Thank you, Millie, LV101 and Hortensia, for your welcome replies!
Glad you liked the canine thread. I didn't seek out the job, but it all fell into my lap a few years ago when a client asked me to watch her 2 dogs while family was on a 2-week vacation. She gave my name to friends and they, in turn, gave my name to friends . . .
I wish I were more patient, however, as they can be different with me than when Mom and Dad are home. Jezebel keeps getting herself locked in the guest bedroom. Before I was aware of this propensity of hers, I would search the house (it's huge) and the neighborhood. I still can't figure it out. She was "missing" this morning and I was, once again, searching for her.
On another occasion, Brother Max rushed clumsily into the house after going outdoors to potty and hit the foyer entry table with considerable force, knocking over a vase. Glass everywhere. Jezebel goes for the glass, picks it up and then deposits it around the living room on the carpet. You can't make this stuff up.
There's more, but I'm weary in the head.
The potato salad ended up becoming fried taters -- not so bad a redo!
Many thanks!
CoCo