Calling all you animal lovers - live and let live or intervene? - sm
Posted By: catlady on 2008-11-25
In Reply to:
I have a dilemma. I am an animal lover and have something I cannot come to a conclusion about. At a restaurant where I eat lunch every Friday with a friend of mine, I have noticed a young male kitty hanging around outside looking for food. This past week he ran up to my friend and rubbed her legs and quietly meowed. I purposely did not try to pet him because I knew I would get attached and ignored him. Well, ever since then I find myself thinking about him and wanting to rescue him. Meanwhile, I already have 4 inside cats (2 rescues, 2 Maine Coons) and hubby really does not want another cat in the house because a few years ago I promised we would never have more than 4 (had up to 5 at one point previously). I actually have a huge screened deck he could stay on indefinitely because I do not believe in letting cats run loose for their own safety. I could provide plenty of food, a warm place to sleep, and veterinary care. At some point I would even probably work him into our household, but I just cannot do it at the moment. Just not sure I would be doing right by that kitty because I am sure he would be upset and confused for a good while as to where he was and what was going on, but is that better than being hungry and cold? I know there are lots of animal lovers out there. What does everyone think?? 
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Calling all cat lovers - I'm at my wit's end
To make a long story short I need some expertise. My male cat was a sprayer before we got him fixed way back when. Then he decided to pee in our dining room and we took up the rug and put in a wood floor (this was quite a few years ago - cat is 11). Then he proceeded to pee in all the corners of the family room. We just had wood floor put on there and all has been well. Until about a week ago, he decided to pee again on the dining room wood floor, no where else, but he still uses his litter box. I had cleaned it with vinegar and it seemed like the smell went away and I thought all was well until I again caught him peeing on the wood floor in the same area more than once. My husband has had it (he destroyed a lot of things already from when we first got him). He is ready to take him away somewhere. I don't know what to do next. My husband doused the area with vinegar again. Anyone have any ideas? Anything that will keep him away, or any other tricks to get he smell out. Any help would be appreciated. Tonight will not be a very happy night.
Calling all coffee lovers!
I'm so excited! I signed up for that Gevalia coffee club and the UPS man just delivered my way-awesome coffee pot, coffee and accessories. My old coffee pot was an old white plastic 4-cup model that had started to leak. With this one I'll be able to auto-program it to brew my coffee in the morning so it's ready when I wake up. How 21st century of me, lol!
Anybody else subscribe to this coffee service or had their coffee? While I wait for my first pot to brew, I thought I'd see if anyone can weigh in on whether their coffee is comparable to the taste of Starbucks or other coffee brands.
TIA!!! 
I do live in Arkansas - my parents live up in Branson so I'm in Missouri quite often!
x
I'm a live-and-let-live person but had to draw the line
after I found HUGE holes in the walkway between my house and barn. I thought they were just little mice stealing grain, but then I spotted one and it was a HONKIN RAT! My poor olderly cat was out there with me at the time and saw it, and he hissed at it and ran away!
I asked for advice on what to do at a local agricultural board, because I have other animals and didn't want to use poison and conventional traps weren't working. They advised putting a large pale of water out with some seeds floating in it, figuring the rats would go for the seeds and end up drowning. That was a no-go because the water just froze up solid. I wound up reluctantly going with Decon because I just can't have my house destroyed. I haven't had seen any more rats or evidence of them stealing grain, so I'm guessing they have died. The guy at the grain store promised me the rats would not die in the building and stink the joint up, rather they would crawl off and die outside. I don't know if I believe that, as it is still winter here and decomposition would be holding off until it warms up. We'll see, but at least the destruction has been halted.
Good luck and I too say have no mercy, because you just don't need them destroying hour house or causing a spark chewing wires and burnin' the place down. It is war!
 (How un-PC is this emoticon?!)
OK all you animal lovers...
We have a Basset hound puppy, around 7-8 weeks old; we've had her a week now and she is going absolutely NOWHERE with her potty training. We are trying to crate train her, but she just can't get the idea. We take her out on a regular schedule, feed her on a regular schedule, and make sure she poopies and pees before she comes back in, but it never fails that she will, at least once a day, poopie in her crate...SO DISGUSTING! I'm at my wit's end and ready to give her up, but she's sooo adorable, I really don't want to.
