This post is the first I've written here about the death of my dog Tommy. I had him euthanized on Saturday. He had reached the end of his arthritis and other ailments that prevented him from walking, eating or having fun. I will talk more about that in the coming days, because even though it has broken my heart, it was important that I give my boy the last gift of peace and misery.

In the meantime, my Facebook page and my conversations have been heartbreakingly sad. So, I've finally decided to dust the snow off of this video to show you how much fun we had with Tommy and how I'm a klutz. You can ask my friends and family. Enjoy. Watch all the fun with Tommy and wait for about 29 seconds. Turn up the sound. You will have to play it repeatedly to get the full effect of the sound and movement. ​

In the meantime, my Facebook page and my conversations have been heartbreakingly sad. So, I've finally decided to dust the snow off of this video to show you how much fun we had with Tommy and how I'm a klutz. You can ask my friends and family. Enjoy. Watch all the fun with Tommy and wait for about 29 seconds. Turn up the sound. You will have to play it repeatedly to get the full effect of the sound and movement. 

​The watering "system" for my dogs: Each morning, fill a bowl the size of my bathroom sink with 2 gallons of water. Set it down in my kitchen on a lime green foam pad that says "woof." Done.

The key to this "system" is placement. If I'm rushed and don't notice the "woof'' pad is out of position, you can bet your butt; I'll tump it. Two gallons of water flowing across my kitchen floor. Good times.

The TORUS Watering System eliminates that calamity. At first glance, it's clear science and design easily beat my 2-gallon bowl method.  The TORUS 2-liter bowl looks a space ship, while the 1-litter is smaller and flatter, a sort of serving dish for a cat or small dog. Both sizes are available in pink, red, blue and charcoal. The system was created by New Zealand company Heyrex, which also designs other products to help pets stay healthy and to make things easier for pet owners. 

Bragging Points for TORUS WATERING SYSTEM: 

• Made from BPA food-grade material
• Easy Cleaning
• 1L & 2L stored water capacity
• Auto-refills without batteries
• Filters water as it dispenses
• Lock function for portability
• Monthly replacement filters
• Less refilling and fewer spills/mess
• Ergonomic, robust & durable design
• 12-month warranty
• Designed in New Zealand

The bowl has a dial on top with three positions. The first is a water faucet. You have to pull the dial straight up to open the bowl for filling. That's also where you put the single carbon filter it includes. You can buy more to replace it once a month. Since I live in Memphis, the tap is fine. 

Once it's filled it takes a little jiggering to replace the dial. The water is stored in a reservoir around the side of the bowl, which makes the weight-slosh a bit strange since you don't see the water. Once you set the bowl down, turn the dial to the wavy water signal with a drip. The bowl trickles out about a cup of water. Therein lies my problem.