Puppy training question
I have a seven month old Boston Terrier puppy. Overall she is doing great. BT's are known for being quiet and hardly ever barking. They also usually have a very non annoying bark. This held true for my last one but not this one.
She barks very, very loudly when she wants to play with our other dog and sometimes us. If we ignore her she will continue to bark at us and also bite something she isn't supposed to.
She is walked several times a day and we give her play time. We are home during the day so she isn't alone very much.
Walking and outdoor playtime is exhausting because she puts everything in her mouth. She does not listen to "leave it" consistently. Despite that I do walk her several times a day.
I try to ignore the barking and reward her with play time or attention but I can't always do that. I also have tried redirecting her with a toy which works if I play with her. She understands what "go get a toy" means and will stop barking and get a toy but she will put it down and bark again.
It is a very loud, ear piercing, non stop bark.
I have never had this to deal with. Is this something I can train her to lim
She is crate trained but I hate to use that for correction.
Thanks!!
37 comments posted: Thursday, November 7th, 2024
Help. Chickens are driving me crazy!!
I have posted in the past about my neighbors chickens, roosters and guinea hen.
This is what we are dealing with.
The birds poop everywhere, on our driveway, walkways, porch, patio, outdoor furniture and lawn. Some of it is the size of a small dog's poop.
The rosters come in our yard and scream at all hours, waking us up.
For the first time in over twenty five years our well was contaminated with ecoli. No way to tell for sure what caused it but the people that did the water testing saw the chickens and said that could be our problem. We spent thousands of dollars getting a sanitizing system installed.
The chickens have destroyed very large sections of our lawn. We have no grass in those areas and there are giant craters. Half our yard is a bumpy dust bowl. We will have to get soil, rake and reseed it.
One of the hens nested and layed 16 eggs in our landscaping surrounding our patio. Broken eggs were all over our walkway. The remaining eggs hatched and 10 chickens initially survived. I think there is one left.
We have been very patient about all this. The neighbors have been going through something very difficult. We get along with them and are very empathic about their difficulty but I can't deal with all this.
We spoke to them almost two months ago and they assured us that they would take care of things. The H even came over and asked how things were and told me he wanted to be a good neighbor.
Since I spoke with him nothing has changed and is in fact worse.
I don't know what else to do.
A fence won't work. Beside the expense of fencing in an acre, they fly over the fenced in areas we have for the dogs. The guinea hen has been up on our roof. There is no keeping them out. Water doesn't deter them. Getting chased out of the yard ten times a day has no effect.
I recently power washed my porch and scrubbed all the furniture and it was a mess the next day.
I also have two dogs. One is a puppy who likes to eat everything so I am constantly pulling her away from the poop and feathers they leave everywhere.
I would like to maintain our good relationship but this is just too much to just deal with.
Any suggestions? Would this upset you?
Thanks!!
19 comments posted: Monday, October 21st, 2024
Exercise clothing
What type of pants do you prefer to wear? Do you prefer yoga pants, joggers or tights? Do you have a favorite brand?
I wear tights for running. Most of mine are from old navy or one of the big names like Nike.
I haven't found anything that I love for walking and casual wear. I'm looking for comfort, side pockets and something that looks a little more flattering than tights.
8 comments posted: Friday, September 20th, 2024
Quick colonoscopy prep question
I am doing a colonoscopy prep. Miralx and Dulcolax pills. Low residue diet five days prior..
So far I have only taken the pills and am really nauseous. This is my fourth time doing this and I have never been this nauseous.
Does anybody have any suggestions to help with the nausea?
Thanks so much!!
27 comments posted: Tuesday, August 13th, 2024
I'm getting a puppy
I did NOT think I was going to do this again but my H really wanted another BT after losing our little guy. He was very respectful of my grieving timeline and eventually I felt open to the idea and wanted to be fair to him. Our terrier mix seems to really perk up around other dogs so I took that into consideration.
My H was not having any luck finding a breeder within a days drive so we put off thinking about it until next year. Last week somebody contacted us about puppies. We met the family, the two parent dogs and puppies. I believe we get the dogs we are meant to have. Everything fell into place so we will be bringing a girl home in about five weeks.