Of note, I am not a huge animal person, can take them or leave them, but she stole my heart and I love her! I seriously am looking for some answers here. 
All you CAT/animal lovers have to see this one. SM
it is short but so sweet.
http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2008/cat-adopts-bunny-p1.php
Need reassurance from animal lovers
Tell me I'm not crazy but my rental agent just called asking if I will be renewing my lease - I live in NJ and I pay 1300 a month. Since MQ took everything away, I just skim by with bills now. I had to say yes as my cat is 14 and is blind but in good health. He went blind in this apt and at 14, I would hate to stress him so much as he knows this place so well. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to keep up with it. Would anybody else do this for an animal?
Ok, probably animal lovers might blow a gasket but
I have 3 cats. When I got the younger cats they were swimming in fleas. I would say they were maybe 6-8 months old. I visited the vet, got the medicine they have as in your posts and it just was not working. The cats were scratching themselves to death. While at the vet place 1 of the ladies told me if I got fleas in my carpet I could use Borax washing powder. A light went off in my head. I thought if I can use on the carpet, why not the cats? I was very careful about protecting their eyes but tried it and my golly, the fleas died almost instantly and they have not been bothered since then. They are now over 2 years old, brothers from the same litter. This was the most effective thing I had ever tried including all the flea remedies they have at the vets and pet stores.
Animal lovers . . If you have not had a good cry yet today SM
watch this very touching video.
http://videos.komando.com/2008/06/26/christian-the-lion/
Animal lovers... another great video for you!
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=yNy9jTeolUk
The lazy days of summer :)
I know there are a lot of animal lovers here, so I thought I would share...
Back in March I posted on this board about my lab puppy that died from parvo. After that happened, we bleached our house from ceiling to floor and poured buckets and buckets of dilute bleach on our yard. About a month later, I was approached by a neighbor who's boxer had had puppies and since the neither of the parent boxers were registered, she was selling them of $100 a piece. I've always wanted a boxer, but refused to pay $400 for a dog. So I jumped at the chance to get a boxer, but I was a little leery because of the parvo incident. So my hubbie and I again bleached our house from top to bottom and bleached our yard, pretty much killing the grass. We made sure the puppy had her first set of shots including a parvo vaccination and even made a point three months ahead for her second parvo booster. We brought her home and she did great. We thought we were successful at decontaminating our house. She was healthy and happy until about three weeks ago. She had gotten into the trash and got a hold of some raw chicken bones and then the next was lethargic and heaving like she wanted to throw up but couldn't. As luck would have it, it was time for her appointment for her shots and booster. So I get to the vet and tell her what was going on with her and even the vet agreed it was probably the chicken. So they checked her out and she had a temperature. So the vet said she couldn't give her shots, but they could do the flea treatment. Then vet asked me about doing a parvo test. At first I was like no way could she have parvo. She's been living in our house for four months now and is just now getting sick? But then I said just to rule out, let's do it. Well, she had parvo!
I was just sick and crying. I didn't want my kids to watch another dog die, but I didn't want to euthanize her either. She wasn't as sick as the other dog had been. She hadn't had diarrhea, just a little vomiting. I just didn't know what to do. I couldn't afford the $600 my vet was telling me would be the cost to hospitalize her and give her IV fluids and antibiotics. So I took her home and gave the sad news to my husband. Then I got mad and said there has got to be something else we can try. So the MT in me took over and I got online and started researching. I found a couple of articles where vets had tried Tamiflu in dogs with parvo and that the Tamiflu had actually helped. It had shortened the length of the illness, hindered the spread of the virus throughout the dog's intestinal tract, and made the symptoms less severe. Basically, given a dog a better chance for survival. Luckily (LOL) my entire family had had the flu back in February and I happened to have some Tamiflu on hand that my husband hadn't taken. I found that the vets had given the parvo dogs 1 mg per pound to the sick dogs twice a day for five days which in my dog averaged to about 30 mg twice a day. My Tamiflu was 75 mg capsules. So I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. So I did it. She wouldn't eat at first, so putting the pill in a hotdog wasn't an option. So my husband held her mouth open and I dropped a pill in and used a baby medicine dropper to squirt water into her mouth. Then we held her mouth closed and made her swallow. Day two, she seemed a little perky and actually got up to drink water on her own. By day three, she was eating tiny pieces of poached chicken and taking her pill on her own.
