I like the idea of the help.. but lots more fun AFTER you are better!
Help is expensive too unless you can get an aide...
As to the cats and dog thing.. Feed the cats first and while they are busy eating, go feed the dog. Or, train the cats.. mine all go when I point and tell them to "Go! Get outta here" but they also come when called by name and sit when told to "take a load off and have a seat.."
And, of course, everyone knows what the word NO means here!