The one thing I would say about tempting a pooch to drink is to be careful of the sodium content in whatever you use. That can end up making any dehydration issues worse.

I concur with the ice cube and adding water to their food suggestions.

On the days when I am feeding Bartleby kibble, I heat up some water and douse the dry bits with it while I'm prepping his 'powders' (Plaque-off, which is a miracle...and the one of the reasons he's going strong at 9/essential fatty acids/acidophilus tablets ground up/a dehydrated fruit and veg concoction). Once I am ready to mix in the extras, the kibble has made a nice gravy. He gets extra fluids and the bowl is licked clean!

It amazes me that a 40lb dog drinks a full quart of water a day. I serve it in a nice, ceramic bowl that helps to keep it cool on warmer days.

Question for the hivemind pet people. How often do you wash your cat/dog bowls?

I've been getting loads of different answers and am looking for an average.

You can apply and maybe they'll realize how perfect you'd be.

I agree smonster. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and, perhaps, stretch past your comfort zone a teeny bit. Unless, of course, you absolutely know you don't want to do managerial stuff...in which case, apply anyway for all the reasons given, plus helping them keep you in mind for what you really want.

Unless, of course, you absolutely know you don't want to do managerial stuff...in which case, apply anyway for all the reasons given, plus helping them keep you in mind for what you really want.

Pretty damn sure. I'm current managing one intern who works 10 hrs/wk, and it stresses me the fuck out. ::sigh:: Some of it is a need to build those skills, some of it is lack of self-assurance, and some of it is I don't *like* managing people.

Please forgive the shameless serial posts, but in me news...

Today was the memorial service for my surrogate dad.

I practiced my eulogy dozens of times and was totally confident that I would do as Niki asked and be the one who would not cry.

I came right, bang in the middle of the program and as soon as I hit the lectern, I choked. Or choked up, I should say. I got through it...and everyone said lovely things (but, then again, what are they going to say? (Shame about how much you loved him and your crappy delivery!) But it was tougher than I ever imagined.

I did tell some funny stories and was so honored to be able to offer a side of him that his kids and step children didn't see. EVERY single person before me talked about his profound love of nature and I was able to open with, "I never went camping with him!"

In any case, it was a loving, moving and entertaining program all together. At 97, most of his friends had preceded him, but there were still scores of people who came to pay their respects. It was a blessing to me to be included as family.

I've been so caught up in caring for Niki that I guess I didn't really grieve properly for Gordon. In truth, I was relieved for him. Today, I came to grips with how much I will miss him. That's a good thing though.

and some of it is I don't *like* managing people.

This is a key awareness. So many people go up the ladder to management because it is expected...then they suck at it...and it ruins what might be a great work life.

Oh, bonny, that is wonderful to read, as sad as it must have been. I've found that I can't fight my tears, and trying only makes it worse, so I feel you on that struggle. What a terrific man he must have been and how lucky you both were to have each other.

Go to sleep, smonster!!

But yeah, also apply for that job. And if you can get an intro to people in the org, all the better to let them know that if they don't want you for that, you totally want to work there for something else.

Yes, the silver lining of the work-related misery of the last ten years is that I have learned an awful lot about myself. I try to stay open to growth possibilities, but keep learning certain lessons again and again.

With that, I'm off to bed, over an hour later than planned but oh well. Night, y'all, and thanks for the pep talk and advice.

Question for the hivemind pet people. How often do you wash your cat/dog bowls?

Because their main source of water intake is actually canned food with water added, I worry less about the cats' water dish than I might otherwise. I aim to rinse it out and put in fresh water at least once every other day. If it goes a third day, I don't feel too bad. If it somehow gets lots of cruddy crumbs in it and looks gross, I do feel bad. Proper wash at least once a week. Vinegar rinse to get lime deposits out, whenever.

I'm glad you are getting a chance to grieve Gordon, bonny. It's never easy, no matter what we distract ourselves with.

and some of it is I don't *like* managing people.

I don't like doing it, but have found myself to be better at it than I expected, at least on the small scale. I have a couple of stock phrases for certain circumstances that could be unpleasantly confrontational with the wrong turn of phrase. Some of them might be useful in handling that intern. Let me know if you think they would help.

Proper wash at least once a week. Vinegar rinse to get lime deposits out, whenever.

Check.

Also, Andi, what type bowls do you use? (plastic, metal, ceramic, etc.)