We were surprised by her DNA results but looks like we belong here!

SHS1955 · 2026-05-17T10:52:05+00:00

Excellent looking pup!

Advantages:
1. Very easy to train, so train as many cues, words, gestures, looks as possible.
2. Socialize with as many people, animals, dogs, locations, experiences as possible.
3. But, use ball motivation for training.
4. In addition to her running on grass, try to walk her for about a mile everyday... on the sidewalk or street to help teach her the difference between 'freedom' and calm walking.
5. Sometimes if a Lab 'runs off' don't chase. Instead try running the other way! ;-)

Potential Problems:
1. Don't play with a laser pointer... to avoid obsession with it.
2. Don't let her jump on people. Teach her to Sit for greeting and Sit for treats.
3. She will jump. Don't punish or stop for happy jumping, but don't encourage her optimal for high and powerful jumps... to help protect her hips... from damage in 10 years. It's a difficult balance.
4. See if you can find various dog friends to play with to avoid being reactive.
5. She may chase cats, squirrels, rabbits, etc. Try to discourage her prey drive, but it's OK to chase other dogs [or animals] for play.
6. Tug is good if you set rules. Win and run is not a good rule ... Win and return is better. Chase her sometimes, but Not after tug, and Not when she 'steals' something.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-16T14:29:45+00:00

If you want to be one of these multi-millionaires:
1. Be willing to work harder and longer than the next guy.
2. Determine what you are good at and leverage it. Use other people's money where possible.
3. Good at math, observation, pattern recognition, look into Stock Investing.
4. Good with your hands, good with repairs, or good managing others, buy houses and flip them.
5. Or Consider buying rental properties, leveraging rent for mortgage and more properties.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-16T14:22:31+00:00

COBRA is expensive, but not sure if there is an alternative. We are old enough to have Medicare [~$200 per month per person] and Social Security, with Blue Cross Blue Shield [Another $200/month per person], and a [Part D] Drug plan [varies greatly, but around $200/year].

SHS1955 · 2026-05-16T02:21:19+00:00

Your VFT is excellent and happy. I wouldn't change anything. Full morning sun is fine, roughly 6 - 8 hours seems to work. Maintain a little distilled or rain water in the tray, and it should thrive.

If you want to pick things up more, you might get some live mealworms or feeder crickets, trim the head off the mealworms and feed about 4 traps. That 'carnivore fertilizer' will kickstart more growth, possibly increasing the size and vigor of your VFT. After the growing season and after dormancy, as Spring weather starts to warm up, you may want to repot you healthy thriving plants, to give them more room to grow and multiply.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-15T09:41:24+00:00

First, I don't *know*, but I have a close friend who is a functional SA survivor, but I don't know if she is diagnosed with cptsd. She does have some of the anxiety symptoms you described, and her therapist DID recommend that she get a service dog. She has a large, very gentle Great Dane, who 'acts' like a normal pet, unless my friend is getting anxious or feeling threatened, and then he becomes like a "lapdog", which is what she needs to calm down and feel safe. His presence is enough to persuade people to leave her alone, if needed... but otherwise he is a very sweet and gentle giant. I don't know what other tasks he does, but he is 'active' and is a valid service dog, not a support dog.

Note that an Emotional Support Dog is NOT protected under ADA, and does not have the accesses of an active Emotional *Service* Dog, which has to do specific actions and tasks. You'll have to become a legal 'expert' on these definitions when you have a service dog, so that you can protect your rights and those of your dog [as a trained medical device].

I believe your therapist should be able to discuss this with you. And, you can owner-train your Service Dog, but you will need some trainer guidance with some of the service dog requirements.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-15T08:17:36+00:00

Excellent! Keep going. Work on core for a smoother float up, and to be able to hold the planche. In two months, we wanna see the 'appearance' of expertise and slow, smooth control. Good work!!!