I have only gotten rescues and one purebred from a top notch breeder. He was the one with the most health problems and died the youngest from something other than old age. This puppy is not from a breeder but the parents had good markings, had the personality traits of a BT and were very well cared for.
We did everything right with our last pup. He came from a breeder very well know in the BT world. She is quoted in books about the breed and other breeders know who she is. Despite that our boy had a luxating patella, hemivertebrae, seizures and died at the age of ten. 
He had beautiful, almost perfect markings and the personality expected from the breed but I had hoped he would not have so many health issues.
I'm hoping for the best with the puppy. She will be well cared for and loved!!!
I just thought I would share some happy news!!
16 comments posted: Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
Question about chickens and guinea hens
My neighbors have roosters, chickens and guinea hens. They free range and come into my yard, poop on my patio and side walk and the roosters scream at all hours of the day and night.
Yesterday I found poop (looked like from the guinea hens) under my car. Why are they going under the car and do I now have to worry about them damaging my car? Will they peck at anything under the car?
Thanks!!
11 comments posted: Monday, April 15th, 2024
Earthquake in NJ
Anybody feel it?
I did not but others in my general area did.
9 comments posted: Friday, April 5th, 2024
Women's Basketball Tournament
Anybody else watching women's college basketball?
I switched last year from following the men's to the women's. It's been a great season and a fun tournament!! The Iowa vs LSU game was incredible. I'm looking forward to the final four.
13 comments posted: Thursday, April 4th, 2024
Computer help
Our laptop is locked and showing a bit locker screen.
Apparently we need a code to unlock the laptop and can get it from our Microsoft account. We don't have a Microsoft account.
Is there anything we can do? This seems a little crazy.
Bonus points if you can explain your answer to me like I'm a five year old.
16 comments posted: Saturday, January 27th, 2024
Dog food question
I'm looking for a small breed food for my dog that is at least seven. I got him from a shelter so I don't know his exact age.
He is currently on Purina Pro Plan. There has been some people claiming their dogs got sick and or died from this food. Some of it sounds like hype but I read about a family that lost two dogs in a month and a third one got sick but recovered. They have a fourth dog that did not get sick. The three that got sick were fed Purina PP and the forth was fed another brand. The vet does not know what caused the deaths/illness. Purina is investigating.
I wasn't too concerned and was going to wait and see but my DD's dog got sick yesterday. She also feeds Purina PP. It may not have anything to do with the food but we just lost our dog and my DD also lost hers so since I need to order more food I want to get something different.
I have done a lot of searching but I'm not sure what to get.
Thanks!!
10 comments posted: Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024
Another crossed rainbow bridge
My DD's dog crossed rainbow bridge last night just seven weeks after we said goodbye to our sweet boy.
He was just shy of ten and survived cancer for a year. He was so brave and strong right up until the end. My daughter adopted him just months after we got our boy and they left us just weeks apart. I hope they are romping together once again.
We put him to rest last night under the beautiful pine tree next to his friend.
Our little terrier doesn't know yet that he lost another playmate. This was one of the dogs he was spending time with and going for walks with to help with his grief. 
RIP little guy. 💔
14 comments posted: Tuesday, January 9th, 2024
Red Flag Or Nothing?
My H's A was almost 14 years ago and we are R and doing well.
He recently, about a year ago, joined FB in order to sell some household things on marketplace. He doesn't post much but when we lost our beloved dog recently he posted a beautiful tribute. I rarely look at his FB but have access and have looked at his tribute and the lovely comments people made.
Today, for some reason, I clicked on his messenger. There was a message from someone from his HS writing about our beautiful dog and how sad she was for my H and his family. She ended the message with "sending love." ❤
He just said thank you. We appreciate your thoughts.
I didn't see any other communication but I should also add that I do not have FB and don't know my way around.
Since I don't use FB, can someone explain why she sent her sentiment through messenger instead of just commenting under his post?
Personally, I would not end a message to a man with sending love unless it was a very, very close friend and I would not put a red heart. Maybe it's just me? I have very strong boundaries so I don't know.
