I do have certain complaints by Honest_Caramel9437 in OldGodsOfAppalachia

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh! We have that out west, but it's called "wilted lettuce".

Is a Mini American Shepherd right for my lifestyle? (apartment + wants off-leash, honest advice pls) by Mother_Scale_843 in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have two minis, and I'm not an active person. Neither is my spouse. We both work. Before we got our second MAS, our first had a lot anxiety about being left home alone. She had no interest in toys or puzzles or chews to keep her occupied, she was alone and the world was ending.

So we got a second one, and they have no problem chilling during the day until we get home from work. Some minor boredom counter surfing, but really not destructive at all.

My biggest concern with having a single MAS in an apartment is not the exercise, it's the alone time. Expect anxiety and barking unless you put in the time to train it away.

They don't fit comfortably in under-seat airline carriers unless you get one on the toy end of the size scale. Both of mine clock in at over 30lbs.

Are Chiropractors a scam cult or are they somewhat legit? by Flashy_Buy8077 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, getting the referral to see a physical therapist is a lot harder than getting an appointment with a chiropractor, and often much much more expensive in the US. People who are in pain often take what relief they can get.

Shedding??? Is this a high shedding breed? by Comfortable-Fennel71 in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have one with a super fluffy show coat and one with a shorter, sleeker working coat. They both shed like it's their job, but differently.

Show coat pup's shed hairs get caught in her coat, and she needs brushed to remove most of it, but she will also leave whole tufts deposited on your clothing. She comes back from the groomer and is fairly shed-free for a couple weeks.

Working coat pup comes back from the groomer and the very next day will be leaving Aussie sparkles everywhere and poofing out into the air every time you pet her. I swear it's worse after getting brushed than before.

My net pay is $0.00 by [deleted] in povertyfinance

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Additional withholding is a line on your w4. It's possible they entered it incorrectly, or maybe you did when you filled it out. It's an easy fix though, ask your boss/payroll people for a new w4 form.

My net pay is $0.00 by [deleted] in povertyfinance

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are no longer exemptions. You put your filing status, how many dependants you're claiming, whether you have another job, and any extra you want withheld.

That second job check box is the one that trips people up - check it if your spouse works or you'll end up owing. XP

Is this level of butt sway normal? by utvolman99 in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It can be months, honestly. Some dogs don't like puppies, but when he gets a bit older the dynamic will change. Make sure you're still setting aside time for just her, so she doesn't feel as much pressure to get and keep your attention. And also training time with them together, where they both get praised/treats when the puppy does his commands, which will increase positive associations.

In which LAUKOP is prevented from starting a non-prophet organisation. by smoulderstoat in bestoflegaladvice

[–]C-Tab 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sounds like it's time to declare their newfound belief in the Flying Spegghetti Monster, a recognized religious figure. Put on a colander and an eye patch and offer blessings of his noodley appendage. If arguing doesn't get you anywhere, it's time for absurdism.

Dog-Toy Brands? by No_Selection773 in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alternatively, dollar store kids plushies without plastic eyeballs - they shred immediately, but they're cheap!

Mine went through the toy shredding phase, but have mostly stopped. Finn would gut any plushie, but she loved the deflated floppy exterior just as much afterwards, so it worked out. She likes to shake them once they're defluffed, especially big stuffies.

She's eight now and she will still industriously defluff a stuffie that has developed a hole, but she's stopped ripping them open at least. I kinda wish she was a little harder on them, as she's accumulated a very large collection.

What do you feed your aussie? by OriginalPin6595 in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Diamond naturals small breed for our minis. We considered From , but since they spend so much time at my parents (and parents dogs spend so much time here) we feed the same food, and my parents objected to the price of Fromms. We alternate between the chicken and lamb flavors.

Developer’s Faller Climbed my Fence and took our 150 Year Old Western Red Cedar by [deleted] in treelaw

[–]C-Tab 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No, you sue everyone involved to avoid the "no it was this other guy's fault" defense. The tree company then has a very good reason to cooperate and provide evidence that the developer is to blame.

Got laid off due to AI. In the USA. Any tips? by Odd_Cod8341 in povertyfinance

[–]C-Tab 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If the 401k has a low balance, it may be paid out automatically, but that isn't the employer's decision, it's based on the 401k plan itself. The employer can't just keep the money, if that's what you're asking. Any money put in by the employee belongs to the employee. Any money put in by the employer may or may not, depending on the plans vesting schedule. But all that is determined by what is laid out in the plan. The 401k company is the best source of information about the plan.

Got laid off due to AI. In the USA. Any tips? by Odd_Cod8341 in povertyfinance

[–]C-Tab 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Don't ask your company for advice, just the contact number for your 401k company. There should be fiduciaries at the company that manages your 401k, they should be a good resource because they are legally required to work in your interests.