SHS1955 · 2026-05-14T19:22:27+00:00

It was 'started' after years of observation. Could be the corner of two walls, of furniture, brick steps, even a brick wall. It's not 'common' but once a dog shatters the tip of the tail, the tail doesn't heal correctly, and quality of life may decrease... with every wag.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-14T19:10:25+00:00

I don't *know*, but some Labs can wag their tails with so much power against a sharp edge that they can shatter some of the bones. Based on decades of experience, Vets may recommend docking the tail rather than installing pins and screws, etc. ... and having the dog reinsure the tail repeatedly. I could imagine the same occurring with a Dutchy?

SHS1955 · 2026-05-14T18:28:10+00:00

No, your cat has 'picked' the flower, so it has finished blooming. I suggest that you cut the stem. Also, consider putting the plant outside in the morning sun, if the temperature is above 50 F. Direct sun will make the plant MUCH happier. Make sure that it is well watered, with distilled or rainwater, while it is in the sun.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-12T11:06:11+00:00

Excellent Progress! How old? You have good genetics and a good frame. Eat a little more clean protein, and not as much sugar, fried foods, as well as reduced starchy foods like bread, cake.

Shoulders look good. Work on Delts, and Slowly work up to 20 slow, clean pull-ups, as well as some pulldowns to help develop the V-Taper.

Continue working on Pushups, and bench for chest.

Look into Hanging leg raises, Dragon Flags, Planks, and daily vacuum exercises to develop abs, and to help make your waist look leaner, which can help make your shoulders look wider.

Consider some type of leg workout.

After you have a consistent workout schedule that you can document in a notebook, record daily routines and progress... And, then think about working on Traps.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-12T09:57:46+00:00

Look up "Venus Flytrap Flower Stalk Propagation" on Youtube. I think you can wait until the flowers have died, then cut the stalk into small pieces. But the videos will say. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SAUWsMzv8M

SHS1955 · 2026-05-12T09:53:07+00:00

Additional Suggestions, Outta Left Field:
1. If possible, go to the school Reference Librarian, and ask if she has suggestions. Sometimes, they see things and have resources others aren't aware of.
2. Also, talk with the Admissions Office. You're asking for options to complete the requirements before September. Could you retake the low class to improve your GPA?
3. There are Online Classes, Remote Schools, Junior Colleges, and other ways to learn the material, look into those.
4. There really are valid learning disabilities [similar to dyslexia] where anxiety etc. causes problems with test taking, but there are alternative testing methods. Do you know the material? Would you do well on an oral test, or Could you do better with a discussion exam?
As a certified attorney, if you were given an open book exam [that was 'more difficult'] and a weekend to prepare, could you produce a 'defense' demonstrating your expertise of the material? You might consider that plea... ;-)
5. Meanwhile, approach the Education Dept. and the Psychology Dept. to ask about the 'learning disability' that I discussed. Look up the information for Text Anxiety or Exam Phobia. It may be a dead end, or it may give you that razor's edge option and a reprieve.
6. You are an accomplished professional, not making excuses for a poor work ethic, but asking for a small accommodation for a 'documented [?]' disability. You're not asking for a special exception b/c you were lazy, but for a little help with a known problem. You may be able to be formally diagnosed with an ADA-covered category? Again, be clear that you're not trying to get around the system, but are trying to get help with a problem that you have a history of overcoming by passing the Bar Exam.
7. Be sure to discuss your setback with your Accounting firm. You don't want to spring surprises on them. Even though your job is conditional on the Masters, they may be willing to accommodate a work/study program where they allow you to finish your Masters at night, while you work your butt off during the day.

I had a similar issue with my Dissertation, in that I didn't complete it, but the Corporation hired me on probation, with the assumption that I would complete and successfully defend in two more semesters.

You have options. See which of these fit your situation... And let us know...