Just an FYI, I don't buy through his phone or police anything. This was just a random thing. He knows I look at his pictures of our dog.
48 comments posted: Monday, December 11th, 2023
Would you suspect cheating
How likely is it that an eight year relationship ends just because someone stopped having feelings for the other person? This is a couple that lived as if they were married and were planning to marry and have a family. According to the one who no longer has feelings, nothing happened. No big disagreements or differences of opinions.
I probably suspect cheating more than the average person due my BS status but this just seems off to me.
Almost every relationship that I have seen break up has involved a third person either already involved or waiting and ready to go.
What do you think?
17 comments posted: Thursday, December 7th, 2023
My heart is broken
My sweet baby boy left us today.
He had gained some weight and was acting more and more like himself.
He went very quickly, in our home with no warning. The last thing he saw was me.
My eyes are swollen and my heart is in a million pieces. He was the sweetest dog I have ever known and everyone who met him loved him. He was only fifteen pounds but had a huge personality and was incredibly smart.
I take some comfort that he passed quickly with no pain and in his home with the people he loved. He gave us ten beautiful years.
RIP sweet baby boy.
42 comments posted: Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023
Prayer request
I could use some prayers for my ten year old dog. I have a vet appointment this afternoon. He hasn't been acting right, sleeping a lot, shaking at times and not much of an appetite. He may have had a seizure last week but we didn't think too much of it because he very rarely has had them in the past and we were told they are nothing to worry about. He also had an engorged tick on him so that is in the mix.
My normally energetic, very happy, always up for playing little guy looks weak and tired and is not interested in playing. He isn't getting up to great people at the door either.
I have a lot of struggles I am dealing with and my two dogs mean the world to me.
Please pray or send mojo that he has something treatable.
Thanks.
18 comments posted: Tuesday, November 14th, 2023
Outfit question
I'm going to my H's 40th high school reunion at the end of September. I live in the northeast so the weather is usually warm during the day and possibly cool at night but can vary a lot.
What the heck should I wear? Dress? Nice pants? I have no idea.
They are having a buffet dinner. The place is not fancy. Comparable to an American Legion.
I hate to be over or under dressed. If it was summer I would probably wear a casual summer dress.
Help!!! 
Extra points if you can point me to a store. There is little to no in person shopping where I live so I will have to order something.
Thank you!!!!!
14 comments posted: Thursday, August 10th, 2023
Help me sort this out
My dd received an invitation to a party from my sister in law for my niece. Dd assumed I was also invited and asked if I was sending a gift. I did not receive an invite and was not aware of the event.
My feelings were a bit hurt which DD could see. She is mad and is considering sending a text letting them know that she won't be attending since I wasn't invited.
I told her I didn't think that was the best idea. Yes, my feelings are hurt but I think she should just let it go.
There is some history here. I considered sil my friend and I think we were for a few years (many years ago). I don't know what changed but sil started to be very cold and passive aggressively mean to me. I continued to try being nice but she was so incredibly moody and unkind. I would keep getting my feelings hurt. She would even be cold and a little mean to DD when she was little. At the same time she would fall all over other members of my family/extended family being sickeningly nice.
My brother and sil live 12 hours away so we don't see each other often.
My sister did not get invited to this event either. So why invite my daughter? She is not close with her cousins. She tries to keep in touch but they don't bother.
Was this another passive aggressive way to hurt my feelings?
I have spent a lot of time trying to think of what I might have done to upset her and I can't come up with anything. I get nervous around people with strong personalities like sil and become A little flustered and awkward and sometimes say dumb things because I am trying too hard. So, maybe there is something I did?
Why do I care? I have been in tears all morning. Is it really so hard to be nice? I would like to put things behind us and move on and enjoy the rest of our lives instead of holding on to anger and negativity but it does not seem like that is going to happen. I have tried.
If she was asked about why she didn't invite me I am sure she would say she knew I wouldn't come and put it on me. This party is for my favorite niece and I would/would have liked to send her a gjft.
If you made if through this thank you!!!
23 comments posted: Tuesday, August 1st, 2023
Air Fryers
Does anybody have an air fryer that they like or dislike?
If you have one, do you use it often? What do you use it for?