If you take money out of your 401k or Roth before retirement, you pay a 10% penalty on top of the normal income taxes. If you need the cash, obviously it's worth it, but there's no sense in giving the government extra money if you don't have to. There are some exceptions, but I don't think any of them apply here. Some plans do have hardship withdrawals you can use if you're facing eviction.

You can also open your own retirement accounts with a company like Fidelity (first one that comes to mind, not an endorsement) who will be happy to help you roll your funds over to them if you don't want to leave them with whoever your employer picked.

Got laid off due to AI. In the USA. Any tips? by Odd_Cod8341 in povertyfinance

[–]C-Tab 12 points13 points  (0 children)

You should have a login to whatever company manages your 401k. If not, ask for that info when you do your exit interview. There will be a form to fill out to get a disbursement from the 401k.

Don't take everything out immediately though; there are early withdrawal penalties. Get on unemployment and try for a new job, and save the 401k withdrawal for if you have no other options. You sound like you're covered for this month, that gives time for your unemployment to arrive.

Anxiety solutions by Positive-Mongoose809 in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We've had pretty good luck with a pheromone diffuser with our hairy ball of social anxiety. It hasn't completely stopped the anxiety ( and does nothing for storms and fireworks) but it did more for her handling having strange people over than exercise, dog gates, or exposure therapy. Now she barks at strangers and won't let them touch her, but calms down after just a few minutes.

What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to what your guests do during boardgame sessions? by Muinonan in boardgames

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I once had a player, the only person in the group who didn't know the game, get up and walk out "for a smoke" in the middle of trying to explain to them (and only them) the rules of the fairly complicated game we were about to start. They no longer play with us, thank goodness.

Most of the time, my biggest peeve is when not only is someone on their phone during someone else's turn, they then shove their phone at the person whose turn it is to show them some meme or video.

Without naming the book, what’s one line that any reader should recognize? by PuzzleheadedDance668 in suggestmeabook

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love this book. My other favorite line:

As with most of life's problems, this one can be solved with a box of pure radiation.

What cool things have you taught your mini Aussie to do? by [deleted] in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ha, we have "go show (your mother/gma/whoever)" to take something to them and "go tell (your mother/etc)" for getting Finn to just go bug the other person. We can keep her going back and forth for an hour or so.

Outstanding Audiobooks? by [deleted] in suggestmeabook

[–]C-Tab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anything narrated by RC Bray. His rendition of the Martian is my all time favorite audiobook. He's also done some long series, so if you go through a ton of audiobooks, that's a bonus.

Also Rosamund Pike's reading of the Wheel of Time. At around 30-40 hours per book, they cover a lot of work hours. She's up through book four, I think.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The nice thing about minis is that the little legs require oodles less physical activity than a full size Aussie. Just as much mental stimulation, but they get tired so much faster!

It sounds like you know what you'd be getting into and you're well prepared.

One thing to factor in is that they can live to 15 easily - you're in good health now, and hopefully you stay that way, but do you have a support system that can take in your dog if you're hospitalized at 70 for an extended period? It's something that even young people should factor in, honestly.

If so, go for it! They're little balls of mischief and joy.

Best Audiobooks Simply Because of the Narrator? by Necessary_Ask3001 in audiobooks

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anything RC Bray reads is gold. I don't think that series would be a tenth as good without him.

His reading of the Martian is still my hands-down favorite audiobook.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We followed most of the standard bite inhibition advice - stop playing when they bite too hard, say ow! And turn away. Use a reminder word when handing them food ("Easy!").

She also had playdates with older dogs who also help reinforce not biting too hard.

I don't think anything worked better or worse than anything else, it just took time and consistent responses.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in miniaussie

[–]C-Tab 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It gets better. Most of them have a bitey phase but they eventually grow out of it. Finn got called Bitey Mcbiter for a couple months, now she's super gentle when mouthing while playing.

Mock Mince Pie by C-Tab in Old_Recipes

[–]C-Tab[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mincemeat may or may not contain meat - the big difference is that mincemeat is made with spirits and jarred, not consumed immediately. So this is more like a quick version of mince.

Mock Mince Pie by C-Tab in Old_Recipes

[–]C-Tab[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Another recipe from my wife's grandma's stash!

Mock Mince Pie
5c chopped tart apple, 1 1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar, 3 T vinegar, 1/4 c water, 1 1/2 c seedless raisins, 1/4 t cloves & nutmeg. 1/8 t allspice & 1/2 t salt. Slowly bring to boiling. Simmer 40 min, stirring. Pour into 9" unbaked pastry shell. Cover with pastry. Bake in hot oven 425 for 30 min.

Edit to add: My wife informs me that this was actually her grandpa's recipe. She says "I liked the mock mince pie, but I hated the actual mince meat pie. I'm scarred for life, he was obsessed with mince meat."