by Hope
I’ve recently returned to making my dog’s food. I did it for years after we first got our dog’s in Georgia, primarily because of Cali’s sensitive stomach. I’ve returned for the same reason. I don’t know if it’s the environment change, nerves, old age, or what, but she began having regular accidents in the house after our move.
My dad has been very gracious to allow us here, especially the dogs. And he’s great at helping with them when I’m away from the house. (No doggy door here.) In fact, he kept Cali here while I travelled for Beauty’s wedding – his idea, not mine.
After trying dietary changes, schedule changes, nothing was working. Since switching to homemade food again…no more accidents.
The Details
Each batch of food is costing me around $12-15. And they last for 4-5 days. So it will end up costing me a little more than the Iams kibble they’ve been eating. But no more clean…priceless!
They are getting a variety of chicken, carrots, peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and eggs for the most part. Then I have a food topper, two of them, that makes sure they are getting all the nutrients I might have missed with the recipes I am doing. I’ll probably add some beef in soon, but we are making sure it works for their tummies first.
Business?
My dad sees me doing this. Has already commented on the improvement in the dogs health and asks why I don’t make it a business. Of course, I had to share that I had thought of that…but it’s too regulated. So I just do it for my dogs. But I thoroughly enjoy it.

Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.

So, what do you think ?