FOOD STAMP CHALLENGE 2012 - THE FINAL NUMBERS

The 2012 Food Stamp Challenge has come to an end and we didn't quite make our goal of spending less than $400 on groceries.  In fact, we didn't quite make it by a long shot.  We did, however, shave about a third off our average 2011 food bill, which means we succeeded in funding our Grayson County Humane Society "Angel" donations for the year.  In addition, we saved another $20 or so beyond that, which I'm rounding up to a $25 donation to Recycled Doggies.

Our former Recycled Doggie, St. Jimmi, got reprimanded by the vet at her 6-month visit last year for having gained a whopping 17 pounds since  moving in with us.  I have been diligently taking her for walks most days and trying to limit her food intake.  Unfortunately, Jimmi is a confirmed food thief and edibles are not safe from her unless behind lock and key.  We've been giving it our best, though, and I thought I noticed a little slimmer physique on my pooch.  Today she had her one-year visit and...drum roll, please...she gained two pounds.  I was given advice by the vet on how to keep her from pilfering from the pantry, swiping from people's plates, and stealing the other dog's food. I was told to bring her in for a weight check in a  month.  If she doesn't lose at least three pounds, it's diet dog food for her.  I think the mere thought is already starting to affect her.  She tried, with vigorous determination, to get onto the kitchen table to steal the remains of a fresh-baked loaf of bread.  If past exploits are any indication, I'm going to have to watch out for this dog's ingenuity in the face of hunger pangs.

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