Some years ago, our vet recommended we add a tablespoon of pumpkin to the dry dogfood. Apparently dogs metabolism or physical reaction to pumpkin in the diet is extremely beneficial. It has been so long, I am not even sure what the claims were but we dutifully add pumpkin to the dry kibble for every meal. I just did a quick google search and the pumpkin reduces the caloric intake, provides roughage and makes the dog happy because it tastes like anything but kibble.
Another aspect of feeding the dogs is Shawna's behavior. Without training, she behaved a lot like Snoopy of the peanuts comic strip dancing all around while the food bowl was in transit to be filled or returning to the feeding area. Well, one day Shawna jumped up, nosed the two bowls Mary was carrying and the result was dog food everywhere. And two frantic dogs trying to get their fair share. As a result, the dogs are trained to patiently wait until the bowls are brought to the feeding area and they are then released.
The bowls are picked up, the dogs sit and wait. I walk to the dry kibble in bins in the garage, measure out the proper amounts and then take the bowls to the counter in the kitchen. I measure out the pumpkin from the can stored in the refrigerator. After I mix mix the pumpkin into the kibble, I deliver the bowls to the dogs.
Why is this very mundane routine a vignette? Because in my minds eye I can see Mary putting the pumpkin in and gently and then thoroughly stirring the pumpkin into the kibble. Frankly, she did this with the same care she would use preparing a souffle for us. And, quite frankly, every morning and evening at feeding time, that image flashes into my brain. And not having her here to do this very simple task for the critters she loved so much just hurts a whole bunch. I frequently break into tears while mixing pumpkin into kibble because of what it means I have lost.
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