Space is a luxury in a 120-square-ft travel trailer. And feeding your 70 lb. goldendoodle takes up more space than you think. Thus the dilemma: where would we feed Costello?

Sure, we could have easily pulled his dishes out every time he needed a bite or drink, but that seemed cumbersome. The day before we were set to leave, we still hadn't decided on what do with Stello's dog dishes. After we'd put most of our belongings inside, we realized the bottom kitchen drawer just might work. We didn't need it for any kitchen supplies, and it was conveniently out of the way of the major appliances (i.e. stove, microwave, etc.).

So we embarked on a last minute DIY. Carson measured the drawer and cut a rectangle the right size from old wainscoting. Then he attached two runners with wood glue to the sides of the drawer to support the new false top and added some screws for extra support. We purchased two metal bowls with a small lip around the edge. Carson measured the diameter and cut two holes so the bowls would hang just right. We designated food on the left; water on the right.

Costello finishing up one of two daily meals at the feeding trough.

The last thing we did was purchase a support for the drawer. When pulled all the way out, it would need something to support it while Costello ate and drank. We wanted to make something fold from underneath or a find some sort of special-looking block. But we won't lie: we didn't have the time! While picking up last minute supplies, Carson's mom found a cat scratching block at Target f or $5 that she thought would be the right height and width. And miraculously, it was perfect. So, yes, we keep Costello's food dish propped open with a cat scratcher.

Whatever, he loves it.