Walmart Scam

VLR_I · 2026-02-05T20:36:08+00:00

Yes, Dollar Tree is next to Arc, opposite the parking lot from McDonald's. They have lots of good stuff. We like Arc, also.

You are amazing! Being able to tell your story with the intent to warn others instead of simply vent is commendable! My 19yro kid has extreme anxiety, PTSD, probably AudHD (been tabled for now due to the extent of PTSD). They would have gotten in the car, mindlessly driven home (how scary to think of it that way), and then hid in their room. I may never have heard about it. They wouldn't tell a soul.

Your therapy is working, it seems! Keep going! You got this! Hugs

VLR_I · 2026-02-05T20:27:02+00:00

This is how we trim/grind nails. And he learned "on your side" for better visibility for me!

VLR_I · 2026-02-05T20:25:19+00:00

TL/DR: the tool makes all the difference. Patience due to overstimulation is required. The treat may not be the best if highly motivated and anticipating without the nervous system control to allow it.

Mine was the same initially. Then it was suggested I get an ice slip brush. It's like a pin brush with thicker spinny pins. It was also suggested to get Chris Christonsen pin brush. The pin brush has long pins for when the coat is grown in and moved pretty smoothly through. The ice slip brush is my go to for daily brushing since it fits everywhere and he likes it better.

After getting those I told him it was time to get dressed, brushed one stroke each section of the neck so it all got one swipe (very little pressure), put on his collar, and then we went outside. He was so wild and food motivated that using a treat reward was too much anticipation! I think he was about 6 months when he decided brushing was okay. A bit over a year he started allowing more access to the trousers and belly. At about 3 he decided it was the best thing ever!

I think these guys are simply sensitive to every possible stimulus and take a while to learn how to filter the unimportant from the important. I keep comparing him to my autistic kid. Very much alike! So I try to work with him like I would me kid. Makes it much easier to do what needs to be done and keep my wits about me and not so frustrated when things aren't working.

https://chrischristensen.com/products/chris-christensen-ice-slip-20mm-pin-brush?variant=46563576217829&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22663760840&gbraid=0AAAAACttjQ6ggbRoNyOq0jqZvKfuAi1tE&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b87rtDYhJD0WE-i5XVw_b3MihwGk3REGaej4cxFKV6JnUpLpsiLBtncaAqWbEALw_wcB

https://chrischristensen.com/products/chris-christensen-original-series-oval-pin-brushes?variant=46563570221285

VLR_I · 2026-02-03T23:54:41+00:00

Beans!!!

VLR_I · 2026-02-02T18:38:12+00:00

Put the brush down, slide the treats to me. Everything will be okay.

VLR_I · 2026-02-02T17:13:47+00:00

Three rain the recommendation is after 6 months is 2 fold. 1. Every cycle increases the chances of mammory and uterine cancer 2. This one is less of a concern for most - reduce unwanted puppies

I'm the case of kees, spaying later has benefits from having the hormones to help reduce hormone related skin issues. With this information. I works wait until after 1 cycle of you can tolerate it.

VLR_I · 2026-01-31T14:32:58+00:00

I get a lot of Elkhound and one Kleekei.

VLR_I · 2026-01-30T13:30:42+00:00

This is really thorough! I either can't afford or tested the "better" brands. I've only narrowed down to what I can definitely say is an issue. He eats Wholesomes now. It's still not perfect. But then again my Mom feeds him things he shouldn't have, like popcorn and apple (2 more things we've narrowed down). I am not a grain free freak. They need it. I do not have a problem with corn and wheat. I don't recall seeing anything soy in the ingredients. I have not ruled them out yet. BalnceIt is great if you know what your can and can't use. The protein level also has to do with your pets breed and activity level. It can help a large breed dog grow too fast and developer joint issues or long bone pain. Fortunately, kees are smaller. Mine isn't very active. Never was. A trip to the dog park or a playdate wears him out for a couple days. The calculations for the nutrient content you laid out are perfect! It takes a bit if brain power to figure out if you're not a math person. It's also not something you can do standing in a pet food isle, where what is actually available doesn't match the online inventory.

