Hi Marcy. Sorry we've been seeing more of you and klinger lately- I was hoping he was giving you better numbers since you weren't posting for a while. I guess we'll all get there eventually! We've had a timed feeder for about 4 years, but we only used it for dry food. He took to it very easily back then. We bought it to feed him when we go on weekend camping trips, and while we were at work- he was always a scarfer! I've still never had to replace the batteries! We just started using it for wet food. I wash it a lot more often now, but it does the trick of keeping his feedings regularly spaced, even if we're away, and without disturbing my peaceful slumber!