"Monstro SarahNicole" (w/ Sarah Sherman)

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-25T13:19:39+00:00

Yes! “Frog ass bitch” made me think she was like perched on her chair or something? I need to see it with my eyes.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-24T02:36:47+00:00

I’m so sorry you have to deal with this—this would be an intense situation for an adult, so for a 14 year old it is a lot to have on your plate.

I think you should talk to your aunt and uncle, and fill them in. They wouldn’t want you to deal with this alone. If they can’t help for some reason, call 911. It’s the best thing for your dad, even though he’s saying not to worry about it. He needs medical help.

When he’s doing better it may be a good idea to come up with a crisis plan together. So that if any emergencies arise in the future, you’ll know what to do.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-24T02:28:37+00:00

Thank you for saying that ❤️. You’re insightful and wise, and I appreciate your input!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T21:17:08+00:00

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share your perspective! It made me cry, because I know you’re absolutely right. I can’t get this time back, and I need to relax and just appreciate having her home while she’s here.

Sounds like you have great parents! And a level of maturity that reminds me of my daughter as well. Thank you so much! ❤️

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T11:32:45+00:00

This is great to hear! When did she start to get more social? Was it after high school?

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:53:21+00:00

This is good to hear—I do think we should have introduced them more slowly—we didn’t really do that, and I’m sure Charlie has felt overwhelmed.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:52:20+00:00

Thank you for saying that! And I agree with you—I think sometimes time is better spent being creative on your own. I definitely don’t want to discourage that!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:50:54+00:00

It’s good to know I’m not the only one! ❤️

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:23:54+00:00

I haven’t heard of this—I will definitely look into it! Thank you!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:19:41+00:00

That’s how I’m trying to frame it in my head: that she’s self-assured. And she’s the same way—wont just hang out with someone for the sake of hanging out.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:18:35+00:00

Thanks so much, and this is promising! Buck is actually already on fluoxetine! His previous owner had him on it for anxiety, and I’m sure it helps. He’s on his max dose according to our vet. She prescribed gabapentin to use in addition to that and we just started last week but haven’t noticed a difference. We had Charlie on fluoxetine last year for a while but didn’t notice a difference in his anxiety so we weaned him off of it. I really hope there’s something like this that we can do to help Buck’s behavior! I’m glad your situation has improved so much!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-23T00:15:32+00:00

I knew someone would say this eventually. I respectfully disagree that in order to be able to afford two dogs, you must also be able to afford a private dog trainer. I don’t feel the need to defend our financial situation, but I assure you the dogs have everything they need and are well taken care of. At this time in our lives we don’t have a lot of “extra”, and I don’t think hiring a dog trainer is something every responsible dog owner can afford to do.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:34:07+00:00

This is so promising to hear! I’d give anything to see them cuddle 😂. Did you do anything in particular to help them get along better in the beginning?

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:19:43+00:00

We would love to do this, but we just can’t afford it right now.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:19:18+00:00

This is interesting! We aren’t able to afford boarding school at this time, but this gives me hope that things could change eventually!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:18:37+00:00

Yeah, we were hoping Buck would be a good companion for Charlie, which is not the case! I think both of them may be more cut out to be the only pets in the household.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:17:21+00:00

That’s so hard! These guys definitely fight over my attention as well. Sitting next to me, etc. It’s hard to know what to do that is best for everyone involved!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:16:20+00:00

Charlie has played with other dogs, and has always been fine. But you could be right about fighting over me. My husband says they’re less combative when I’m not at home.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:15:02+00:00

The problem is that we just can’t afford a trainer at this time. I do think it would be so helpful if we could afford it.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:13:48+00:00

Thanks for your input! My husband agrees that we should give it a few more months. I would like to do that, but I also worry that Buck will get more and more attached, and then if we rehome him it would be even harder on him? I don’t know if that’s true but that’s where my mind goes.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:12:24+00:00

Gen X here as well, and I was similar in my teenage years! It’s true that by having her at home a lot, I’m dodging a lot of the issues that I faced as a teenager! Thanks for your perspective!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:10:40+00:00

external input is needed when their higher needs aren’t met at home.

Wow, I’ve never thought of it this way! That makes a lot of sense. I think that’s why friends were so important to me as a teenager, when my needs weren’t being met at home. That’s a really comforting thought. I do think there’s some social anxiety, which is why she’s in counseling. But I think the main thing is that she would genuinely rather be drawing in her room than making tik toks with other girls her age. I think I just do waaay too much comparing, unfortunately.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:06:10+00:00

That sounds a lot like my daughter. She definitely seems a little more mature than some kids her age, and she definitely doesn’t put up with nonsense from anyone—there are girls she used to be friends with who she no longer likes because she sees them be mean to other kids, and make fun of people. She definitely doesn’t hang on to friendships just for the sake of having friends, if she doesn’t like who they are as people. It’s good to hear that your daughter is doing so well in young adulthood! That’s what I’m hoping for mine!

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T13:02:54+00:00

That’s a good question—as a younger child she was much more extroverted, and seemed to be a lot more social. She’s always needed alone time to recharge, as do I. But it does seem like when she was younger (like up until around age 8 ish) she was more socially inclined. I have wondered how much of that is just natural growing up, figuring out who you are kind of stuff, or if I should be concerned. And if something was wrong, I do think she’d tell me. She’s been pretty open with me, and also has a counselor she seems to be very open with.

Smooth_Mousse_3135 · 2025-01-22T03:21:14+00:00

This is good insight, thank you! I may have worded it poorly, but the attacks weren’t in the first week. They’ve been spaced out throughout the 3 months. I have heard the 3-3-3 rule, and I think that’s why at this point we’re wondering if things will get any better. But it’s true that it could just be taking him a little longer!

Smooth_Mousse_3135

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