My pups, Luna and Pippen bring so much joy to my life. They are each rescues, and rescues really do make the best pets. My life has been made so much richer with these two around. But, Luna is getting up there in years and was really beginning to slow down. Pain seemed to be a growing concern, which is common with older dogs, especially German Shepherds. When she stopped jumping into the truck I was so sad and concerned. That’s when an idea that had been on my mind took shape.

About that time we started making soup for the dogs. It’s been about a year and the difference in Luna is remarkable. I first noticed the change out with the chickens. I had just closed them up for the night and turned around. Luna had been milling around because she loves to boop the chickens. But as I turned around, Luna looked at me and started doing little playful jumps! I was overjoyed. To see her invite me to play with her, instead of slowly, gingerly walking back to the house was amazing.

I know the poultry broth in the soup is doing so much more than the supplements I had been giving her.

So here is what I do.

I buy turkeys or chickens. Once the bird is rinsed in the sink I either roast in the oven or put in the crockpot.

Then when fully cooked, the bird is deboned, and the meat is stored in the fridge until assembly day. The bones go in the crock pot or a stock pot for 12 hours.

While the meat is cooking and the broth is brewing, it’s time to chop the sweet potatoes and other veggies. I like to add green beans or broccoli, carrots, celery, lentils and rice to the soup.

On assembly day the 1/2 gallon ziplock bags are filled.

1 C chopped or shredded sweet potatoes

1/2 C shredded carrots

A few florets of broccoli, with stems finely chopped, or green beans

1/4 C chopped celery

1 T dry lentils

2 T rice

1 C chopped meat

Then, 2 C of broth are added to the bag. Gently squeeze out the air and arranged into trays that fit in the freezer. Freeze.