I also use a blender to blend my gravy/soup. But I soak the kibble in my chicken/turkey broth to soften it up into a mushy consistency before adding it to the blender to puree. This helps save on the blender so it doesn't work so hard. I've also ground up my kibble in my food processor before adding the broth to soften. That works well, but then I've got TWO appliances to clean (yuck). I don't do bones or skin, so I just break small pieces of cooked chicken & turkey and add some of the chicken/turkey broth/water to them and blend them in the blender. Then I add that blended mixture to my softened kibble and blend together again. The blender works less since it is only doing a puree on already softened/mushed up gravy. I really find that this helps keep the life of my blender hanging on longer. Hopes this helps. Sorry about your blender, but glad you found the problem in time. Wishing you many years of good blending with your new blender!! Diane Volunteer Co-ordinator Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter [Posted in FML 5473]