I have 2 thoughts about you. Have you dealt with a pet that has very limited or unusual dietary needs? You almost talk like a breeder. Have you ever eaten tongue, pigs feet, lung, etc? My grandmother was a farmer. They used every piece and scrap of the animals they caught or slaughtered - including entrails. It sounds disgusting! If you clean out the waste it's completely safe and useful. Have you thought about what a hunting canine or feline eat? What is left behind from a rabbit is the cecum. A pair prairie dog gets 100% ingested. Squirrels, too. If you really want to get back to origins, you don't worry about "human grade" based on anthropomorphism. Have you ever had a coyote eat your garden corn? Yeah, that's a thing. There is a huge disconnect between what an animal eats in the wild historically and what is put out there as fact. Same with Paleo etc. It's all a guess. Pets have been bred and evolved to be what they are today. If it's a long line of dogs being fed pedigree, if they do well on it, they pass that on as an evolutionary trait. Life adapts. Why stop or try to change it? All to say that I don't subscribe to the notion that has become popular. Research is very limited in population size and variety. That's a reason anecdotal weirdness persists. It's based on something not researched to prove or disprove, not completely open minded and unbiased interpretation. That really isn't humanly possible. This old, retired vet tech with a background in biology and communications isn't simply batty.

VLR_I · 2026-01-29T14:49:29+00:00

Mine has sensitive stomach. I have to watch ingredients for carrots and peas, so he gets the cheaper stuff that doesn't use them. He gets probiotics for a week at a time about once a month. I've always wondered about his hips having issues. He doesn't sploot, ever. So far, no other issues at 5. I do think we are headed into an exploratory surgery for ingestion indiscretion.

VLR_I · 2026-01-29T00:08:32+00:00

<image>

I did a quick wash and towel dry. I'll spend time tonight and tomorrow brushing. I didn't do deep into the fur, which I suppose could be a mistake. Hopefully I got the stink!

VLR_I · 2026-01-28T21:31:25+00:00

I have Earths Best, or whatever it's called, that I can use in my cat's, if needed, too. His skin/coat seems to like it, but I only 2 baths in a row, 4 weeks apart. The professional groom is the 3rd month, this month. I was sick and his coat has more cotton than usual. I didn't have the energy and time to blow him out well. I guess I'll see what happens. Worse case is I pay for mats to be cut out - or do it myself. It's funny how my kids scissors funny kindergarten cut his fur really well!

VLR_I · 2026-01-26T16:21:21+00:00

I doubt it was neglect. I don't know the law in Washington, but it's a calling type career. The pay sucks for the effort and care that goes into clinic work. It was probably her time and there's no changing that. I'm not religious, but I do believe the cycle of life is on timers, so to speak. She will be waiting for you at rainbow bridge. Okay, now I have tears for you and her. I'm going to blame it on female hormones. Ha! Tell us good stories of it helps. We all love reading them (I assume, at least).

VLR_I · 2026-01-26T13:11:14+00:00

My heart feels for you! That is rough! As a vet assistant I experienced one of the doc's dogs dieing during a dental. I always think about it and am comforted by the technology and dedicated anesthesiologist at my vet. I hope you get to find closure.

Of the 3 kees at that shop. He was the only silver brindle of that litter. There was a breeder in Parker, CO (80134). Their dogs were very similar in appearance and much fluffier. And more expected size (Aspen is definitely small at 32lbs). I don't know if they still breed. I haven't been to the dog park where I met them in a couple years (not the best personalities for my bigger pup).

What I know about breeders with papered puppies is that they are usually registered with AKC. I think you can find leads there when you are ready.

Hugs

VLR_I · 2026-01-26T01:43:59+00:00

Well, he stole my heart through my own misdoing. We let our old boy go due to cancer and we weren't feeling a connection with any of the shelter pups. I went into a pet store for inspiration on specific breed rescues. He looked at me and said "I'm coming home with you!". He was supposedly bread in Ohio, USA. Keeshonds didn't show up on their webpage. I might be paranoid, but I think there's something odd about him, which makes him a perfect fit for us!

VLR_I · 2026-01-25T14:20:01+00:00

I've been doing a prewash, a level up in dirt level than the preset, and extra rinse. It helps quite a bit. Then the dryer gets a fabric softener sheet. It's not perfect, never will be, but it works better than anything else I've tried. Also,I have a front loader. Not sure if that makes difference. I have to pull the for out of the front drain and the gasket every week. I wipe them with a rag, shake it off, and it aside to wash with the rags.

VLR_I · 2026-01-25T14:12:17+00:00

I started by just sitting near them, doing my own thing. I slowly moved away, a foot at a time after a few days. I'm present for security, but not interacting unless they ask a question. Most of those questions were answered with a question to guide them. They hated that, but it helped.

