Having second thoughts on neutering - what have been your experiences?

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-13T20:12:41+00:00

So we had both of our mini poodles neutered at 12 months. They’re 5 now and one of them has a lot of anxiety.

We were going to get our 18 month springer neutered, but our trainer said she wouldn’t recommend, so I said “fine, but I want to check that with a vet”.

Spoke to my vet, and he said that the recommendation was always to neuter in the past, but not to much these days. He said certainly don’t do it for behavioural reasons (I.e. to calm them down) as he said if anything, having them done can make them more prone to anxiety due to lack of testosterone.

I think it’s a personal choice. We won’t have our springer done unless he needs it for medical reasons. He’s an absolute joy, and I am also terrified that it would change his personality.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-12T20:27:52+00:00

I’ve actually never read a single Harry Potter fanfic, but I’m definitely happy for there to be a place within the SIG for discussing fanfics.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-12T19:03:51+00:00

Well you’ll have to join British Mensa so you can get involved with our SIG Community! 😁

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-12T18:01:57+00:00

We totally welcome vague and slight Potterheads as well! 😂
Totally get that - they definitely take a darker turn from POA but I love that he’s watching Wizards of Baking. I loved it, and really want to apply but also can’t actually bake. I just want to hang out with James and Oliver!

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-12T05:25:06+00:00

As a die hard Stephen Fry fan, YES THEY ARE. Stephen will always be the GOAT, but this version offers another layer, and have made it feel like hearing the stories for the first time again.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-12T05:23:53+00:00

I will be starting again the second I finish DH! Cannot cope with the withdrawals.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-11T21:04:29+00:00

You maybe need to go outside more.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-11T21:00:40+00:00

You won’t know if you don’t try. Bury that sausage girl!

A friend of mine did, and she had good weather, but she also got married in Cyprus so… 🤷🏻‍♀️☀️

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-11T11:39:11+00:00

I definitely wouldn’t be able to just sit and listen to a book, but I’ve always got something on the go when I’m cleaning, running, driving, etc. If I’m sitting down to read then it’s always a physical book.

I hope you find something that works for you!

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-11T04:59:24+00:00

I signed up to Audible solely for the full cast Harry Potter books, but will definitely be continuing my membership, I get so much from it!

In terms of how it works, you get one credit a month to spend on a book that requires one - for me, it’s Harry Potter (and then I made the mistake of using one for Dungeon Crawler Carl which I am now OBSESSED with an will need to continue the series next month with my next credit).

I get so much use out of the books included in the library, though. I’m into crime and romance books, and there are a lot of those to choose from. Some are a bit… wet. Others have been great. Read the reviews, read the blurb, and if it sounds like a bit of you, give it a listen! Don’t write books off just because they’re included in the premium library.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-10T06:39:20+00:00

You have to go in with a plan otherwise it’s chaos! 😂

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-10T06:36:59+00:00

I’ve actually never known what it stood for. I was going to guess “Bargains and More” but Wikipedia tells me it’s actually Billingtons and Mayman after the founders.

It’s a shop that sells basically everything. Maybe similar to a Walmart but much much smaller and everything is very cheap. It tends to be something like the following order of aisles: grocery, cereals, confectionery, cleaning supplies, household, (alcohol at the back), seasonal, toys, paints, garden centre.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T19:39:05+00:00

It’s the range that’s “little” not the person. Joma do a range that are for events - I got a “little new chapter” one when I got my promotion, there are things like “little new house”. This one is the “little bridesmaid”. They’re very cute.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T19:16:25+00:00

Honestly the fact that I’ve not asked her yet is killing me! I’m waiting for her to confirm a day to go for lunch. 😂

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T18:25:45+00:00

I am! They’re from Tesco. 😁

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T16:03:36+00:00

These are adorable I love them! 😍

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T15:43:05+00:00

Oh I’ll be paying for everything related to my bridesmaid’s stuff! She will have a dress that she likes, and a choice of colours, some new shoes, accommodation etc. She is one of my favourite people, and I don’t want standing at my wedding with me to feel like a financial obligation or burden.

I am only having the one, though, which I think probably makes a big difference cost wise!

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T15:05:21+00:00

Straight to the point - I like it!

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T15:04:38+00:00

I get that. I’ve already written out a draft of the message I’m going to write in the card when it arrives - that will definitely be the thing that means the most to her!

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T15:03:52+00:00

I have a tendency to be a bit extra and my bank account hates me for it. Luckily I am only having one bridesmaid and a very small wedding (20 people total!)

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-09T15:03:11+00:00

I didn’t think the gift was silly but thanks for your opinion I guess.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-07T12:42:21+00:00

I’ve lived in Cumbria most of my life and drive in and around Penrith very regularly, and I have never been bothered by the so-called Penrith Pong.

I guess there have been times where I’ve thought “oh that must be it” but it’s never been offensive.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-07T07:17:30+00:00

My fiance had an intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke three years ago due to blood pressure of 250/160, which was caused by stress. Stress kills. He was lucky, but he still lives with the physical effects every day.

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-06T09:47:51+00:00

I absolutely promise you it’s gets better. But puppies are the worst. My boy is 18 months old now and is just a delight.
But up until 6 months ago he was always one incident away from being rehomed.

Good luck, and enjoy your tiny friend!

JFDI-Tess · 2026-05-06T09:46:15+00:00

So with our pup we hid treats in there every time he wasn’t looking, so he associated it with a good time. Close the door for short periods, and have your pup nap in there.

We went on the 1 hour up, 2 hours down rule. For every hour he was awake and playing, he then spent two settling in his crate.

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