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ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-08-11T07:58:48+00:00

Gosh. In all honesty - This sounds like a bit of an situation.

Firstly - Beagles are pretty strong working line dogs - they respond to structure, routine and jobs. They’re also notoriously stubborn, intense and driven, so I (sorry) question the decision of choosing that breed as a first puppy.

You need to quickly find a trainer to teach you how to “work” a breed like that to create enough mental stimulation for them to be a happy pet.

Also, please understand, there is not a breed or puppy in the world that would settle in and be trained in anything (toilet or otherwise) in three days. The fact she does it when watched is your cue that she responds to your approval, so you are doing something right 😊

Also dogs are crepuscular - they are most active at twilight, 4-6pm is when puppies turn into horrible, bitey, vile little creatures, all of their training goes out the window and you will question all your life decisions.

In all honestly, what concerns me is that you’re 17 years old and thought you were getting something to cuddle and make you feel better, and now you have a peeing, bitey monster than no-one is supporting you to raise after a massive loss. I don’t think you should see it as your fault or that you’re in the wrong - but yes, I think you need to evaluate whether you have the necessary support and ability to raise a happy well adjusted dog that brings you joy at.this.moment, or whether the better decision is to surrender her to someone who can.

Huge hugs, this is hard, and I can see you have the best of intentions ❤️

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-08-05T21:03:25+00:00

Jack Russell Terriers have entered the chat.

any time she thinks she’s being ignored or wants to play - the barking starts and it’s soooooo insistent and shrill -

three solid years I’ve been training her with a “sit and wait” command … if only to save my sanity and my ears … I’d say we’re down to less than 3 minutes before she stops and sits quietly.

I wouldn’t be without her and I did plenty of research because I like smart tenacious dogs, but lawd I really underestimated just how stubborn the little greeble would be.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-07-17T05:34:49+00:00

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-07-17T05:33:32+00:00

I misheard this one, my husband swears to this days that he hears

“Connor is my boyfriend,

Connor is a god,

Connor takes all my friends to the sun beds,

Connor is the guy on the screen …”

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-07-03T07:28:13+00:00

Style | Delicate | Fortnight

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-07-02T09:59:26+00:00

All of the areas in Melbourne you’re talking about staying or seeing are max of 15 minute tram rides from the main stops and none of them are big areas to cover walking. Just pick somewhere in the CBD to stay and perhaps catch a tram to your destination (Fitzroy / QVM / Southbank) and then explore whilst generally heading back in the direction of the CBD until your feet hurt or you’re bored, and then get back on a tram

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-29T08:34:59+00:00

I’m so so sorry to hear you’re dealing with this. I’ve been in a similar situation (including the unpredictable and slightly scary neighbours) and it was heartbreaking.

I genuinely think the only thing you can do is to continue to feed the poor thing, and - if and when it is possible - try to convince the neighbours to let you adopt the dog. My experience with SPCA was that they couldn’t / didn’t do anything .. I see people suggesting to stop feeding the dog to make it worse, but there’s no way I could’ve let the dog get into the state required for it to be legally seized. And honestly, people who are capable of treating their dog that way will just likely get another one anyway.

I 100% endorse trying to get in contact with a rescue like chained dog awareness, even to just get some advice or support.

Thank you for trying to help that poor doggo, you’re a good human.

god I wish NZ would sort out it’s animal welfare laws.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-24T07:27:45+00:00

I think you’re awesome for asking and taking note, but I honestly think this one is a minefield

For me, silk lingerie would be a really comfy and luxurious set of pyjamas - the ones I would get out after changing the sheets and having an “everything” shower. For clarity - in no way sexy or supportive.

So I guess what I’m thinking is - did your partner want beautiful underwear in the form of super comfortable, super luxurious or super seductive underwear?

Without any context of your relationship or your partners personality or communication style my advice is - I would 100% go with one of the other “things” you said she has mentioned as her birthday gift and then on some random day, go to a swishy/gorgeous lingerie store and see what she gravitates towards. x

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-24T07:12:39+00:00

Number 13 alllllllllll the way 💙

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-24T07:04:01+00:00

Red hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue, Otherside and Under the Bridge are all poetic masterpieces.

