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Okay cat lovers - I need some advice!

Posted By: Cat owner on 2007-06-28
In Reply to:

I have a 21 pound Maine Coon cat who I'm told is a little bit overweight.  Apparently, it is dangerous for this kind of cat to be overweight.  So, the vet told me to cut back on his food a little.  However, if I do not give this cat food when he decides he wants it, he starts going around the house knocking things over and just generally being destructive.  Right now he's in my office chewing on my notebooks and tearing papers out of them.  I've tried squirting him with water, which does not help because he actually LIKES playing in water.  I have no idea if he is actually hungry and his tummy is hurting, or if he's just being a brat!  Anyone else have a similar issue with their cat?  Any ideas on how to get him to stop being destructive?  He's obviously a big, strong cat and he does quite a bit of damage!


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Need advice on a good, adjustable chair for typing. Any advice? nm
nm
I don't know. Dog lovers are dog lovers. I know
in my case, with my brood, I didn't really enjoy all the effort it took to have someone care for the dogs in my absence, etc., to then be with even my family, who were NOT dog lovers, always had a deep resentment of my love for dogs and my choice of a lifestyle that was full of animals. We animal lovers sense it, and, in all honesty, I don't like to spend time with humans who belittle me and belittle animals. It just is a reflection of one's soul and temperament. So, my business was also dogs, and always did serve a perfect excuse for me not to have to travel and/or spend extended amounts of time with supposed loved ones who didn't really love me. You make your disdain of dog lovers very clear - and believe a dog is a dog is a dog. Your mom is probably way painfully aware of this, and you make her feel bad. Just pointing out to you how the other side feels.
To all cat lovers.....

My SO will be moving in with me in a few months.  My cat is male, 14-years-old, has never seen or been around another cat and rules the roost.  His cat is a female, 8-years-old and gets along well with other cats.  I have researched on introducing them but am very worried that my cat will not be able to handle the stress.  SO was here for a month and my cat seemed to like him very much.  I am at the point that I am having second thoughts of moving in together although my friends tell me I am being rediculous and I know I am - sacrificing my happiness for my cat.  Can anyone give me some pointers?  Thanks!


 


Any Starbucks lovers out there?
I am spending too much money on white chocolate mochas lately, and I'm wondering how I can make this myself.  Obviously I need to get the expresso maker, but does anyone have a recipe or link to where I can get the stuff to make my own? 
attn: cat lovers - you may not know -
My less than 3-year-old cat went into acute renal failure several weeks ago - he spent a week on iv's and we are still not sure he is going to make it.  The vet couldn't make any sense of why - but one thing I learned although it didn't prove to be my case - is that lillies of almost every type - the absolute worst being Easter lillies - are extremely toxic to cats - all parts of the plant - so do not bring any lillies into your house - that includes day lillies, oriental, stargazers, callas.  I've heard of other things but never this.  If they are outside cats, English Ivy is equally as deadly. 
Any chihuahua lovers out there?

A friend of mine has 2 chihuahuas that need homes. They're brother and sister, about 3 years old, fixed.  The usual story, have kids, no longer want dogs. I tried to talk her into keeping them, but not working. I can't take them, cause my house is already full to the max of fur kids. They're located in PA. I would hate to see them end up at the humane league, but that's where they're heading. So if anyone is interested let me know.


Dog lovers look at this link.
Can't you smell the puppy breath?

These puppies are related to the dog I lost recently. Breeder is in Tennessee, and I go to the sight for the puppy breath.


Of interest to Pet Lovers

Wanted to share a link for an email from my friend in Australia....









http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html


 


 


 


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.   


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


Any Music lovers out there?
My anniversary was last week, and I had no idea what to get my husband, so I made him a guitar pick necklace. He really liked it and I had two or three people ask me to make them one, so I decided I would make some and see if people liked them. Here's a picture of a few I made.

If anyone's interested let me know! Or if you have any ideas! I went to Micheal's this weekend and bought a bunch of goodies so I'll be making more!


Question for the dog lovers - cut pad of foot

My dog cut it's pad probably this past Sunday.  He came limping home on Monday morning but by then it wasn't even bleeding.  He is used to being outdoors (we live in the country and he can run free) and is about to go crazy because I have kept him either tied up or in the garage to give this time to heal.  I have soaked his paw daily in warm salt water and have applied neosporin to it as well.  It is looking good and there does not seem to be any infection, swelling it totally gone, and I can manipulate it without it causing pain.