Long story short, we are now two weeks out from Sugar's 5-day Tamiflu treatment and she is 100% recovered! She is chasing the cat, chewing up my shoes, and just generally wreaking the wonderful havoc like she has always done! I told my vet what I did and she's going to do some research on her own and she may even try it on other dogs in the future. I just wanted to share my story here because so many times people think parvo is a death sentence or that the only thing to save your dog is expensive treatment that people have a hard time justifying. I also wanted to share how my career as an MT probably saved my dog! Had I not had honed all those researching and investigative skills we need as MTs, I would have never found the information that ultimately saved my dog.
Make them live outside? This is so funny! Ours live outside, where they WANT to be. sm
Not all dogs want to be in "indoor" dogs, mind you. They have plenty of space to run around and play, fenced, and if they are brought in during bad weather they whine at the back door to go back out! So before you comment on outside dogs, you really need to get your facts straight. Seriously. Not all dogs are made or want to be inside all of the time.
Animal lovers, be sure to watch/record Oprah today. sm
Lisa Ling is reporting on puppy mills. It looks like it will be a very powerful show. I know that 'dog people' have been trying for *years* to get Oprah to do a show on this, and I'm so glad she finally is. I desperately hope it will make a difference. The dogs in the mills have been suffering far too long. We need to put an end to puppy mills. Please, pass the word.
Calling Animal Rescue-sm
I only have a couple minutes here since I am working but will check responses later today. I did something today I never thought I would do, called the police and animal rescue on a dog owner. I've been kinda watching the family that owns this golden retriever not far from where I live as he gets tangled on bushes and cannot get out of the sun and today I went to untangle the poor thing from a bush and noticed he seemed very sick. I figured he was nearing heat stroke as he was panting very, very heavily, glazed eyes and unable to stand so I called the police and then called animal rescue. I think I may have been too late. The police tell me he may not make it. They came with Animal Rescue, took pictures and took the dog with them. I'm just sick over it. We have a golden and he simply cannot take the heat at all. The breeder said for us to keep him in AC for the summer so we do. I plan to call Animal Rescue later to find out how he is. I wanted to take the dog myself from the house but figured I could get in trouble over it. I think I did the right thing. The poor guy was just flopping around and could hardly hold up his head let alone stand up. I hope they get charged with animal neglect. It's a young family, work all day, couple of kids who hit the dog and they tie him out at 6 am and bring him in at 9 pm. No life for a dog. 
Where do you live?? I live in Atlanta
and have been to the symphony here and definitely no hats- you can never go wrong with black dress/slacks. I like to dress a little more for this but the rules are definitely not prim and proper here.
I come from the old school, but live and let live - sm
Well, I tried "cohabitating" with a boyfriend when I was 22. We dated for a year, and 3 weeks after we moved in together, he went back to his ex-wife. Never again. I've been married 18 years now to the same guy. Guess I lucked out.
I don't think it's right to do in a biblical sense (even felt that way when I moved in with a guy but my young hormones took over my common sense) but it's sad more people aren't married, they choose to just live together without a great commitment. Then again, as my atty (he lives at the end of our street so I see him often when walking the dogs) always says, his father told him it should be $5,000 for a marriage license and free to get divorced.
As far as the children are concerned, well, I think you should be married before you have children but again, live and let live. I just don't like seeing children have to grow up without the other parent if it can be helped.
