As far as whining with the food I would imagine it is kind of like when someone takes a bite of really good steak and says MMMM. She thinks its good.
The shoes: They smell like you, when you are gone, she is herding them all up and getting her family's scent in one place. It makes her feel better. Maybe give her something like a towel you used to dry off after your shower, but after it dries (duh).