Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Brassy was pound for pound the greatest hound dog the world has ever seen. He pursued food with ingenuity, stealth and sheer athleticism. Once Marcia and I picked up a Carnegie Deli corned beef sandwich for Vicky, who was convalescing and had expressed that somewhat out-of-character craving. Before I had two feet in the door Brass charged like a wounded tiger and leaped impossibly high, given his short legs and considerable girth. I pulled my arm up in the nick of time, saving Vicky's lunch, but Brass earned my eternal respect that day. RIP, Brassy. We'll miss you.

Brass's story brought bake lovely memories of our wonderful "Puppy" - a mixed breed terrier of dubious parentage and who blessed our lives for 19 years. She, too, was a serious eater, and our favorite Puppy story is the year that she was left in our van with a gift wrapped FIVE POUND box of See's Candy for approximately two minutes, while I stepped out of the van to mail some letters. In that two minutes, Puppy managed to open the box of candy and devour every single piece! Thank God she was not chocolate sensitive. We took her to the vet, who said basically to wait and see what happens. What happened was that Puppy went home and slept for about two days straight and following that short rehab period, was fine. I'd like to say she never tried to eat any more candy, but that would be a lie, since no food was safe from her skinny little terrier self. I still miss her very much twenty-five years later.
Thank you for the lovely story.

My favorite obit ever. May we all be remembered for such a well lived life.

I once walked into Ed and Vicky's kitchen and caught Brass actually pushing a chair closer to a counter so that he could climb up and reach some food!

A sandwich "shared" with Brass always tasted better. I hope he's sharing one with Jasper right now.

My sincere condolences.

When I lost my dog, it took me ages to finish a whole sandwich by myself...he knew he would always get the last bite, and would wait patiently for it.

I am so sorry for your loss and hugged Wags a bit closer tonight, Losing a pet is not easy and my heart is with you!. Doesn't make it any easier, but on reading the above - lots of us care!

PS, my daughter has a black lab that does the dishes too. It's a trip to watch.

Oh, Ed... My heart goes out to you and your family. I have my own furry "first rinse cycle" and he's 12. He, too, is a Serious Eater my BF insists I turned him into an Italian because his favorite food is bread - The crustier the better.

(((Hugs to you.))) And all who know this kind of hurt.

I'm so sorry. I had to put my dog to sleep about 1 month ago also. I feel your pain.

My heart goes out to you. That picture was priceless! My basset hound China and our Siamese Mix cat Yummy are serious eaters and have formed a rare bond. When China spots anything up high on the counters that she wants to eat.......she communicates with Yummy. Next thing you know, that loaf of bread, box of crackers, bag of cookies, is on the floor and China is having a blast! The cat looks at me like she knows nothing about the food on the floor, and China revels in her momentary glory. Of course, they wait until there is no one in the room before swinging into action.

Never found a decent Sfogliatelle where we live. A few years ago we became so desparate we learned to make them. Found a recipe in Nick Maglieri's dessert book. Have been making them a few times a year ever since. They are a labor of love as they take at least two days and each time I have to re-learn the shaping. They are not easy. One bakery here did make them but you had to catch them just as they were taken from the oven as they stored them in refrigerated cases which made them tough and soggy at the same time. Of course in the North End of Boston they never seem to be refrigerated, selling out in a few hours and without the American hysteria about spoilage.

I'm sorry about your dog. But Brass was not only a Serious Eater but a lucky dog to live in your house. I think animals like Brass are fortunate, when they tell us in their own way it is time, we can let them go with the help of a Vet in a peaceful way! That picture of the dishwasher dog says it all!

May the memories of Brass and the love you had for him get you through this time. He only knew love and good food. We should be so lucky as Brass. He lived a really good life and that should comfort you. Losing a fur baby is always a sad time. We will never forget Brass, I know thinking someone stole pizza from Adam made me smile.