seal in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Refrigerate in the coldest part of the frig for 2 to 4 days.

When you are ready to cook it, remove the pork from the plastic, slice it into 1/2 inch thick slices.

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Brown the slices (without crowding) for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat until all the slices are cooked.

Serve with the sliced roasted peppers.

Very simple - and your whole family will probably like it.

I liked the pasta suggestion too. And you can add fresh herbs, capers, maybe some balsamic vinegar and if you like a little heat, maybe a little cayenne pepper.

Your heart shows in your stories and your pictures. Lucky family!
I live currently just north of Boston, listening to Ida's wind (not as bad as the Mid Atlantic got it) and waiting for the rain to start soon. We are hovering in the 40's and 50's amazingly enough.

[Sheila]

A sealer on that floor would prevent stains as spills can't soak in.
I'm so in love with your dogs I can't see straight.

[ed hardy]

I liked the pasta suggestion too. And you can add fresh herbs, capers, maybe some balsamic vinegar and if you like a little heat, maybe a little cayenne pepper.

[poppy fields]

I read this post with my 9 year old daughter sitting on my knees. She was so mad when I read out loud that 2 dogs attacked Smokey. We have a 10 month old puppy. She's a lab/golden mix and I worry about roaming bad dogs getting to her.

As for those peppers, I would just eat them right up as is.

[Christine Dashper]

Hi Kristine, Go the Clay!!! It is great stuff, truly amazing. I have used it myself and it is well worth it. I hope young Smokey is fully recovered soon

sending love
Chris

[Sue Johnpeter]

I can't cook my way out of a paper bag, but I do love your puppy. This clay treatment seems completely miraculous. Get well soonest, dear Smokey. You're a good mistress to Smokey and Braise.

[Jennifer in OR]

Kristi, what a patient patient you have on the counter there! It sounds like the poultice is doing the trick, along with a lot of faith and prayer. The peppers looks wonderful, and I'd want a pasta with white sauce, bread and wine to go with it. It's currently 29 F, (is that about -1.5 C)? in Central Oregon.

[Jules Greer]

Kristi,

You are wonderful!!!

XOXO

MOM

[Kirsten]

Smokey seems to be what my vet calls "a good little soldier." I hope the treatment works.

(And I know one dog I had would suggest that the best use for the peppers would be to feed them to him.)

[Pauline Lowe. Adelaide]

"If "Kanga" is leaping about he must be feeling better, the poultice is working its miracle.
I am using peppers as you have just desribed in antipasto. It is too hot to cook, 40C today, promise of cool change tomorrow 28C.
Au revoir from Kanga country.

[Mary Rossi]

I found the cutest Get Well card for Smokey. Does he have an address?

[kate johsnon]

P.S. Just read the comment from a vet who said debridement was absolutely essential, and I think this sounds right. Gouging out the infection (i know, it sounds awful) is really important to letting the sound and healthy tissue grow. Talk to your vet!

[Pat Cargill]

Dear Sweet Smokey, as always, wishing you a speedy recovery with the clay and the love that is coming your way from all over the world. Some tasty recipes floating around this blog...I'd make a whole wheat pizza crust and mound the peppers on w/some onions, a smear of sauce and some cheezes and bake in a hot hot oven. We eat waaay too much of this dish! Happy weekend.

[Candice]

I'm so happy that Smokey is a good little patient and responding well to his treatments! What a relief! Hugs and kisses to sweet litte Smokey!

Here's my suggestion for the Peppers. It's a wonderfully mild, chilled pepper soup. My friend who gave me the recipe calls it 4-4-2 soup and it can be made with any vegetable, but we all think pepper is the best. You can increase or decrease proportions accordingly.

4 PEPPERS -
4 CUPS CHICKEN STOCK
2 CUPS SOUR CREAM - (I like to sub half yogurt & half sour cream)
Salt/Pepper to taste

Cook peppers how you like - steam, roast, etc. Or you can boil in the chicken stock. Take off skin or leave on, your choice. I prefer no skin. Of course throw out seeds and stems.

Cut up the pepper "meat" and combine in a cuisinart or blender with the chicken stock. Blend til there are no bits of pepper. You want it smooth, not chunky. Add S/P to taste.

Add in the sour cream (or yogurt) and put your machine on low to blend in.

Chill and serve.

Note: You can use any vegetable. Brocoli is nice, or you can combine leftover vegetables. But pepper really is the best.

Bon Appetit!

[Terri Von Doran]

Bonjour Mme. Kristine,
Thank you for your reply. I am so happy to see Smokey is healing and is in good and loving hands. He reminds me of my Scarlet I adopted years ago. She was born with her front left leg missing and at four weeks old [with the rest of her litter] abandoned on the side of the road. I took her home and she turned out to be the best dog ever. She inspired everyone, everywhere she went. She loved to chase the ball in the park and swim in the ocean. She had no idea she was any different than any other dog. She died at the age of 9 due to a tumor they found in her left hind leg area. The only cure was to amputate and I wasn't about to leave her with only two legs. I loved her more than life so it is such a joy to watch Braise and you and your family nurture Smokey back to health. Smokey's bravado reminds me of Scarlet and he too will inspire others.
On another note, I live right about an amazing wine store [http://www.urbanvines.com/] and I sent the owner LIsa a link to your husbands wine page. I hope she orders some wine for her store so I can try it. I don't know what to tell you about the peppers but here is a link to a GREAT recipes blog. http://www.tastespotting.com/search/roasted+red+peppers/1

Also, I neglected to mention, I am taking French in school right now [I'm am a "returning student"] and I sent the FWAD link to my professor. She LOVES it and encouraged me to send it to the entire class, which I will.

Au revoir,
Terri from Seattle

Take care and give Smokey a BIG and gentle kiss for me.
Terri