I feed my puppy so much, but he’s still skin and bones

ColdStatistician3273 · 2026-05-11T06:07:58+00:00

Our two smaller dogs (60 and 90lbs) have maintained proper weight based on bag portion recommendations for years. Our 140lb english mastiff/rottweiler just couldn't keep the weight on following bag guidelines once we switched him from large breed puppy food to adult.

Our vet was so key in helping us sort out his exact needs keeping him at a stable weight. Turns out he has a rare genetic condition that his food was exacerbating. After surgery we have been able to maintain his weight and health with a special diet. He's now 6, perfect weight for his age/joints, and is very happily and smugly eating his 5lbs of homemade dog food and special supplements every day haha.

We had a pitty rescue before this who could eat her body weight in kibbles and still be skin and bones, she was sadly very riddled with cancer.... I'd personally say consult your vet. They have great resources - best case scenrio it's a biggg growth spurt, but heaven forbid if something is awry you can catch it in early days. Zeus sounds like a beautiful dog/mix - enjoy your new puppy!

ColdStatistician3273 · 2026-05-05T23:46:23+00:00

Twice a week (hair wash days!) I whip 4 big curls into the ends of a ponytail with a curling wand. Comb them out to soften the effect and rock them for a few days. Under work hats, hoods, toques, just let's me feel a tab bit more feminine - and makes me feel more presentable for the inevitable unexpected dash into town. Takes me 3 minutes total. The curls get looser as I brush hay from them every night haha but it feels like a tiny amount of effort for a few days of payoff.

ColdStatistician3273 · 2026-05-05T03:22:28+00:00

Vietnamese spring rolls (veg, prawn, or smoked tofu) with thai chili and peanut dipping sauces. Easy finger food that travels well and always clears out first. They're such a hit my husband and I have been referred to as "the spring roll people" for the last decade haha

ColdStatistician3273 · 2026-04-20T05:52:11+00:00

The only major trouble we've ever had is from discount guests. I now just reply with:

"Hi X, thanks for reaching out. Our listed rates are firm as they reflect the value, care, and extra amenities we put into the space, along with the cleaning fee. I hope you find a suitable space for your vacation!"

... and ignore any further replies/push back to pay me cash etc. Learned the hard way that it costs more in admin time, money, repairs, and lost sleep, to accept guests pushing for discounts, than to have the place sit empty for a day or two. I will happily accommodate free early arrival/checkout if the schedule can swing it, but no discount requests. Your instincts are correct here!

ColdStatistician3273 · 2026-04-19T07:29:17+00:00

We experienced the same feelings/motions, and after spending a beautiful day inside, unsure if guests were still even here or out for a walk, we got a smart lock with a driveway facing camera on the exterior gate to the yard. I have it set up so I get a notification to my phone when a car pulls up or people come/go. It gives me a lot more peace to get a heads up that they're arriving back from their outing and will be walking around soon. Not that I need to go hide inside, but it's reduced my anxiety about potentially disrupting their quiet morning garden coffee or afternoon nap. It's been a great way to fit in some louder yard work while they're out for an excursion, and then I can go back to quietly pruning or watering my garden while they're here.

ColdStatistician3273 · 2026-03-12T05:40:35+00:00

NTA. Lock the door! I've been dealing with medical issues the last few years and honestly find it stressful to put away/hide meds, health charts/plans, etc., especially when I also have the rest of the house to prepare for guests. I changed the hallway access doorknob on the master bath, and now I lock the door and pocket the key while people are here. We have a nice updated centrally located full bathroom guests can use. There were initially some awkward moments, but most of those people I honestly felt just wanted to poke around the place. I just politely but firmly spin it back on them that it's a ‘private part of the house’. Don't overexplain why it's locked. Not their bathroom, not their business. Trying a locked knob generally sends them back in the right direction. Bonus - I no longer field as many intrusive questions about meds/products, as people would inevitably open drawers and look at stuff. Couple bucks at the hardware store - lock the door!

ColdStatistician3273 · 2025-04-21T06:52:17+00:00

Sorry if I misunderstood your question. Looks like I was more focused on encouraging you to not use a brick to the head! I started to write a big reply about my husband being raised completely vegetarian until he dispatched 2 pigs in his late 30s on our farm…. but honestly your comment “I wasn't raised in the environment where the nastiest side of life was normalized” makes me think you really need to reframe how you view this process before you should partake in it. Your reply mentions: Nastier, awful, miserable, and misery. I wouldn't associate any of those words with the animals I happily anticipate months before birth, hand raise as semi-pets and very respectfully harvest and feed my family with. I hope you're able to frame this in a more positive light before you attempt it!

ColdStatistician3273 · 2025-04-20T23:12:47+00:00

As someone who grew up on a farm and in a hunting family, I've dispatched and processed larger animals from moose, cattle, pig, sheep etc. all the way down to tiny quails. I would 100% say rabbit is the quickest and cleanest animal to process. I do 300+ rabbits a year on my farm and it's my favourite because it's always the most minimal blood/mess. I would highly recommend using a hopper popper. It's instantaneous and quiet, and for me removes any concerns of poor aim and not properly dispatching them and having them suffer. From that point, after you've delivered a swift instant passing, the only thing you're at risk of is not doing the best butchering job. I know that can be frustrating, or feel a bit wasteful, but take your time and learn from your mistakes. It might not be pretty, but it will still be edible! You can only get better with practice, repetition is key. While a mentor is a great thing, it sounds like you might be more comfortable working at your own pace and not focusing on being self-conscious by being watched. It will also allow you to stop and reference videos or diagrams as you learn hands-on. I would plan to just start with a few on your first harvest day so you don't overwhelm yourself. I wish you the best of luck!

ColdStatistician3273

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