This is on the main part of his foot and it is quite a slice causing a large flap to just kind of hang.  A friend who had this similar incident said her vet had her apply ointment and then wrap the pay with masking tape to keep the flap against the paw so that it would heal shut.  I have been doing this for the last several days.  He will only keep it on there for 5-6 hours and then he'll pull the tape off.


Here's the question - is there some kind of product that I can safely use to "glue" this pad back to his paw?  I know in surgical reports I have heard about a surgical adhesive that they use but is there something over-the-counter that I can get for this or even home remedy stuff to try.  I hate for him to lose the substantial part of his pad and leave his paw prone to injury with more tender skin.  I have been told that I can cut it off but I don't want to do that unless it is a last resort.  I tried to "goggle" this subject and came up with a board where it was suggested to someone else for them to just use crazy glue and glue it back in place.  That didn't seem quite appropriate!  Hopefully someone can help me figure this out!


Any bird lovers out there? I have a question sm
I have had to female (didn't want to deal with breeding, been there done that) Cordon Bleu finches for almost 3 years.  My hubby purchased them for me for out 17th anniversary.  It has been just the two of them in their cage since we brought them home and they hang right beside my desk so I can see them when I work.  Last night we found 1 dead.  The other one has been chirping continuously since early this morning.  They are not extremely vocal birds (usually the males are) but they would normally chirp a little and would fly around quite a bit.  I know Roxy is probably wondering where Velma is and that is the reason for the continuous chirping (including a weird sing-sing-whisthiling noise that I have never heard before).  I have been searching on the web about getting another bird for her to have as company.  I can't find anything definite.  We brought these birds 3 hours from here as our local pet store only carries zebra finches.  I haven't spoken to anywhere there yet but plan to.  Does anyone have any suggestions? My heart just breaks for the lone bird but am not sure if getting another bird is the best idea.
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?
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!!!


Coffee lovers: Here's another possibility
Anybody tried a little gadget called the Aeropress?

http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm

It makes a pretty chewy cup of coffee, and it's VERY easy to clean and maintain. And it's CHEAP! (Not quite as cheap as a cup-top filter thingamajig, but very cheap compared to a full-blown espresso machine.)
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.
Music lovers, check this out, inspirational! sm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA
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.


Torn Between Two Lovers, Feeling Like A Fool, Loving Both
nm
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 all you animal lovers - live and let live or intervene? - sm

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?? 


Re: Advice

I am a new mom to a beautiful baby girl. I didn't think I would mind going to work part-time. Well, I've been crying my self to sleep every night. I have my B.A. in Business Administration and have been in the banking industry for 6 years. I have been searching all over for a legitimate work at home opportunity. It seems like medical transcription is a great opportunity. I'd like advice from people who do this from home. I'd like to know where you got the training and what your first job was (since that seems to be a big issue). Also, will my B.A. help at all? I know employers like people with MT experience but I accquired other skills such as meticulous attention to detail that I know is needed. Any and all information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Please see Main board for all transcription-related topics.  This message has been moved to Main.


advice
I do have to say that unless you already have an "in" it is difficult to find a job. Most places won't hire you if you don't have at least two years experience but you can't get experience unless someone hires you. You don't necessarily have to get certified right away just take an accredited program that is specifically for medical transcription. Once your done with school just keep trying, don't give up and try to take your time and ace the preemployment tests. If you do really well some places will give you an offer even if you don't have experience. Take the first job you can get because even if it doesn't pay well you are still gaining experience and it will make it easier for you to get a new job.
Cat advice please....

I have a kitten who is appx. 7 months old. He refuses to eat any kind of cat food, canned, dry, dry mixed with canned, dry mixed with water, cat treats, etc. I have tried baby food, dog food, etc. He will only eat KMR weaning powder, which I mix with water. Have tried to mix food into it but he will not eat it. He tries to cover everything up like it should be in the cat box! No vet seems to concerned about this...he likes to eat chicken, people food chicken that is, and turkey. I am stumped.


This cat MUST learn to eat before May because I am going on vacation for 3-1/2 weeks...any suggestions for this problem?


