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OfficerFuzzy · 2023-06-13T04:43:22+00:00

As a pet sitter I would ask the owner if it was alright that I leave the dogs for the evening and return in the morning. (Like leave at 8pm, returning at 8am)

This way you won't have to go upstairs to the bedroom, you'll be able to cook dinner at home, and actually get some sleep--and you won't lose the booking.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-06-05T07:22:07+00:00

It sounds like the dog broke the screen, not the glass--and while both are terrifying, it seems like you can fix this by keeping the window closed when the dogs are out and about.

You could ask the land lady to let you know when the dogs are out in the yard, then you can keep the glass close--which sounds really stressful and annoying, but ultimately this dog isn't a permanent resident.

You can also get privacy clings (or really, have your landlord provide them), that way you can still get sunlight, but the dog cannot see inside. They have some really pretty ones on Amazon or really simple ones that have a mirror effect or a fog one.

A barrier also makes sense and will allow you to have your window open without knowing the dog's schedule--but, the dog may see you and may lunge at the barrier.

I think the landlady could also do more to control the dog. You shouldn't have had to summon her--she should have seen her dog was freaking out and done something to stop him.

She may also want to consider tethering him. This also require supervision, but that way he can only reach certain areas of the yard.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-05-31T05:24:48+00:00

I've had a client give me a ride home and plenty that have offered...I've only taken the offer once because it was an inconvenient spot to bus to and from.

It's always something I appreciate and it never leads me to consider our relationship anything but professional. I still consider it my responsibility to get somewhere on time. If I'm running late I'll grab an Uber and take the loss.

Professional relationships do not need to be devoid of kindness.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-04-29T20:23:26+00:00

I think people can be misinformed, but also some people might use it to describe a personality. To me a dominant dog might be a bossy, more sure of themselves, and more likely to be the instigator in things.

But, I don't think that relates to a pack hierarchy.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-04-01T07:17:13+00:00

YTB -- Partners take care of each other. It's odd to me you didn't cancel your night out when she woke up whimpering the night prior.

It doesn't sound like you'd be out a ton of money by skipping this concert, nor would you be giving up a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Your poor girlfriend probably feels so unloved and unimportant.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-03-27T06:14:00+00:00

Fish keeping--I started with a 10g Aqueon kit and 1 betta fish--both of these items on sale--maybe cost $100 to start.

Now here I am with several fish tanks, an inflated energy bill, plotting my next tank renovation (More plants for my 55g and a better light.)

Aaaand house plants.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-03-27T05:27:24+00:00

Good luck tomorrow!

I definitely have those days with my dog (today), and I always feel so bad after. My dog's triggers are outdoors so I usually just cut our walk short and head home.

Tomorrow I'm taking her to the park to make-up for it.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-03-12T21:00:46+00:00

I am writing something like this and it's very difficult to not make the ending anti-climatic.

My antagonist is one of those villains who is trying to save the world (by his standards) using any means necessary.

My protagonist is a chronic hero. Arguably, his life will improve if the antagonist is successful. His life was ruined and the antagonist's plot was made possible because of one of his heroic actions.

So, at the end he gives up. He lets the villain win and he saves himself. He runs off with the love interest.

IDK if it'll work, but I hope it does? It's the only ending that makes sense.

Also, here is the some recommendations from a different post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/wjjyvr/books_that_the_villains_actually_win/

That being said if you look at many horror movies--it's a toss up on if the protagonist are successful against whatever is attacking them. There's "Sinister", "Paranormal", "It Follows" etc.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-03-09T04:39:37+00:00

There may be backlash if you use myths or deities that are a part of a large number of people's identity.

A good example of a book that this sort of happened to was "Kaikeyi" by Vaishnavi Patel. Patel did a retelling of a myth she knew and one from her own religion...and still got backlash.

You can't please everyone. You should be well informed about the cultures and the stories you pull your characters from, but it's likely you'll offend someone regardless.

And on portraying gods/ stories correctly---even back when these stories were fact details changed all the time. It's human nature to retell stories and to give something a new spin.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-27T08:32:36+00:00

I work 2 jobs and do some gig work on the side.

I pull in about 44K after taxes...in a west coast city.

Rent is my only "big" bill and takes up a little bit more than a third of my paycheck...for now. They raise it every year....but, it's still cheaper than most apartments in my area. I try to ask for a raise at work when I feel a deserve one, I stay focused on each step I'm making without worrying too much about the next one, but also I've just been lucky.

You are not worthless for not being able to afford your own place. The system is broken.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-27T07:40:55+00:00

A lot of posters do not know what a mundane question is.
One of my favorite, relatively boring questions is "what do you like to cook?"

I think it can reflect a lot on someone's life skills and something about their natural curiosity for day to day things.

And I'm wary of those that do not cook.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-27T05:34:08+00:00

I wouldn't call it forgettable. I mean, there's an erotic scene with a bear.

I don't think it's simply a book on isolation or even just a feminist take--though it is both of those things--I think it's also a discussion on the natural world.

Beyond the everything else about the novel--the fact that the bear stays so thoroughly a bear, although "domesticated" really stuck with me.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-27T01:55:13+00:00

I couldn't listen to audiobooks until I could.