The NFL network recently interviewed a former NFL player, Warren Sapp. He was asked why we have so many jerks in the NFL like Terrell Owens, Adam Pacman Jones, etc. He said they all shared a common factor - no father or father figure in their lives growing up. He said to look at players who are humble and don't cause trouble - they are the product of a 2 parent household. It's sad to me because it's commonplace now, not the exception to rule, which I think it should be. I graduated high school in 1985 and even back then, a girl in school who got pregnant got sent away "to live with her aunt for a little while". It was a shame to be pregnant and unmarried but it's a sign of the times.
I sometimes wish I could have grown up in the 50s instead of 70s. :-)
You have? Where do you live??? lol
x
that would be everywhere, not just where I live. nm
nm
don't know where U live but where I live the 80+ y/o.
I know plenty of 80+ y/o people where I live (and I'm 25 years behind them...kinda sorta)....who are MORE active than many I know much younger. I see them going to the airports to jaunt around Paris/Spain, or just several times a year flying cross country to spend holidays with families, etc, etc. So if you see 80+ as *old* or *very old* - think again. It's an individual basis kind of thing, in my mind - OH AND BY THE WAY, none of the people I speak of have had plastic surgery of any kind and look FABULOUS!.........GOD BLESS 'EM!!!! Good genes - genetics -
I you live in the
Pittsburgh area I know where you can find someone. Elsewhere..no clue. It is an avenue worth pursuing though.
How can you live with him?!
Honestly, you say you can't live without him, but yet he is mean and horrible! And think of what this is doing to your kids while you stay! The effects of living with an alcoholic may not be so apparent on the outside of your children, but believe my they are hurting! Been there, done that!
Advice: Get out now for you and the sake of your kids. My father was an alcoholic and still is to this day. After 15 years of marriage to him, my mother finally left and took us kids. Best thing she could have done for herself and for us! It was rough at first, but looking back I am glad she did it. She proved to me she was a strong woman and what a great example that you did not have to put up with the abuse from another person. My brother and I to this day have minimal communication with him. Well, at least I do. My brother has written him off!
Resources: A good lawyer and counseling for you and your kids.
I wish you all the best!
Not sure where you live........but
You're wrong. In this state, the teachers are not that well compensated, just the administration. THey do pay out of pocket for resources that they have put in for and supposed to have available that is determined by the school system, but supplies have not come in and they have to go out with their own money and order this stuff. They don't get answers from adminstration but still have to make sure they have the supplies ordered by the school system to teach the kids. The amount of work they do here is from 7 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon....no, they cannot leave when they want to. Most work all summer, either tutoring or summer school, or find summer jobs elsewhere just to make ends meet. I suppose it depends on the state one lives in, but here no teacher is retiring with 80K a year pension.
Others ought to live by this
My mother told us sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you. To try getting back at something so minute is the reason today why people are in such a rage. Another thing she told me- consider the source. Enough said.
I also live in AL - try these -
Caladiums and hostas would do really well for leaf color. Bleeding heart is so pretty as well! Happy planting! :-)
Who'd want to live there? Yuk.
nm
Do you live so far out in the
sticks you don’t have people called BABYSITTERS? Glad you had such a good time.
I live in MID TN too.
Has been a mess with the heat and humidity!!!!
I don't see it here where I live
Unless it's being hidden, all my friends have been married for years with no cheating issues. I don't know of any divorced couples in my circle of friends and/or acquaintenances. My parents have been married close to 50 years and I've been married for 16, no cheating here. Not saying it doesn't happen, because I certaily know that it does, but it's just not that way here.(Again, maybe it's hidden or maybe I do live in that bubble).
Can she come live with me
I'd love it if someone else did my laundry. To me she's just being a grandmother, but then again, I'm not there and can't see everything she does. I'd be happy she was so involved and that your daughter has a grandmother. So many of my daughter's friends don't.
Where do you live?
Hayseed where do you live? I'm in St. George Utah and it is the desert here but it is starting to cool down finally! Been over 110 all summer!
Where are you?
No, where I live we have them here
it is a cross between a bear and a deer- so it is a beer. And to think, I don’t even drink. That is a HAHA for today.
I live in
North Georgia and I have a huge medical center all around me with loads of physicians.