Thanks!!!
12 comments posted: Thursday, July 13th, 2023
Dog friends
Dog friends, I could really use some good thoughts or prayers for my little terrier mix.
He got sick with vomiting and diarrhea on Tuesday. Wednesday he continued plus was passing and vomiting blood. He was unable to hold anything down. Our vet had no coverage that day and no other vet would see us. We had to wait all day until 7pm for the emergency clinic to open.
They don't think he has a blockage. They think it is AHDS which means for some unknown reason is gi tract is inflamed. They gave him meds and fluids subcutaneous.
He ate A little bit last night but nothing since then and no water since very early this morning.
I am off to our regular vet with him shortly. I'm really worried about him and concerned about getting him proper care. My DD's dog that has cancer had to be taken two hours away for treatment. I'm tired, stressed and worried and would appreciate any thoughts or kind words.
Thank you!!
12 comments posted: Thursday, June 15th, 2023
Canadian wildfires
Who else is dealing with this crazy smoke from the wildfires?
15 comments posted: Wednesday, June 7th, 2023
Back tax question
Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with owing (personal income tax) back taxes?
It's not me. This person is paid as a sub contractor despite not meeting any of the criteria and paid a low wage. They did not have the money to pay their taxes so they did not file for two years. They owe for those years plus interest and penalties plus this year in addition to their state and local taxes.
I see the IRS will accept payments. Is there any hope of getting the amount due lowered? The accountant that prepared the taxes didn't have any suggestions or advice.
Thanks!!
3 comments posted: Wednesday, April 26th, 2023
Quartz countertops
How do you clean and maintain your quartz countertops?
Tell me what you like and what you don't like about them.
I just had them put in my kitchen and bathrooms and am curious to see what you have to say.
Thanks!!!
8 comments posted: Friday, March 3rd, 2023
Dragn
Has anyone heard from Dragn? I haven't seen her post lately and she missed SPF last week. I hope everything is ok and she is just busy living life.
54 comments posted: Friday, February 24th, 2023
Insurance mess
I am livid!!!
An agent from a life insurance company reached out to my H four months ago. Supposedly he had some life insurance and supplemental medical benefits with his retirement package that she wanted to go over. She assured us she was not selling anything.
We met with her via facetime. She collected some information. Some yellow flags were popping up for me but I was pretty sick at the time so I was not as sharp as usual. However, she knew my H employer and the union who represented him and paid his benefits.
At the end of the meeting she said we would be getting an email with policy information. Nothing ever came. My H tried to contact her. After numerous attempts she said she would call him. She never did. She eventually blocked his number. 
I finally got through to her with my number two weeks ago. She was so sorry blah blah blah.and was going to immediately put our information in the mail. It never came.
I tried to contact her today. She would not answer her phone, her mailbox was full and she blocked my number so texts wouldn't go through. I called the company and spoke with three different people. They gave me a local number to call that didn't work. They said they contacted the agent and she would call me back. The next customer service rep said they don't do that and it looks like the agent no longer works there and she was never licensed to do business in my state.
The insurance co can't/doesn't want to help me. I want to complain or do something about this agent. Apparently she asked for information that is not needed for the policy!!! 
My H's union is supposed to call us tomorrow.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks and God bless you if you read through and followed this shortened version of this mess!!!
9 comments posted: Tuesday, February 14th, 2023
Would you be annoyed?
Is it rude to tell someone you can't make it to dinner (the next day) because you forgot you had plans with somebody else?
We have dinner for five planned for tomorrow night. DD's boyfriend sent me a text letting me know they are having dinner with his dad. He said he was sorry he forgot about it.
I am irritated. I am trying to just let it go but this is not the first inconsiderate thing he has done. And I am wondering why DD didn't call me to talk about it and maybe adjust our plans or something.
6 comments posted: Friday, December 23rd, 2022
Heated vests
Has anybody tried one or know anybody that has?
DD spends a lot of time outside in the winter where it can get very cold. She asked for one for Christmas. I was wondering if anybody could recommend something.
Thank you!!!