Thanks for the advice....sm
I will give each a try! I hate to leave him while on vacation, but have no other choice. And the only reason it is for so long is because I don't fly and my DH and I are driving cross country to see family...I'm sure he will be fine, but no kids at home anymore so they are my babies! It's nice to have people to bounce ideas off of!
I thank you all for your advice - I am
an animal lover, have 2 cats, 2 dogs. Love feeding the birds outside. I can't help feeling betrayed by these outside creatures that probably fill their bellies at my bird feeders and have now started war on my house. I guess I will start off with putting some Dcon in the attic - as much as I hate to kill them, I don't want my house chewed apart either. I just hope they don't die and rot someplace where I can smell them.

My cats were going crazy last night and spent much of the night gazing up at the ceiling in my bedroom with their mouths watering. I hope at least tonight the invader picks another part of the house to snack and dig so I can get some sleep.

Thanks again for the advice.

And Hayseed - I agree that Indian is a little un-PC, so are some of the ones with the smiley faces shooting at each other, but they're pretty funny (I guess unless you're Indian)!
Re: Looking for advice

Thanks, that was very helpful! I'm sorry about the info overload, I guess I just wasn't sure exactly where to begin asking. I think I'll just get the basic foot pedal, upgraded computer, headphones etc. and get some finanicing for the "extras" that may come up and take the plunge.


My advice to you is
Get yourself the book - think it is called Co-Dependent No More and get yourself to a support group ASAP - not sure what they are called - but if someone here does not tell you then call AA yourself and find out the name of the support group for spouses, family, etc.  AND if you don't find a supportive support group - hunt around until you do - DO NOT GIVE UP.   Help yourself to understand this disease/disorder and get help for yourself and then you can help him through this process also.  Thank goodness you do not have children and good for you for asking for help.  E-mail me if you want - lots of alcoholics in my family and would be glad to help you!!  Take care.  Will be praying for  you.
This is THE best advice yet. I always will take on sm
10-year-old son's friends, especially when they say rude things. I'll say, "excuse me, what did you just say? Well, we do not talk like that in this house." And I promise you, they either stop coming around or they are VERY polite around me. If they do slip and say something rude they will immediately cover their mouths and say I'm sorry while looking at me. I do scare them a bit, I suppose. But I show them my authority and that I will not stand for that kind of nonsense and then they stop.

If they did that to me I would have immediately turned around and said, "what did you just say?" And then I'd tell a little white lie and say, "I know exactly who you 2 are" (and I'd say it so convincingly) and then say, "It looks like a call into your mother and father is in order today." Have a nice day, guys."


Thanks for the advice
I am assuming he did it sometime on Sunday. He came limping to the house on Monday morning and there was no sign of blood, no fresh blood or no old blood. It doesn't appear to be infected at all. Now that the flap is gone, I don't see any open areas at all. No swelling or redness and it is not touchy at all. He lets me manipulate it and even squeeze his paw so I don't think there is any infection there. I guess we are really bad - but no vets bills unless absolutely no other alternative!
Need advice about how to get what I want done
Okay here goes I can handle a department but when it comes to cleaning my home I have problems getting across what I want or maybe I am too nice. Tell me what you think please!!!
My home is 1st /2nd floor with a basement (laundry /storage). I want them to thoroughly clean the kitchen (any dishes, counters, stove, fridge sweep mop etc) clean all three bathrooms(completely), dust living room, dining room, and hallways. Tidy guest bedroom (you know dust vacuum). I do not want them to clean anyof the childrens rooms or mine or touch my office. I want all door sills wiped/dusted and ceiling fans and lamps cleaned and about the windows divided out so that they are cleaned at least once a month my kids have to clean theirs weekly. I am prepared to pay $100 to $120 a visit and want them in one a week or every other week which ever works better for them so that it stays decent and can be completed within a 3-5 hour time range. I have to be home when they do it because my dog will not allow it otherwise.

My problem is this I was told what I was asking was not over and above and that I was paying an extremely fair wage since the area they are actually cleaning is less than have the square footage. No work in the basement, only hallway and to small bathrooms on the second floor and all of the first floor. A couple of companies I tried were horrible right off the bat and were not asked back. The individuals seemed to work the best but after a month or two the work was being half done and I would have to go behind them checking. I do not have time for this and I do tip usually about $20 a visit. How do you get them to do everything you want. Should I be totally anal and make a check list and if it is not done subtract from their next visit???(husbands suggestion). I just want it done right I am willing to pay good money so that I can spend my free time with my kids and my husband not scrubing toilets and windows.

