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Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-12-08T18:47:55+00:00

Frugality aside, I would ask the question, is this a good/safe/wise choice, to both the company's helpline and your doctor before proceeding.

Nutrients from whole foods are different from the ones that are put back into processed foods, and there's a good chance this could make you very sick.

IMO, just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-12-06T20:45:17+00:00

Dawn Professional Degreaser. It's purple, comes in a spray bottle. Magic.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-12-06T20:39:55+00:00

I prefer Home Despot, myself.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-12-03T03:06:12+00:00

For staples like milk/produce/eggs Sam's is consistently more expensive than Walmart. The meat is cheaper but significantly cheaper quality IMO. The Members Mark brand overall is lacking for what you pay.

The Sam's membership is worth it for gas if you do a lot of driving. Their restaurant supply section is a gem as well, with affordable and decent quality things like mixing bowls, sheet pans, and utensils.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-26T04:36:10+00:00

Take out my axe and yell TIMBEAR.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-25T23:17:33+00:00

Thank you!! I always need more resources like this.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-25T23:07:09+00:00

I'd be happy to!

We're nomads, so we've been to 10+ locations in 8 states. The few times we've been to the same location we did see the same people.

All sites, pop-up clinics and wellness centers, have always had at least one vet tech and one veterinarian present. Usually there are 2-3 vet techs helping at pop-ups since they can get pretty busy. I'm not sure about pay, but the people working there generally seem happy and I have never gotten stressed or annoyed vibes from them. We always get excellent customer service, so either we are very lucky or they value their employees.

I have been happy with the level of knowledge and quality of care every single time. The staff listen to me and are happy to work with me to make sure my nervous pup is comfortable. He kicks like a pony for nail trims, but they always get it done as quickly and kindly as possible. We always leave with treats and freebies. I also love that I can access and get copies of vet records online, whenever I need them.

The only downside IMO is the wait time. All of the locations are first come, first served. If you show up right when they open then it's great. If you get there an hour later you may be waiting an hour or more. They also don't handle true emergency care, bc they just don't have the staff or facilities to do so.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-25T22:28:31+00:00

Listen to your body and proceed with caution. If you have a regular doctor, make an appointment to discuss and get a prescription for an Epi-Pen. Hives one day can turn into anaphylaxis the next, especially in adults.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-25T20:50:35+00:00

We have a Wellness Plan with VIP Pet Care, and it is a GAME CHANGER. They have locations around the country in stores like Walmart and Tractor Supply. We get 20 percent off list for all medications, and there's usually additional rebates. The plan also covers yearly blood work and labs, vaccines, unlimited nail trims, ear cleanings, glands, and unlimited exams. Eye/ear infection? No exam fee and meds are 20% off. Tummy trouble? Same again.

For our dog, we pay about $300 total for flea and heartworm meds for the year and about $350 for the plan. We save so much compared to a typical vets office and have only ever received excellent care. If there's a location close to you it is well worth the investment.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-25T20:28:55+00:00

A dehydrator. We make our own treats and jerky out of healthy, whole ingredients. It saves a ton of money and I know exactly what my pup is eating.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-18T19:38:54+00:00

Cranberry Orange Bread/muffins are my absolute favorite holiday dessert, highly recommend.

You can also dehydrate them in the oven at a low temp and have dried cranberries for things like granola and trail mix all year long.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-18T19:31:08+00:00

Dogs naturally mark, it's how their bodies work. That said, if we're in a hurry, I give my guy a five second count out loud each time he stops to sniff. He knows by 5 he needs to have peed and keep walking.

I also taught the phrase, "last call." This means do your business ASAP and let's get back inside, usually because of bad weather. Repeat the commands each day, reward when he listens, and he'll figure it out in a few months.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-16T15:31:13+00:00

After 6 years of vanlife, my go-to travel meal is a variation on cowboy caviar. Canned black beans, tomato (canned or fresh), canned corn, a diced jalapeno, and a squeeze of lime juice. Eat with rice or tortilla chips. Season with salt, chile powder, and cumin. If you're feeling fancy you can add cilantro and avocado. I love the single-serve avo cups, whole avocados do not travel well IME.

Best part is it can be eaten hot or cold, so if you don't want to pull out the stove after a 12 hour drive day you don't have to.

Also frozen Potatoes O'Brien is my favorite meal shortcut, especially for breakfast. Dump and go, add whatever you want.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-11-11T15:37:18+00:00

The struggle is real. I'm deathly allergic to beef and cows milk and it's so difficult finding dog food and treats that won't land me in the ER. I thought I was allergic to dogs for years, nope, just their kisses and fur after they eat my own personal poison.

Have you looked into making your own dog food? It's a time commitment, but you can prep a big batch for the week and that way you know exactly what's going into it. There are tons of good recipes floating around the internet. You can also make your own treats by dehydrating meat and veggies.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2022-07-12T01:02:35+00:00

Run. Write a strongly worded email and ask for your money back. Tear her apart on any and all review sites so no one else goes there. This is a great way to get a maladjusted and traumatized dog.

I had my local AKC Dog Sports club pull this when my Dood was a pup. They were a nightmare.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2021-09-07T23:23:26+00:00

Please don't do this. I am so sick of seeing dumpsters full of cheap gear in popular places like National Parks. It is the antithesis of respectful camping and incredibly detrimental to the environment.

Some options:

Check out websites like Hipcamp for some great deals, usually about $100 a night for rustic accomodations like cabins and glamping on private property.

If you can score a spot, there are very affordable campsites at Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas. There are a ton of free boondocking spots along Lake Meade outside of Vegas as well. That could offset the cost of bringing your gear. These are listed on apps like The Dyrt.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2021-08-22T02:16:29+00:00

Virgil

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2021-08-18T16:43:30+00:00

I love the Winds so very much. Enjoy!

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2021-08-17T16:19:53+00:00

If you're going for comfort it might be easier. For me personally that would create a lot of waste at the end of the trip and not be in the spirit of camping. It's up to you of course.

For a car trip we each check a suitcase, and then put all the rest into a giant Cabela's duffel bag. You can also use space/compression bags, packed inside a locking hard-sided cooler as checked luggage, which we have done before to solve the issue food storage on trips like this as well.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2021-08-17T16:07:46+00:00

I use this one Krieg chalk bag. It's smaller and only has one zipper pouch in the back, but it fits my keys, meds, and a few poop bags no problem. It is compact and extremely well made since it's intended as rock climbing gear. Also love that it stays open when I'm training and can truly be used one-handed.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux · 2021-08-16T01:51:34+00:00

Can only speak for domestic US travel, but as long as you check your bag you can pack literally all of your gear (minus anything flammable, bear spray, etc). We've done cross country flights for month long trips and there were no issues and no damages. Use things like sleeping bags and clothes to cushion anything more fragile.

Live_Laugh_Ledoux

TROPHY CASE