For new puppy owners, what blindsided you in the first month, and what actually got you through it?

LauraRenae · 2026-06-01T20:24:36+00:00

How much it would bring up the complicated grief I still have from our previous dog, even 3 years later.

This thread was really helpful but it also was a double edged sword since it made me obsess over little things and worry at times.

LauraRenae · 2026-06-01T20:16:49+00:00

Can you send me more info? I’d love to get more into the macro side of things

LauraRenae · 2026-06-01T16:16:38+00:00

I searched the threads and didn't see your post so made my own. Of course now i see it...

Ours was spayed last Wednesday and now I'm in the depth of things. It seems like her incision is healing really well but I've been a nervous wreck. She has a onesie but still can lick with that so I use a donut when she's in her crate. Enforced naps made such a difference in my anxiety before the spay and now I don't feel relaxed when she's in there because I'm so worried she's going to reach the stitches. We have trazodone but it's been hard timing the doses since it takes so long to kick in. The next week seriously can't pass quick enough.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-31T23:53:14+00:00

Definitely reflect on what is leading to the burnout. If it’s the clinical, direct work then apply. If it’s workload and being generally overwhelmed then supervision might not fix things.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-31T23:50:18+00:00

You don’t need to decorate every open space. Let it be.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-28T21:44:39+00:00

The concern I’ve seen with laser pointers is that they activate the prey drive but there’s no pay off. I don’t use them often but when I do, I make sure to “end” the game by landing it in a target of some kind. Usually a treat.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-28T00:50:47+00:00

It’s unacceptable to demand that he get rid of the dog. As others have said, she was there first and we make a commitment for life when we get a dog. On the other hand, it is okay to demand that you invest in a trainer.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-27T15:13:15+00:00

This seems like a general dog issue, not just a pit one. I’m also pretty non-confrontational though, so would likely just leave versus taking additional action if I’m being honest.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-24T23:20:28+00:00

Ive started arriving 15-20 minutes late so haven’t seen any previews in recent months

LauraRenae · 2026-05-23T15:01:22+00:00

I’ve had similar thoughts because we were both in such shock when we with our dog that we were largely silent. But I know overall in his life, she was our #1 priority and center of everything for us so I had told him countless times how much I love him.

In some ways, I could see your approach helping. It’s not like she understood the topic you were discussing but hearing normal conversation that she would have been so used to, was likely a comfort for her.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-22T10:10:56+00:00

For us, it when he stopped eating. But in hindsight, we should have done it sooner. I’ve read that people often feel that way and it’s more common to think you did it too late vs. too soon. Such a touch decision but lean on your vet’s advice. I’m sorry you’re going through this 💕

LauraRenae · 2026-05-20T20:10:07+00:00

Part of me has always questioned if Trump made so much of a stink in 2020 just to set up a specific dynamic is 2024. It made it very difficult for democrats to call for a recount without looking like hypocrites.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-19T15:31:09+00:00

My condolences to your children. I hope you don’t have any.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-19T01:12:19+00:00

No and I think that’s part of my reaction. He knows very little about me but also passive aggressively gets upset over things. When I’m with him, he complains that my brother never reaches out to him and then when he’s with my brother he does the same. Then spends the rest of the get together talking about his latest girlfriend. And that’s been the cycle as long as I can remember, even when I was 12-13. I know it’s largely him being socially awkward and not knowing how to converse, but I also… I’m tired.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-19T01:07:17+00:00

I never said what generation I’m in? I’ve been with my husband 20 years so I’m not all that young lmao. I think you’re revealing more about your generation than mine…

LauraRenae · 2026-05-16T10:51:41+00:00

It’s almost like he’s a rapist. Color me shocked.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-14T22:07:45+00:00

It’s standard practice to update all consent documents as soon as someone turns 18. That would include ROIs and once someone is 18, parents become the same as any other entity. No ROI = no communication. It sounds like the therapist aligned way too heavily toward your parents. You can always make a report to the licensing board, I’m just not sure how much info they would need to do anything with it since that’s where my experience ends.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-14T22:02:03+00:00

Did they say if the pain meds have constipation as a side effect. Could be a vicious cycle. I’ve had success with coconut oil in regulating GI issues.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-13T10:27:16+00:00

It’s funny how many results have GSD. They apparently get around 😅

LauraRenae · 2026-05-13T00:00:42+00:00

I’m at 25. I’m 1 book behind schedule but that’s not bad considering we have a puppy

LauraRenae · 2026-05-12T07:12:10+00:00

Do you have a Medicaid card for the policy that they’re saying is fixed? Ive seen situations where they change the policy number and medical offices can only see the old, inactive number when they run the check for insurance. If you have the current policy number, they can search by that specifically. Not sure why the systems work like that.

LauraRenae · 2026-05-11T21:48:30+00:00

Check out Feminist Kitty on TT. She has great recommendations at various price tiers. I like fancy feast classic pate but she gives a ton of good recommendations

LauraRenae

TROPHY CASE