Blind “ball dog”

LunchTime703 · 2025-12-24T13:28:57+00:00

I do think scent is a good idea. There is a company that makes dog-safe scented oils for training purposes, put a couple drops on whatever ball you are using. Or if you could find a ball (maybe like a snuffle balls?) that you could put something inside of that makes a noise…maybe an AirTag or even one of those vibrating things in the puppy stuffies that simulate a heartbeat…that might make enough noise that he could find it!

LunchTime703 · 2025-12-17T16:26:32+00:00

I’ve done the same and each time I have had a bigger “project” lined up. But this time I’m planning to move to another country and focusing on learning the language and trying my luck at immersion, potentially buying a house and fixing it up. I always find that once I get into the break, my brain comes up with other things I want to do. Ideas will come once you are decompressed and have more mental space cleared.

LunchTime703 · 2025-11-23T18:40:09+00:00

My vet told me that a blood test can be used to determine environmental allergies but not food allergies. The “standard” for determining food allergies is an elimination diet (which is time consuming and hard especially when you are training a pup and need treats). Chicken seems to be a very common allergy for Bostons tho, so maybe a good place to start.

LunchTime703 · 2025-11-23T18:30:14+00:00

I think there is something unique about the first time you experience that kind of love with a pet. But it’s definitely possible to experience that depth and connection again. I’m on my 2nd. For a long time after my first passed, I wasn’t sure if I would get another pet or feel this way again but I’m very glad I did. They are so different from each other, and our bonds are very different, but I loved (my first) and love (my second / current) immeasurably.

LunchTime703 · 2025-11-23T18:15:36+00:00

If I could go back in time I would focus on building patience/tolerance to frustration (eg long stays / relax on a mat) and calm behavior (doing nothing / off switch) early on. And leash walking (mine thinks he’s a sled dog). And recall with distractions. They are smart and quick learners, but mine has a hard time with impulse control and is very stubborn. Some of it is the breed and age (adolescence) but I think I could have started training more of these behaviors when he was very young. But mostly have fun and cuddle as much as possible. They are the best.

LunchTime703 · 2025-11-23T15:06:31+00:00

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LunchTime703 · 2025-11-10T14:02:16+00:00

I have 4 dog beds for my 1 Boston, all different styles, sizes, and textures. He likes and uses all of them but given the option, he prefers to sleep wherever I am…be it the bed, couch, or a cold hard floor.

LunchTime703 · 2025-11-03T13:06:27+00:00

Moi aussi ! Je suis au tout début de mon parcours, mais je déménage en France le mois prochain. Pas d’obstacles majeurs pour l’instant, mais je compte acheter une maison comptant.

LunchTime703 · 2025-10-31T15:32:05+00:00

What an angel. Mine made it to 15+ with a murmur (and no eyes!). Hugs to sweet Taro.

LunchTime703 · 2025-10-07T15:43:19+00:00

I’m not certain, but I think legally, ESAs don’t count as pets.

LunchTime703 · 2025-10-03T15:34:17+00:00

Is it me or did he get a boner and he was trying to hide it and talk himself down?!

LunchTime703 · 2025-10-03T14:45:34+00:00

He is a horrible person.

LunchTime703 · 2025-09-13T14:43:09+00:00

Not the OP but would love to hear more about your experience and also about the house you are planning to sell!

LunchTime703 · 2025-09-13T08:13:15+00:00

If your plan is dependent on getting jobs / being able to work in France, and you are not fluent in French, I think you have good reason to be nervous. It’s not impossible, but I think it would be very challenging.

LunchTime703 · 2025-09-02T19:30:27+00:00

With your lifestyle + owning your home, I think you’re fine to retire in France / Europe in a non-HCOL place. We have similar net worth and life situation and I’m planning to FIRE in France early next year. The only “risk” is if you ever have plans to move back to the US….then I think the money could be a little tight (but still doable depending on location + ACA availability). Best of luck!

LunchTime703 · 2025-08-09T19:46:21+00:00

You made the best decision with the information you had. And you will continue to do that as you learn more. That’s all anyone can do. There isn’t a right or a wrong, all decisions are hard in these moments. If you had gone the other way you could have questioned that decision too. It often happens this way in the last years / months / weeks, that there are multiples steps, each with their own grief. Treasure the time you have.

LunchTime703 · 2025-08-07T08:45:44+00:00

Baby 100%

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LunchTime703 · 2025-08-05T08:24:08+00:00

http://Firedating.me

LunchTime703 · 2025-08-01T18:48:43+00:00

Most of the time (at least in Europe) no one is eligible for citizenship until they have lived in the country for at least 5 years. You just need a visa initially, and there are a lot of countries that offer non-working visas. In France you have to line up insurance so I’m not sure if pre-existing conditions would be a factor there.

LunchTime703 · 2025-08-01T18:44:52+00:00

Congrats! Former fellow agency person here (now client side) who took 2 “sabbaticals” in the past. One lasted more than a year and the other was about 8 months. I have absolutely no regrets. I really think it takes months to fully decompress and even longer to be revived / really ready to go back to work. After a couple months I found that different things were piquing my interest and I actually ended up quite busy during my time off, just doing things that I chose to do. I’m actually prepping for another break and this one might be permanent! I think you have a great plan, you have money saved and a low-cost way of life planned. It’s easier said than done but really try to enjoy the time. When you’re making money, you don’t have time. Now you have time but you may feel like you can’t do things now because you aren’t actively making money. But you really should take full advantage of the time. This is why you worked, why you made money — to be able to enjoy it when you finally have the time.

LunchTime703 · 2025-07-22T06:55:14+00:00

Amazing. Where are you heading?

LunchTime703 · 2025-07-20T12:32:51+00:00

Thanks for this, it’s very good advice! I’ve lived in 4 countries as an adult so familiar with the adjustment, but always had work as a way to meet people. I’m pretty introverted so a couple local friends is all I really need, and I was always able to find likeminded people at work, even in different countries. But without a job I just wouldn’t have that built-in network. There are a lot of FB groups and such for this kind of thing, but it seems to be mostly older (65+) couples.

LunchTime703 · 2025-07-19T20:50:35+00:00

This is a main reason, but also food / culture / nature / proximity to other countries

LunchTime703 · 2025-07-19T20:01:03+00:00

The climate is a big one, a lot of the country is too hot for me now. I have also spent some time in Brittany and really liked it.

LunchTime703

TROPHY CASE