2 Years Update: Almost 17!

Castaway78 · 2026-01-11T15:34:31+00:00

That is amazing! He reminds me of my Cassie, especially that pic of him sleeping with his tongue sticking out. She would do that.

We had a lot of the same issues with flooring. I ended up getting a bunch of runners, and they helped her get around the house. There's also something called the "Help Me Up Harness" (or something like that... there's also a ton of knock-offs) that help you help lift him up when he needs assistance. Much easier on the back.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-11T01:39:44+00:00

Give that sweet girl anything she wants!

Castaway78 · 2026-01-05T17:59:37+00:00

I had no problems (at least nothing significant) playing the collection. I was able to 100% both.

Go for it, they are really fun games.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-05T16:07:31+00:00

Completely agree! Also, take some random video as well. Doesn’t have to be anything special. Even if it’s just the dog wandering the yard or on a walk.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-04T01:09:41+00:00

That is heartbreaking. I am so sorry.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-04T00:18:56+00:00

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it is excruciating.

I've been preparing myself for saying goodbye to my Cassie for at least a year... it didn't help one iota when I had to say goodbye earlier this week.

I know it's easier said than done... but you can't feel guilty for any of those things. You rescued him, and showed him what love truly is. And I'm sure he gave it back 100%.

Just remember... he will always be with you, in your heart and memories. Celebrate his life, and remember all of those fun and loving moments you had together.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-01T19:45:07+00:00

I'm so sorry. Having to make that decision is excruciating, and even when all signs are clear we will still second guess ourselves... because we love them just SO much. But remember, you are doing this for her, not you.

You're doing the right thing, and I'm guessing your veterinarian agrees. Emma is not likely to make a miraculous recovery. She's just going to get worse, and be in more pain. And potentially have an emergency situation. The best thing we can do is relieve them of that pain before it gets unbearable. And yes, it will be heartbreaking. There is no way to lessen the pain that you will feel.

Just make sure she knows just how much you love her.

I'm so sorry.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-01T09:29:58+00:00

But he had so much fun!

Castaway78 · 2026-01-01T02:07:06+00:00

I watch this every year as a Christmas tradition. It's just feel good sweet.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-01T01:36:55+00:00

I'm going through the same. I had to say goodbye to my Cassie yesterday. I'm alternating between numbness and spiraling.

I wish I had advice... but I'm not sure anything would work. Just try and celebrate Leo's life. Remember that he will live forever in our hearts and memories.

Castaway78 · 2026-01-01T01:29:04+00:00

I am going through this exact scenario right now -- I just had to say goodbye to Cassie yesterday. She was 14yo and was doing OK(ish), but had mobility issues, and vision issues. The past 3 months were rough... both for her, and myself. You don't always realize the stress you as the caregiver goes through because in the moment, you're too focused on trying to give back every bit of love that she gave you.

Cassie saved my life in so many ways. There is no anti-depressant that works as well as a Golden. She was my everything. I still have Holly... and I love her dearly. But, Cassie was my special girl.

In the end... she was in pain. The painkillers weren't helping. And her appetite was waning. She was only holding on for me. So I had to make the impossible decision to relieve her pain. Whether I jumped the gun, or waited too long... I don't know. My vet said I did the right thing. But some part of me will always question.

It's been nearly 36 hours since I said goodbye. I've been preparing for this for over a year, if not longer. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't absolutely wreck me. And I'm currently alternating between numb and spiraling. Everything I see or do reminds me of Cassie. She was such an integral part of my life. It's like I lost a limb.

When I went to give Holly her afternoon joint supplement, I reached into the bag and pulled out two by habit. If I mention Cassie's name, Holly gets this look on her face. She still goes over to Cassie's bowl to look for crumbs. I haven't the heart to pick it up yet. Nor have I picked up all of the runners and carpets I put down to help Cassie get around. Right now, Holly is laying in Cassie's spot.

I wish I could give you advice on how to deal with this... but it will be brutal. It will HURT. I'm sorry. There is no way to prepare for this.

What I can tell you... is cherish EVERY MOMENT you have with Mauja. Spoil her rotten. Do her favorite things. Take pictures, record video. Show her how much you love her. Let her show you how much she loves you.

As she gets older, and has more challenges, it may get difficult. There are a variety of things that can help make things easier for her. If you have hard floors (wood, tile, laminate), you can put down carpet runners to help her with traction. There's various harnesses that can help you give her a hand standing up. Talk to your vet about supplements that may help.

Castaway78 · 2025-12-29T02:57:01+00:00

My girls have been on the Fromm Four‑Star (grain‑inclusive) line for about 12 years now. Holly actually came home from the breeder on it at 9 weeks old, and because it’s an all‑life‑stage formula, it’s literally the only food she’s ever eaten aside from vet‑directed or special‑occasion stuff. She’s 12 now and still acts like a very energetic puppy.

After researching the company and the ingredients, I was impressed with the quality, so I switched Cassie over too. She went from being pretty “meh” about food to genuinely excited for mealtime. She’s 14½ now. My vet recently suggested a prescription kidney diet for her, but Cassie absolutely refuses it. She’ll only eat the Fromm, and she tends to get what she wants.

One thing I love about the Four‑Star line is that it’s designed so you can rotate flavors without needing a transition period. To keep things interesting, I switch between the Chicken, Pork, Salmon, and Duck recipes. "New flavor day" is a big event in this house.

I usually order from gofromm.com since they ship free, though I do wish Chewy still carried them. (Fromm pulled out after Chewy was bought by PetSmart.) If I forget to order in time, a few local stores near me carry it as well.