9 comments posted: Tuesday, November 29th, 2022
Adult incontinence products
I have a relative in her sixties that is having trouble with incontinence due to a medical problem. She has little to no control. She has tried using the pads but said they all leaked.
Does anybody have a suggestion for what product would be the best for her to use. Depends pull-ups?
She also has difficulty with her coordination so the easier to get on and off the better.
Thank you!!
7 comments posted: Thursday, November 10th, 2022
Question for those that have had covid
How long did it take for you to feel better?
I am on day fourteen and still have a cough, headache and fatigue. My head hurts so bad when I cough or bend over.
Everybody has said this variant is like getting a bad cold. This has not been my experience at all. I had a 102.8 fever and was very sick for 4-5 days. I am definitely better but I can't shake the cough and headache.
10 comments posted: Monday, October 31st, 2022
Covid fever question
Hi all.
I have a 102.8 fever with taking tylenol.
Anything else I can do?
Thanks.
11 comments posted: Wednesday, October 19th, 2022
Hurricane Ian
Thinking about everyone in the path of this storm. Stay safe!!!
25 comments posted: Thursday, September 29th, 2022
Progressive lenses
I was always very fortunate to have excellent vision and just needed readers as I aged. At my last eye Dr appt I learned that my vision had declined and I needed glasses. I got progressive lenses. The medium distance was fantastic, the long distance good and the readers I could only use to read something quick on my phone but not the computer or a book. I also think I was getting headaches and dizzy.
I went back to the eye doctor's office and they checked the glasses and measurements. They said the reader portion was probably too small. I go back tomorrow to see the optician again.
Are the progressive lenses hard to get used to? I haven't worn them for a few weeks. The headaches are better. I feel less unsteady when walking but still feel slightly not quite right. I'm not sure if I am sick and the glasses were adding to it or I'm just sick and it's not the glasses at all. If it was just the glasses I would feel better after not wearing them?
I am also going through quite a bit of stress so not sure if that is a factor.
Sorry for rambling. I'm having a little trouble focusing and organizing my thoughts.
16 comments posted: Thursday, August 4th, 2022
Covid test question
I have not been feeling well for the last ten days. I am exhausted. I wake up tired and always feel like I want to lay down. I also have trouble focusing. The last few days I have had a headache and neck pain that might be muscular. I did an at home covid test yesterday and it was negative.
Should I still be concerned with covid or am I covered with yesterday's negative test?
Thanks!!
5 comments posted: Sunday, July 24th, 2022
Coloring hair at home
Does anyone color their hair themselves? I used to be blonde but my hair has darkened and now has a fair amount of gray. I was getting it colored at a salon for the past 15-20 years and my hairdresser retired. I have digestive issues that are very unpredictable and make those long appointments very stressful.
Is it possible to do this at home without ruining my hair?
Thanks!!
25 comments posted: Thursday, July 14th, 2022
Health insurance options
My H and I will be uninsured July 1st. His COBRA payment would be $2000 A month.
He has already applied for jobs that have health care but I'm sure that will take a while.
Does anyone have advice in the mean time?
We have so many decisions to make coming at us all at once. I am overwhelmed with everything. I refilled all our prescriptions that I was able to.
I am afraid to go without insurance because a few years ago I was hospitalized for over a week with no warning.
Thank you!!
10 comments posted: Friday, June 17th, 2022
Losing a job
My H may be losing his job. He has worked for the same company for 37 years. He is being blamed for something he did not do and accused of lying. The whole thing is so unbelievably ridiculous.
He has been a great employee, A very hard worker and not a complainer. This company is notoriously difficult yet he has enjoyed working there, not been one of the complainers and gotten along well with everyone.
I am suspicious that they want to get rid of him because he has been hurt too many times and is older. None of the injuries were his fault and more times than not he would not say anything and push through. He lived on ice and advil. He was always able to do the job.
He was going to hopefully retire in three years.
We are both so stressed and upset. This is the only job he has had since college. I can't believe they are doing this to him after all those years. He also worked every single day during the pandemic (being high risk) while many others were able to work from home.
This has been going on since last week. Today might be the day.
I'm sorry I'm rambling.
We don't live in an area with many good job options. I haven't been able to work do to my health. On a positive note we have zero debt.
