Oh geez...I totally feel for ya! My 83 year old Mom lives with us and has some very interesting ideas when it comes to her "grandbabies". She wanted to get the snakes a fake mouse and a ball with a bell in it. Ya know....just in case they wanted to play..... Every year...even though I tell her to stop she gets the dogs raw hides. Hate those! I have big dogs so they swallow them whole...not good. ANYWAYS...

Sit down and have a talk with her. Let her know that you have given your dogs table scraps in the past......but unfortunately he is one of those dogs that has a very agitated digestive system. Hence he gets sick with scraps. Tell her that you feed him the dry food becuase it helps to clean his teeth. You can also get her some olive oil if she feels neccessary and she can put a teaspoon of that in with his dry food. (great for their coats).

I would also explain that the birds...if given biscuts (due to the yeast) can make them internally swell and ...well you get the picture. (I have no idea...I am going for effect here). Then give her some things she can do. Empower her. It sounds like she is trying to spoil them. Maybe get her some things she can give to the animals as treats. Maybe ask her to help clean some of the cages ....or take care of the animals when you are cleaning cages.

Bottom line...(I learned this with my Mom) and lord knows she makes me crazy!! As they get older they want to feel needed...by you...the grandkids...the animals...etc. They start to realize that you do not need them and can take care of yourself and that is hard for them. In my Mom's case.....I give her certain chores...this helps her to feel as though she is contributing. When she wants to get something for the animals...I give her a list of appropriate stuff. Sounds crazy but I swear it works. If you can "act" busy and say..."oh shoot....I wanted to get this snack for the dog...could you pick it up"....it empowers them. Try it!! Hope that helps!!