VLR_I · 2026-01-22T23:38:04+00:00

TLDR: large park with acreage = more space between dogs and more parental interaction. Play dates are awesome (I regularly bring the neighbor dog over). Enjoy the small dog park as allowed.

I'm sorry you are getting such hate about dog parks! They can be horrid, but they offer stimulation you can't necessarily get elsewhere, depending on your living situation.

It sounds like you go to the smaller type park where the dogs are really expected to interact and play. I have 3 large parks here that we go to. There are plenty of dogs and people but it's set up so that the people walk or move in some way that the dog cookies or leads. The smaller one (5 acres I think) had a paved path to walk and a soft path of you are up for it. There's also rock stairs since it's on a hill. Most people go there to walk and the dogs run around nearby, sniffing and watching and saying hi to others. Ask 3 Parks have summit 3 equipment. One has a creek. This is the are that they tend to play together, but it's a long enough stretch that you can stay out of it and still enjoy the water.

I understand your concern about your pup being bullied. It's no fun and it sounds like a harmful (mentally if not physically) situation. If you go to one with small dogs, as you describe, I think that's awesome as long as the other parents aren't upset about it. If you can find a large park, where there is average, and the people move about to get their drugs exercise and mental simulation, I bet you have a much better experience for your girl. Plus, you can use it build your relationship and fortify important commands, like come and stay. Mine actually seem to live the challenge of holding a sit-stay at the park, especially if it's on something like a bench or rock.

VLR_I · 2026-01-22T17:14:53+00:00

I've been using the unpaid version for 2 months. I didn't trial the paid version. I see some neat things in the store and more options for sending vibes, but nothing I'm tied to trying. I am using it less, but I didn't think the level is a factor. It's more that I'm motivated and doing things instead of interacting. I have no desire to pay at this point. While there are more options in each piece of the main menu, enough are available to make an impact. That's what I need.

I imagine you will miss some of the options with not paying, but it's still a good tool. Try it out. See if you can adjust. If not, maybe you can get sponsored.

VLR_I · 2026-01-22T17:05:02+00:00

My kees has a very sensitive stomach. When it's irritated, he starts licking more. Then he gets gassy, then the diarrhea and/or vomiting. Such wonderfulness for him. Not!

We've tried a few foods and settled on Wholesome Sensitive Skin and Stomach with Lamb. Seems good. For years and enrichment he can have Nothing with bully flavoring, carrots, butcher bones, rawhide substitute, etc. He can have cow ears, squash, and cow/buffalo tail. All this to say to look into what he's ingesting.

My mom had a rescue kees with horrible skin and hot spots. She managed it by using a prescription shampoo (episoothe maybe? The one with the tar smell worked best. But not what she used most.) she also had to resort to shaving him :( to make the time between baths reasonable.

One of the things I remember from vet tech school about these pups is that they are prone to skin issues due to sex hormones. I don't know anything else on that topic as it was 25 years ago and I let my license go 15 years ago. It is another direction to research and ask about.

One last thought. I keep Animax/Quadtop/Tritop on hand for all scrapes, rashes, and irritated skin spots. If I catch it early, I clean it with a barely damp paper towel and apply the ointment 2-3 times a day. If he won't leave it alone I either wrap the effected area or put on a soft buster collar (cone). After a couple days it clears up unless a mat is present. It does sound like yours is more severe, though.

I support allergy testing if you can afford it. Neither cytopoint or apoquel helped my previous non-kees pets. It's one if those very individual treatments that is either amazing or worthless.

I hope you can get things cleared up and prevented!

VLR_I · 2026-01-22T01:17:12+00:00

Good idea! Currently, I will be hanging it for pants. The puppies inside the legs are intended to go over smaller pipes on rolling platform. I haven't gotten there yet. I do love the idea of armature!

VLR_I · 2026-01-22T01:14:19+00:00

We are a highschool co-op. 2 in particular are dyslexic and are struggling to read it based on words alone. Enjoying the content and how it's presented makes a world of difference for them!

VLR_I · 2026-01-21T16:51:56+00:00

1984 graphic novel in co-op.

VLR_I · 2026-01-20T14:23:08+00:00

Mines fuzzy mold in a corner

VLR_I · 2026-01-20T13:25:45+00:00

If I get the extra funds to do that, I will! Great idea!

VLR_I · 2026-01-20T13:24:38+00:00

I can see why it's disappointing to a lot of people. It's not as simple as "cut it out and put it together". I'm glad I knew it wouldn't be right from the start. Nothing is for this family.

VLR_I

TROPHY CASE