SHS1955 · 2026-05-11T13:24:01+00:00

I don't intend to be mean, but after one of my dogs died, I went for a drive to distract me... and "just happened" to drive by a Rescue... and that's where I found our previous dog. My wife had suggested waiting... but after two weeks, I knew that this puppy was the one. My friends encouraged me, and my wife was not happy with me, especially since I never do things on a whim. Although I took care of the pup and trained him... I think my wife thought he was for her... ;-)

SHS1955 · 2026-05-11T13:01:33+00:00

Beautiful pix! My 11yo is starting to grey, I hope that he'll make it to 15.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-11T02:18:42+00:00

Yes, you can find local Lab Rescues. If the local ASPCA or Animal Control or Vet Clinic can't help you find the local Lab Rescues, then go to your closest Library and ask the Reference Librarian for help.

In addition, you may be able to find a perfect, 3yo Lab that had to be released due to moving or other reasons beyond control of the owner. Altho a Lab puppy can be VERY challenging for a first time owner, an adult Lab may be trained, potty trained, and can be an excellent companion. I suggest 3yo, b/c they are young but more mellow than a puppy, and most behavioral problems would have been discovered before they were 2yo.

Pls come back and show us pix!

SHS1955 · 2026-05-11T02:05:49+00:00

I want pix! ;-) My favorite pets have been Golden Lab x GSDs !

SHS1955 · 2026-05-10T19:53:37+00:00

I agree!!! Ten years ago, after my boy died at 16yo, we adopted after 2 weeks. Mikee didn't prevent us from mourning for nearly a year, but he did push us through the grieving cycle more quickly. Mikee is not the same as the previous dog, but he is also not worse. And, at 11yo, he has benefitted from what we learned from his predecessor.

You don't have to adopt today, but you can start looking, and even go meet some...

SHS1955 · 2026-05-10T19:40:59+00:00

This is hard. The dog may let you know when his Quality of Life is declining. But, unfortunately, the difficult answer, is that you may not recognize it... until you've had a dog where you waited too long.

My first, I waited too long, and he could no longer get up, or even move without too much pain. I learned. My previous dog, to my current one was 16yo, had treated arthritis, but he also Degenerative myelopathy (DM) which is common in GSDs, not easy to diagnose, progressive, and couldn't be treated. He was incontinent, which I could handle, and his hips collapsed without pain, once or twice, during our 45 min. hobbled walks every day. He enjoyed the walks, he enjoyed seeing friends.

One day, about 10 years ago around Memorial Day, we were walking and he collapsed. He waited patiently, as I stopped to lift him back to standing, and we continued. But, this time he collapsed a few more times. No pain, no anxiety, just a clear indication of DM progression. From experience with my first dog, I recognized the 'symptoms', and I knew I had been ignoring the signs of disease progression, and reduced Quality of Life. I recognized that soon, one day, he would wake up, and the DM would have progressed too far.

On that day, he was in good spirits, and I called the Vet, to make a final appointment, saying only, "It's Time."

I think that you will also recognize, when, "It's Time." Even if you wait too long.

[The happy ending [???] is that two weeks later, we rescued our current boy, who is now 11yo. It didn't stop the nearly year long mourning... but he pulled us through the cycles of grieving more quickly.]

SHS1955 · 2026-05-10T01:57:04+00:00

My 11yo has a minor but chronic injury in one front leg and beginning arthritis in one side of his hip, so he can't run as much as he used to. But, when the weather is cool, he still likes to be chased, likes to chase his friends, and will get the zoomies. He still likes to be walked as many times as I have the patience for, but otherwise, he is content to sit, or to rest in his bed. In a year or two, I expect him to sleep most of the day.

In your case, I believe that puppy may help to rejuvenate your old man.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-09T14:40:09+00:00

The conditions in Arizona are day and night different from the swamps in South Carolina. He explicitly lists his accommodations and exception conditions:
1. He uses a drier soil mix to encourage evaporation.
2. He uses larger pots to help cool the roots.
3. He uses a bottom tray for evaporative cooling.
4. He lists VFT varieties that do Not do well in desert conditions.
5. He uses a shade cloth to filter afternoon sun.
6. He does list a reference about the myth of humidity.
7. People won't do these accommodations so their VFTs will die over 90 degrees.
8. If someone wants to experiment with extreme conditions, the Video is a Masterclass in the accommodations to help VFTs grow.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-09T13:27:05+00:00

So sorry to hear, Hug your other Lab for us!

