A Dog's Life

I have much to learn as a dog owner ( a NEW dog owner).
Like for instance: Help yourself!
So it was lunch time and I'm flittering about the kitchen fixing peanut butter and honey I-don't-know-what and the kids are laughing and laughing hard because Slater saw an opportunity with the pantry door being left open and all, to help himself to a box of cake mix. So gentle in pick-pocketing the coveted find (one that was at toddler height and the wonderful picture on the cover said it all to Hayden) so I get the unopened box of mix retrieved from a presumably hungry dog unscathed.
So rule number one: Feed dog first then the kids!
Next: Feed the dog often.
I was upstairs changing Hayden and come downstairs, enter kitchen and hear lots of crinkling of paper...the dog's head very deep inside his bag of food. Yes, tomorrow must buy dog food container with a lock top!
When I think of "rescue" in terms of dogs, I think one that had been on his own for food for a while...and so I feed my Slater well as he is obviously underweight and then comfort him in knowing I will always have food in his bowl at the same time.
He is gentle in his want and I am gentle in my routine.