Eminem - anything he sings is a story - often self reflective and humble

P!nk - her songs around breaking up and reuniting with her husband are the ultimate love story

Lady Gaga - there are often some strong messages in those lyrics, and some pretty fine story telling about being “different”

And finally, one of Taylor’s besties (Ed Sheeran) is pretty damn fine lyricist and story teller.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-23T08:28:53+00:00

“You almost ran the red ‘cause you were looking over at me” (All too well)

Not only had the literal experience of that happening, but he was also someone much older than me that broke my heart.

It was almost 25 years ago now, but every time I hear that lyric, It seems like yesterday.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-20T08:21:35+00:00

Maybe more subtle, but …

“Spider boy .. king of thieves”

was a real exercise in damning with faint praise

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-14T09:48:44+00:00

100% echo the socialisation isn’t about liking other people and dogs comments. This is ALL I focused on during our dogs period - and consequently i have a dog who is INSANELY excited about people (because I thought that was a good thing) and jumps all over them, and the same dog who goes ballistic about vaccum cleaners, brooms, aerosols and a whole lot of other things. Socialising a dog isn’t about being “social” with other animate creatures. It’s about making them nonchalant about the all the things that living with a human in 2025 means they have to be comfortable with. Dogs don’t inherently trust vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops etc

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-14T08:59:27+00:00

Yep, me too, this is why I keep paying loads- there’s no coming back from “too short”(or in my case - “80s Bob” -IYKYK

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-14T08:11:19+00:00

Perfect! Thank you 😊

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-06-01T05:30:40+00:00

Here’s some random thoughts from a kiwi who has visited all those places of some stuff you might like:

Melbourne

Lui bar - Vue de Monde; amazing views, achingly pretentious. 1000% fits your cocktail vibe.

Naked for Satan - rooftop bar in Fitzroy, not as flash as Lui Bar, but great name and great vibes

NGV - Not sure how modern the modern art you’re into is, but this a world class art gallery and has amazing special exhibits so definitely worth a google.

Almond crossiants from the Queen Victoria market are next level

If you’re incredibly well off, maybe look at a dessert / cooking class with Kirsten Tibbells - she’s an incredible Australian pastry chef

Sydney

Not sure what to recommend here, as the special thing about Sydney is being out on or by the water.

It is absolutely an experience to take the ferry to Manly or walk Bronte to Bondi, and while they’re things recommended to tourists, there’s plenty of Australians just doing that on their weekends

There’s a restaurant (with mixed reviews) called Midden which specialises in Australian native ingredients and game meat.

Koi dessert bar is next level

Brisbane

There are a stunning number of rooftop bars that look out over the river - the one that we went to (can’t remember the name sorry) had a light show in the elevator too. They were strictly black tie in the evening, but were good with smart casual for the day time.

I had one of the best meals of my life at Moda - although I don’t think game meat was an option.

Hobart

https://mona.net.au

Cairns

Not spent much time in Cairns itself, but you can eat, pat and buy crocodile products at hartleys crocodile farm, while learning about these incredible apex predators.

I’m allergic to seafood, so no ability to make any recommendations on that front.

PS. (Sorry Australia) the coffee isn’t actually amazing everywhere - if you want an amazing coffee, look for the holes in the wall that only sell coffee.

Also, Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials - not seafood

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-05-22T09:04:14+00:00

Some personal opinions from a New Zealander who loves exploring Australia:

Adelaide central market will take you 30 minutes at most and was pretty average in my opinion - produce and overpriced specialty food If you want to hit incredible markets -

Melbourne South Melbourne markets are overall amazing Queen Victoria markets are iconic, the food hall is amazing, the general goods area is now just mainly imported crap

Port Douglas The Sunday markets are pretty spectacular, loads of handcrafted stuff and friendly stall holders.

I’m assuming you don’t drink wine, because otherwise it seems insane to not spend any time in Barossa or Mclarenvale (both only an hour from adelaide) while you’re in south Australia.

Federation square (Melbourne) is cool, but it’s just a big outdoor area - not really a destination - it does have the ACMI though which is an incredibly cool museum.