Ha, yes, I live in the
middle of nowhere in North Texas! I don't even know our population, but it's small! Maybe a more than 400, though, but not much! I have only been to 2 WOF also. I can't pick a favorite either and they are akk good. I didn't go this year, but when I went last year, I got to take my 80-year-old mom with me. We had a great time together-have really never done anything togather like that my whole life. It was great. Me, my mom, my best friend and her mom all went with our church. I'm actually off this weekend! Have a good day.
You must live near me
Because that is going around in my area.
Live in FL too
I miss the snow, change in seasons, bugs that don't attack when you step outside! When it even gets a little cool here, I am in Heaven. Tonight the temps will dip into the 40s. I am originally from Chicago, grew up in Maryland, but have been in FL for almost 20 years now, and I still yearn for the North, although I have two children there and two down here. I also cannot afford to go to Disneyland in Orlando because they recently raised the prices again, but have done that once, among other things. I think it is great you have such a wonderful house with a pool. The humidity here in the summer months is horrible!! You just wilt when you walk outside. Those people I know from up North envy where I live, but trust me it's not all it is advertised to be. Just would love some snowballs for Christmas:)
I am with you! I live in Fla and see it a lot.
Bugs me every time.
So they all 4 live there?
Why then do you only refer to *her*? It's both the husband's and the wife's responsibility to pay the bills...are you on his back also?
Where do you live?
NM
I know what you mean. I live in
Louisville and the 2 weeks before Derby is nothing but parties. If you don't live in an area with things like that going on for more than a day you don't understand. Don't get to do as much as I used to.
Hi, I live here -- sm
Are you moving to the beach? I have been here for 20+ years, be glad to share any information I might have to make your transition easier. You can email me if you would like.. welcome to the sunny seashore that is Myrtle Beach!!
I don't live very far from this.
It has been watched for some time. We are just happy it did not turn out to be another Waco.
Some of the resturant owners are surprised that most of them did not know what steakfingers are. lol. They grew their own food.
You must live near me - nm
nm
WHAT where do you live!?
let's trade LOL
If you could live anywhere...where would it be?
Some day I hope to move to Hawaii. I figure I won't have to travel a lot of see family cause everyone will want to come stay with me! One day I just want to pick up and go...sell most off my belongings and just start over.
Always thought Las Vegas would be a fun place to live, but I think it would get tiring and old after a while.
I live in MI ... 13,000?!
Where in Michigan did you find a house for 13,000? Is it a mobile home?
I don't think the cost of living is especially great here ether (in comparison to the wages earned).
Curious what part of Michigan and what type of house.?
Not too often, but we live about
45 minutes away from one set of nieces and nephew and about an hour and a half away from the other set. I don't think they would ever come just to stay with me, though. They are actually spending the night with their cousins, my kids. I'm just not that fun. 
The set that is 45 minutes away stays over about 3 times a year, the other set only 1 or 2 times a year.
If yours want to be at your house frequently, make sure they know that they are responsible for their own messes and hold them to it. It is the least they can do if you are feeding them.
My biggest problem with overnights is that one niece won't go to bed. I have actually, at this point, banned her from spending the night anymore. Maybe I'll come around some day, but not any time soon. She wreaks havoc on the rhythm of our house and it takes my daughter a couple of days to recover.
I think it is really nice that they want to be with you.
Live in WI
I live in northern WI and it is only my husband and I in the household. I think we spend about 75 a week. We used to spend less living in south-central WI, but found groceries are more expensive up here.....
I try to use coupons whenever possible. I definitely get more bang for my buck...
Where do you live?
Some companies sell their products regionally and they're not available everywhere. In SE Michigan we have Dearborn Hams and they're really good.
live and let live
It is better to be free when you are young, but what kind of freedom do you mean? Do you want to go to your kid's graduation when you are in your 60's? Your sister will have her freedom in her 40s, and you will be the one with the 4-month-old? Where is the freedom in that?
I don't think there is anything wrong with any choice you make. It is not making a choice that is wrong.
And you do not have to live with
someone you do not love, you want out of the marriage, your children are not fond of their father (poster's words)to be secure.
Live in GA too and
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