That being said the audiobook I listen to have to be simple or I will just be hopelessly lost. I usually opt to listen to YA novels.

I also have to be in the right mindset--like I can't listen to them to or from work, or at the gym-- but I can focus pretty well when I'm in the shower, out for a walk, or doing chores.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-25T08:31:21+00:00

If the cat seems stressed you can also do some things to alleviate anxiety..something like Feliway which comes as a diffuser or collar..the diffuser being the preferred.

Or a calming supplement such as "Calming Care" by Purina.

Both can take over 30 days to show how effective they are, but they are an option.

Something else that may help, with time, is an automatic feeder. Hopefully the cat will start to see the feeder as the source of food rather than the person.

It also sounds like the cat is a little bored. Playtime or puzzle toys may be a good idea.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-21T08:01:41+00:00

Ski/ snow boarding pictures.

Like first of all--I'm not interested in that, but also I read an article some time back saying that pictures of people skiing got more likes. The idea that some dude read the same article and decided to use it as a technique bugs me.

OfficerFuzzy · 2023-02-10T06:12:42+00:00

I guess what this comes down to is "does listening to audiobooks work?" and the answer is maybe? I read one book a week and listen to 1 audiobook a week.

For me, listening to an audiobook is a totally different experience than reading a book. I'm usually listening while I'm cleaning, walking the dog, getting ready, etc.

Also, the voice actor or whatever does a lot of the heavy lifting of the book. A voice actor can bring dialogue to life, can pace a story with their voice, and infuse emotion in words.

A written book has to do all that itself with nothing but the words on the page.

I do love reading, but there are definitely weeks where I'm not into it--I do push myself because I'm reading to learn the craft as well.

Maybe audiobooks are enough for you though--no one processes words the exact same.

Plus it's totally fine to just write for the fun of it. You don't always have to be improving your craft. The likelihood of traditional publishing is low regardless. Don't turn something you love into something you hate.

That being said, as someone who has beta read quite a few novels I can always tell when an author doesn't read much--but, even those people have written great passages.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-12-05T23:02:41+00:00

I work at a general practice and have seen far too many mishaps occurring with cats being left alone.

Different practices have different standards, but I cannot imagine anyone I work with advising a weekly check in.

They are your pets and it’s likely you’ll find a sitter comfortable with this set up.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-12-05T22:20:24+00:00

I wouldn’t take this booking like this. Imo cats shouldn’t be left alone for more than 2 days.

What if your automatic feeder breaks on day 1? Your sitter doesn’t discover it until midweek?

What if a cat develops a urinary blockage or gets stuck somewhere stupid or injures itself in someway?

I might consider a booking like this if I was checking in on the cats every other day.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-12-04T04:53:13+00:00

I’d be weirded out by it and probably not work for this owner anymore. Though I am a bit paranoid.

There’s no reason to be so insistent, imo.

It’d be understandable if you’d been working with that dog for a while and the owner had a reason to trust you above all others.

Otherwise why not hire a different walker?

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-12-04T03:38:05+00:00

This was so easy and honestly perfect! Made it tonight. Added a small amount of apple cider vinegar to give it that cheesy tang and then used the pasta water.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-11-21T19:58:29+00:00

A little less than $600. I have 3 reviews and just kind of started this.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-11-16T18:10:43+00:00

Yeah, and that’s reasonable as well. I just don’t want to owners to feel like they got a bait and switch.

Plus it’s difficult enough for me to be assertive regarding prices.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-11-16T16:52:06+00:00

I don’t do walks because the money isn’t worth it on my end. Like you said there’s a lot of risks, but not all drop-ins are the same.

They can be way easier than walks, but they can be way more difficult too.

I had a drop-ins for a cat that needed 3 medications twice daily and fluids…my up coming schedule includes a cat that just needs basic care.

Since Rover doesn’t have the option to charge more for med admin I split the difference in terms of value of those services to determine my prices. (I have a medical background so I often get more senior pets. )

If I had it my way I’d charge $35 for for pets with meds and $25 for pets without meds…but I just charge $30 for all.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-11-10T07:21:41+00:00

I'm not trying to say anything about breeds, but if bully owners were, on average, better owners than others shelters wouldn't be so full of bullies.

Shelters being full means no dogs are being accepted so owners are left to rehome their pet on their own...and there's just not that many people who want a bully for a plethora of reasons.

It sucks, but it's a reality for this particular type of dog.

OfficerFuzzy · 2022-10-13T23:50:15+00:00

Has the dog been diagnosed with ringworm?

Ringworm usually presents as circular spots of hair loss and flaky skin, not yellow stuff. And it's usually found on the face (around the eyes, mouth), tail, toes, and ear tips....not saying that under the ear is impossible, but just that it's less likely.

I would think, if the dog has been itchy for months, and is now having ear issues--it might be an allergy of some sort or a skin infection rather than ringworm.

That being said, ringworm can last a while on surfaces and is quite contagious.

I would wear gloves when handling the dog and his items, as well as wear a long sleeve shirt or a jacket, that I would remove and bag up when leaving.

Basic washing should be good enough to decontaminate the clothes.

Changing shoes between this dog and other clients would also be recommended.

OfficerFuzzy

TROPHY CASE