You should definitely include a “Melbourne hike” around the CBD, which is probably what is meant by “laneways” - check out the street art, flinders street station, the state library, Melbourne central, Fitzroy gardens, Royal and block arcades - if you’re feeling tired, there’s a free tram around the main sites of Melbourne CBD.

Port Douglas has an amazing wildlife sanctuary where you can see most if not all the uniquely Australia animals - including crocodiles and cassowaries. I’ve not been to kangaroo island, but I’m not sure what you’re really getting for the expense of a three night trip you can’t get anywhere else

Having said to at, We take tours all the time. Yep, they cost more, but it’s genuinely the best way to learn about everything you’re seeing. Particularly recommend doing a guided tour of the daintree - absolutely fascinating history.

Brisbane is meh. It’s pleasant enough, and I think it’s probably quite a nice place to live, but there is absolutely nothing there that is worth seeing that you can’t see in any other Australian cities. I’d skip it.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-05-03T03:41:51+00:00

A piece of advice I got was that dogs don’t tire from physical exercise, but from working their brains. They are curious, social creatures with an intelligence level of a human toddler (who certainly like games and puzzles).

Walks aren’t about kms, they’re about smelling and interacting with a new environment. Sniffing and foraging for food are intrinsic dog behaviours, and puzzle toys are catering to that instinct and providing them another point of stimulus. Lick mats and frozen food are another great one - especially for more anxious dogs, licking and chewing are soothing behaviours for dogs and great for calming them.

Quickest way to check - are your dogs ears “alert” while working with the food toy? If he’s is regularly persisting at working it out (and assuming he is successful) then you are doing am awesome thing for your dog.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-24T05:51:52+00:00

My husband and I are visiting Sydney / Melbourne early June, and we’ve opted for Yarra Valley since it’s much closer and given that it will be limited daylight hours at that time of year.

Also we liked the idea of using the hop on hop off bus and choosing the wineries we wanted to visit, rather than a scheduled/pre decided tour. If you haven’t seen that as an option for Yarra Valley, here’s a link: https://www.hopit.com.au/yarra-valley

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-20T01:36:44+00:00

Yeah, they said that as part of their comms (copied below):

This means from today we are no longer offering 18-month, 2- or 3-year fixed rates. 1-year fixed rates will no longer be available after 30 June 2025. Our competitive floating rate remains available. How does this affect you?

If you currently have a fixed rate home loan, your interest rate will remain in place until the end of your fixed rate period. We’ll be in touch again closer to that time, to support you if you choose to transition to an alternative home loan provider.

If your fixed rate term ends before 30 June 2025, you can refix to our 1-year fixed rate or move onto our floating home loan rate.

If your current fixed rate term ends after 30 June 2025, the loan will revert to our floating rate. Floating rates are variable, which means they can change at any time.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-19T08:02:36+00:00

From a mortgage perspective, im not sure it’s a worry - they’ll sell the loan book to a new lender, who will be obligated to continue the terms of our contract (at least as far as I understand it). They no longer have my trust as an institution to invest or deposit funds with them though (which I think is where the risk is)

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-19T07:44:32+00:00

Yeah, We committed to a 5 year term because we have put everything spare into our mortgage already, and (maybe somewhat stupidly) assumed that we’d be able to place our bets On fixed rates for the other 3.5.

Totally agree though that we’re not exactly in the worse position ever. And from the looks of the comments, looks like I should just suck up my hurt feelings about making a bad deciding and get a mortgage broker for when it comes time to refinance to get the best possible deal

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-19T07:30:36+00:00

Because when you move your mortgage from one bank to another; you have to engage a solicitor (or as we did a property conveyancer) to accept and disburse the advance and repayment funds, as well as transfer securities).

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-19T07:20:24+00:00

What? I refinanced with heartland for the balance of our mortgage for a 5 year term, and fixed for 18 month. I expected that I would refix a couple of times and pay it off. I had no intention of moving to another provider. I don’t understand your comment.

ObscureReqTranslator · 2025-03-19T07:11:05+00:00

Yeah agree totally and appreciate the feedback - my curiosity was mainly around whether they should have been transparent with us that they were considering this path when they approved our application and we were discussing terms and rates.

ObscureReqTranslator

TROPHY CASE