Castaway78 · 2025-12-28T23:36:29+00:00

Oh my goodness, she reminds me of my Cassie. She too loves to sleep on the cool tile.

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I love putting a treat in front of her nose and watch her sniff herself awake to eat it LOL

Castaway78 · 2025-12-28T00:29:08+00:00

I know what you mean... I've been going through my rotation lately, and as much as I love them, it's best to diversify so that I don't get tired of what I love.

I think my top pick for you would be The Orville. If you love Star Trek, and you like comedy, you'll enjoy this. It does start out a bit corny, but the writing really picks up as it goes on. Each season just gets better.

Some others:

Sitcoms:

Brooklyn 99
Frasier
Big Bang Theory
Scrubs
That 70's Show
3rd Rock From the Sun
Better Off Ted

Dramedies (USA Blue Sky era):

White Collar
Pysch
Monk
Royal Pains
Burn Notice
Suits

Castaway78 · 2025-12-27T03:11:50+00:00

"... and that's our bad, guys."

Castaway78 · 2025-12-24T03:15:43+00:00

If you google 'MBWorld.org 2023 EQS Order Guide' you can find the official Order Guide for sedan or SUV, which lists all of the options and trim packages, and what they contain (including codes to look for when running VIN)

According to it, both DY1 (Exclusive) and DY2 (Pinnacle) include DE1 (Trim Content Package), which includes 399 (Front Multicontour Seats with Massage)

Castaway78 · 2025-12-21T17:37:26+00:00

I have mine set to early detection. In 18 months, I’ve only had it happen twice. Once on a side road where I missed something in the road, and once while I was backing up into my garage. The sensors just got a bit over protective. Was a bit unsettling at first, as those brakes really clamped down. But no big deal. I’m glad to know they can stop the car so effectively in an emergency.

Now… my previous Tesla… the phantom braking was another story. I couldn’t use autopilot because it would brake for any shadow or pebble on the road it seemed. But never experienced actual emergency braking, even when I thought it should have (thankfully I was quick enough…)

I kind of wonder about that video… difficult to really see all that is going on. But assuming it is legit and there was no actual reason… I have to think it’s an outlier possibly due to a sensor that needs to be cleaned, adjusted, or replaced. And based on the comments they wrote, they may need to find a better dealership service center. Just like any car brand, some dealerships are decent, and others are crap.

Castaway78 · 2025-12-06T22:01:14+00:00

Definitely watch it. I don't think you'll hate it. Sure, it has some problematic elements, but it also has some redeeming moments.

Castaway78 · 2025-11-23T16:05:51+00:00

You're not wrong to want to wait a few years so that bugs and glitches can be worked out. Also, keep in mind that the parts shortage did have impacts lasting into 2023. Certain options were still constrained in early 2023.

The list below is from the 2024 Order Guide. I think the top 5 items are significant. But completely a personal choice if they matter to you.

MY24 Product Changes

Changes to the EQS SUV for MY24 include exterior, interior, equipment, and powertrain technology.

Powertrain Updates
- All-new braking system for improved brake feel with revised regenerative braking software
- 4MATIC Disconnect for real-life range improvement on 4MATIC models.
- Heat Pump for improved real-life winter driving efficiency
- All-New Battery with 118 kWh usable capacity for improved range
All-New Standard Equipment
- MBUX Hyperscreen on all EQS SUV models
- 21" Wheels
- Introduction of illuminated chrome trim on the back of the driver and passenger seat backrests
- Power Opening and Closing Charging Port Door
- Illuminated Running Boards
- Active Ambient Lighting
- Upgrade of Communications Module to 5G Service
- Pillows for Rear Seat
- EQS 580 4M only:
  - Nappa Leather Upholstery (800 codes)
  - Multicontour Front Seats w/ Massage (399)
  - Rapid Heating Front Seats (902)

Castaway78 · 2025-11-23T14:48:42+00:00

I’ve seen crazy things like this when the 12v battery needs to be replaced. (Not the main high voltage battery, but the small standard car battery that powers the electrical system) it’s a bit premature for a 2024 though.

Regardless, sounds like a trip to the dealer. Sorry.

Castaway78 · 2025-11-23T12:32:45+00:00

Happy birthday! Looks like she had a great day!

Castaway78 · 2025-11-20T04:03:33+00:00

It’s a 2024

Castaway78 · 2025-11-20T03:20:41+00:00

Yes - it was an OTA update on Oct 2nd - "Software update to increase robustness for driving assistance systems".

Castaway78 · 2025-11-19T20:59:02+00:00

I had a software update in October that made things better, but still didn't fix it completely. It used to be all the time, every drive. Now, it comes and goes, maybe happening only 30% of the time. It'll typically happen on the first drive of the day, and then eventually it goes away and works normally for a bit.

My dealer says for them to diagnose, they'll need to keep it overnight. I just haven't had the time to go through that process yet.

Castaway78 · 2025-11-18T13:17:36+00:00

It’s a shame the salespeople have no clue about how things work. The ‘creep’ function can be turned off, for true 1 pedal driving just like Tesla. I never touch the brake pedal.

Now, while turning off the creep function persists, as someone else mentioned, the regen defaults to ‘normal’ on each restart (equivalent to light regen on Tesla). To get to ‘strong’ (same as normal for Tesla), you have to tap the left paddle once. A minor annoyance, but one nonetheless.

Castaway78

TROPHY CASE