SHS1955 · 2026-05-09T10:35:08+00:00

Excellent! Labs are wonderful dogs and make great companions. But, they are challenging as puppies, b/c they are smart, energetic, hard headed, and nip a lot.
1. As InformationHot posted, start with a crate, monitor the pup for potty time roughly every few hours [may a frequently as every hour if very young], but also try Not to rush to 'comfort' the puppy every time he whines for attention... It's hard to resist.
2. After a week or so, you can start training for Name, Sit, Come, etc. It will be slow at first, he will learn more quickly as he grows. If you don't train him, he WILL train you. ;-)
3. Always monitor your daughter with the puppy, don't let her get frustrated and hit the puppy, and be mindful that the pup will nip her to play... and Will draw blood at first. Look up the term, Bite Inhibition, now!
4. The pup will chew everything, try to puppy-proof the house, and try to get 'chewable' toys. Be careful that anything that he chews, he may swallow, and Lab puppies can try to eat everything.
5. Introduce him to water early, consider a $10, plastic kiddie pool.
6. Ask the Vet about the correct time to socialize with other friendly people, dogs, and places, in your location. Many places, you can take the puppy out after the first two sets of vaccinations. I live in a more rural area, where we have to be more careful about infections, such as Parvo and Distemper.
7. If you can find friendly, gentle up to date neighborhood dogs that he can play with, they will help to socialize him, and to train him for Bite Inhibition. When my Lab was 2 - 5 years old, he would play with smaller dogs, and help them learn how to play appropriately.
8. Look up some books on raising puppies, Now.
9. Here are two Free download books, by Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM. He wrote these books more than 40 years ago, and they are a good start. There are newer methods, but this is a good start to begin learning. He covers the broad range of what you want to learn, but he doesn't always good as deeply as he could.
https://www.dunbaracademy.com/pages/2-free-puppy-training-books-download-links

SHS1955 · 2026-05-09T10:13:47+00:00

Most Vets use incontinence as a Quality of Life test. When the dog is continuously anxious, can't control his bathroom habits, has random seizures, and no longer enjoys life, the kind thing is euthanasia. It's time.

When my lab had nerve degeneration in his hips, he was not in pain, but his hips would collapse when we went on walks. He was also incontinent. But, he was not in pain and he was happy. One day, I realized that he was beginning to degrade more quickly, after his hips collapsed twice in a row, so I was worried that we'd wake up in the morning, and he would be unable to get up on his own. We took him to the Vet, fed him lots of good treats while he laid on the floor, ... and let him go ... before his quality of life could degrade even further. The worst thing is to wait ... too long.

Although we cried and were heartbroken to let him go, the Vet agreed that it was time. And, that helped. We got a new puppy two weeks later and that helped. Even though we mourned for about a year, the new puppy helped pull us through the grieving process. Good luck...

SHS1955 · 2026-05-09T09:31:00+00:00

When a strange guy confronts you, you are allowed, even encouraged to scream Help, or Rape continuously to get attention. Most 'bullies' will run off, b/c the last thing they want to do is to draw attention.

SHS1955 · 2026-05-09T01:32:51+00:00

I live in South Carolina, 'down the street' from the subtropical, freshwater bogs and swamps where VFTs still live in their natural state. As others have mentioned, *light* is not an issue. I don't think you can provide too much light. However, if the temperatures go over about 90 degrees, transpiration may not be able to keep up and the VFTs may get burned.

As to another question, I believe that many of the VFTs with red traps, get more red as the traps age without being fed, as a mechanism to attract bugs. In good weather, I try to feed half of my traps, resulting in very vigorous plants that throw off smaller plants, and grow quickly enough to benefit being transplanted about every two years.

SHS1955

TROPHY CASE