Thanks I appreciate any advice
Thanks for the advice- however I do not believe
she is depressed, has loads of things to keep her busy. She basically hurt my feelings when she broke her hip last year and I asked what she would like, pears so I got those, knowing she loved chocolate, got some of that and got some flowers. Oh, I had overdone it, too much. I do not remember her saying anyone else had overdone something. I am not going to say anything but that still does not justify running down something I basically went out of my way to provide for her. I only wish I had a son or daughter either 1 that I could count on like she can with me. Oh, well, guess I will just stop trying to be so kind and keep more to myself.
Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.
/
advice
I would definetely NOT call the mom. I would try and convince the girl to go to her parents but that is probably scary for her. The clinic is the next best bet and decision can be made from there depening on the result. YOu do not want to betray your daughter. She will be very upset and may not forgive you. I wonder what in the world was this girl thinking to even put herself in this situation. Obviously she figured the morning after pill would be the solution.
need advice
Okay, you all are probably going to think this crazy, but I need some advice and input on a situation.  There is a new guy at my church who has flirted with me, sometimes in the presence of my husband.  I'm not sure if my husband has said something to him or maybe had someone else say something, but recently, he has gotten to where he will not speak to me at church if there is anyone around.  As long as there is no one around, he speaks but doesn't attempt to hug or flirt like he did at one time.  He does call me chick and things of that nature (of course, when no one is around), but I'm totally confused on what is going on with him.  Yes, I'm married, but my husband has treated my girls and myself like we're nothing the past couple of years and has been verbally abusive, and we've only stayed because everytime I try to leave he gets in the doorway and will not let us go - and he's a big man!!  I would appreciate any advice.
advice
First of all MT student, this is no drama story.  I think I sent out the wrong message here.  I'm not wanting to leave my husband because "church guy" is flirting with me.  My husband has been very dishonest the past couple of years about money situations, taxes, etc. plus the verbal abuse and just being a reall jack a**.  I can see where you all are coming from with "church guy" though.  I guess I hadn't thought about how he really is because I was too caught up in the fact that he was flirting with me even though I'm married.  Thanks for your replys and advice.
thank you for the advice .... nm

need advice...

I need advice on something.  Does anyone have/had teenage daughters?  I have a niece that is 15.  Won't be 16 until end of December.  I have heard recently through my son and mutual friends of theirs that she has been sexually active for quite some time.  She has also been drinking when she is away for overnighters with friends.  Do I talk to my sister about this in case she isn't aware of it?  My friend tells me I should stay out of it and say nothing.  Part of me does not agree with that.  If I had a teenage daughter I would want to know.  It would be bothersome to me but I'd want to know so I was sure she was being safe and obviously would not get pregnant. I don't condone any of this but they sure are going to do what they want to do and isn't it better to be safe than sorry? 


What would you do in this situation because quite honestly I'm driving myself crazy going back and forth with this issue.  It's a touchy subject with alot of people I have found out.  Some say they would not want to know.  Others say it's an invasion of privacy with my niece and she may be very angry with me afterwards.  Others say my sister could be mad because I came to her in the first place about a matter that may not be any of my business.  I have three boys so this is not my cup of tea.  I love all my nieces and treat them like my own children but this topic has hit me hard.  When I found this out on Sunday...I cried the entire night.  It's how I found out and what is being said about her that really, really bothers me. 


I appreciate any suggestions from anyone.


Thanks.


my advice
My daughters are now college age but looking back they went through the same stuff.  Girls can only be friends with one at a time.  When there is three the drama starts or the gossip etc. My daughters were the one that was usually left out.   I tried to rationalize it with them and discuss it etc and gave alternatives but the best thing I could of did was backed away and told them  to handle it themselves. My daughters were on and off again for years with the same girls for that reason.  One day so and so did not like this one, the next day my daugheter was her best friend again.  You did handle it right by reminding her that she did the same thing. 
Any advice on
a good 30-minute exercise program? Can't afford to buy anything, go to a gym or anything like that. I am 5ƍ and weight probably about 160-165 and want to get back to 120. Can't do Weight Watchers or anything that costs money! I am trying to watch what I eat, but need to start exercising and don't really know what to do other than sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc. Any advice? Would like to get back to 120 by January/February at least!
Advice from my dad:
"Marry an orphan."
Advice

My 2 cents, all my opinion:


1.  Relax.  Potty training is not a contest and there is no deadline, despite what anyone may tell you.  I remember my MIL having a fit because her grandson was not potty trained on schedule. 


