What does this sentence mean in the chapter a triumph of surgery after they got wines from pumphrey "the real possibilities of the situation began to dawn on the household"

Dear Student,
Mrs Pumphrey used to send wine and delicious food for her dog Tricki while it was staying with the Vet. The doctors soon realised this and figured that if they could keep Tricki for a little longer, they would continue to devour the wine and food meant for the dog. 
Regards