I'm scared, angry and I feel horrible for him. I can't imagine being questioned about something and then told you are lying. He has self reported multiple things and told them on more than one occasion that they paid him for hours that he did not work.
People can really suck!!
40 comments posted: Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
Protein drinks
I'm looking for protein drink suggestions. I'm lactose intolerant.
I have IBS and have been having a horrible time lately. Last night I woke up with excruciating pain and was up for hours until it calmed down. I am doing broth today until things calm down.
I'm thinking maybe protein drinks would be good for easing back from clear liquids.
These painful episodes can hit anytime of the day or night. I'm barely able to leave the house.
Thanks.
12 comments posted: Friday, May 20th, 2022
Neighbors
I have neighbors that are nice people but not good neighbors. We've lived in our home for almost thirty years and never had a problem until the current neighbors moved in.
They decided to get chickens and roosters. They never asked if we minded if they free ranged in our yard. They poop on our patio. The roosters make noise all day and last night at 2:30 am. It's not as bad when the windows are closed but for now we are able to open windows and go without airconditioning. My husband has to sleep during the day due to his work schedule. He moved into a room on the opposite end of the house with a noise machine. They know he sleeps at odd hours. Our other neighbor works from home and let them know the noise bothers her. They don't care.
They have a child with special needs. He has walked into my house a few times. He does not communicate so I have to go get his parents. If I am home alone that leaves him in the house with my dogs and he could get hurt.
I try to keep my doors locked but I have dogs and am constantly in and out all day. I'm afraid he is going to open the door and let my dogs out. It is also very unnerving to have somebody walk into your house unexpectedly.
I have extremely bad anxiety and I feel like I am constantly on edge worrying about the doors being locked at all times.
We are also having some home renovations done this summer. We will not be living in our house so I will not be able to monitor door locking all day and there will be tools and things left out.
I am not unfamiliar or unsympathetic to their situation. I just want to be able to come and go and live in my own space without having to worry so much about this happening. A peaceful nights sleep would be nice too.
How would you handle this? Thanks!!
26 comments posted: Saturday, May 14th, 2022
Dog people
Anyone have a dog with seizures?
Mine was just diagnosed. I brought my concern to the vet's attention two or more years ago and was brushed off. They said he was probably falling down from the effort it takes to vomit and some dogs are dramatic.
This weekend he had an episode that I was able to film. I had another vet look at it and he said he definitely had a seizure. Fortunately if it was related to a brain tumor or something else really bad we would know by now. The type of seizures he seems to be having are not doing any damage.
I'm a little annoyed because I was led to believe all the vomiting was due to stomach issues. He was even on prescription food for a while. I guess I should have trusted myself and pushed.
The vet told me I don't need to medicate him at this point and there is nothing I need to do.
He is nine, the sweetest dog and I love him so much. I hope this isn't going to shorten his life.
11 comments posted: Monday, April 11th, 2022
Opinions about my appointment
My GP referred me to cardiology because I have been having increased episodes of tachycardia.
I went to the appointment. I had an EKG which was normal and had a monitor put on for two weeks. I saw the cardiologist and we discussed the episodes I have and also my high cholesterol.
He never listened to my heart. Maybe he saw everything he needed to see on the EKG but it seemed a little odd to me. I would think he would still want to listen.
What do you all think?
I have a return appointment in six weeks. Other than that I liked him.
Thank you!!!!
5 comments posted: Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
Email question
Can somebody possibly tell me what this means?
I share an email account with my H. In the sent folder there is an email that says brain teaser at the top. From: our email. To: chat.
In the body - Answer: Your breath
Husband's name
H's phone number
There is another one with answer: egg
Husbands name
Address
Phone number
WTF? 
Thanks.
2 comments posted: Thursday, November 5th, 2020
iphone question
If someone were texting from an iphone is there any reason why incoming only texts would show up on the verizon usage log? There are incoming texts from a particular number but no outgoing.
Also, if two people are texting with iphones will those texts show up on the verizon usage log.
I don't have a smart phone so you may have to dumb your answers down. 
Thanks!!
3 comments posted: Friday, March 27th, 2015