2.  We had to get rid of the BIG KID disposable underwear that our son was wearing, and give him real cloth underwear.  When he was wearing the disposable type, he treated them like they were diapers.


3.  My husband and I decided that our strong-willed son was actually involved in a power struggle with us.  So, in order to create a more objective environment, my husband used a puppet of a favorite character named Elmo.  Our son was 4 at the time, and did not realize that his daddy was the voice behind Elmo.  But, Elmo was able to help avoid the parent-child power struggle and  was able to potty train our son within just a day or two.  Truly, it was just a matter of Elmo being the instructor and the cheerleader, and then we followed it up with more cheers and rewards.  Yes, rewards.


Old Cat Advice
We have a 20-year-old cat with a huge mass on his tail. We took him to the vet to have it examined. The vet said that we could either have the mass removed or wait and see what happens. We decided to wait and see.

Now, the mass has burst and is bleeding profusely. The vet shaved the tail, put antibiotics on it, and wrapped it tightly to keep pressure on the wound and control the bleeding. Our only choice, at this point, is to either have the mass removed and biopsied, possibly requiring future amputation if it comes back malignant, or just "cutting to the chase" and having his tail amputated now.

Keep in mind that this cat is 20 years old and otherwise in good health. I feel like we are between a rock and a hard place. I do not want to put him down, yet I do not want to traumatize him by amputating his tail.

Any advice would be most appreciated!


I need some advice from...

I am so upset right now I can't even think straight, so please forgive me for any mistakes in this post...


I just found out that my 17 YOD is sexually active with her loser boyfriend!!! Just writing this makes me want to throw up.  How do I handle this.  All I want to do is choke both of them.  I can't even look at her...it just turns my stomach.  I have talked openly and honestly with her about sex for as long as I can remember.  I've asked her more than once to please, PLEASE wait until she got married...or at least met the man she wants to marry.  This guy she's with is a straight up loser.  He doesn't work...he's out of school (graduated last year, so he says)...HE SMOKES...I am just sick over the whole situation.  Please, any advice would be so greatly appreciated. 


Thanks for the advice...sm

What's the difference between abscessed and infected?  I can't bite down on it at all and it feels like there is pressure inside it.  It's the same feeling I've had before when I needed a root canal, which I really don't want to go through again.  Would rather just have it extracted and be done with it. 


No, I haven't called. I'll have to give that a try.


Need advice
Is there anything natural for anxiety for a child. Don't get me wrong, this is not major, but my 6-year-old son is really having problems for about the past 3-4 weeks about me dying. Almost every night when we go to bed or before bed, he starts thinking about it and sometimes crying. He says he is afraid I'm going to die "before he knows it" After the 2nd time, I asked him why was he thinking about that and what was making him think about it and he said church, but nothing has been said in AWANA or Sunday School about parents dying or anything like that. A friend of mine told me to take him to the doctor and maybe they can give him a small small dose of something for anxiety, but I really don't want to do that. I have tried talking to him about it. I just don't know what else to do, but it's starting to really bother me to see him that worried about somehing like that. My parents are 81 and 82 and I've tried to tell him look how old memaw and papaw are and they're not dead yet and it will be a long time before I die, but that doesn't seem to help. Any suggestions?
thank you all for your advice
I never wanted for this to happen. I wanted just so much to get to know my brother and find out the answers behind his death. This man does fill a significant hole in my life and I am afraid to death of losing that happiness. I know he belongs to someone else even if they are or may be unhappy. I just opened myself up way too wide to this man. I don't fault anyone but myself. I don't think I will make it through losing him. I know that his retirement will be the finality of our friendship. I just cannot get to that point. Thank you all for your help and for listening. I pray I have the strength to get through this. I just don't want to let him go.