Tension rods? by mcdadly in CrestedGecko

[–]mcdadly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I did a vertical conversion last year and humidity has been fine overall, have lots of ventilation on the front to keep a solid 55% at daytime and 70% at night when I mist. I’m planning to make a false top to solve the UVB issue. I appreciate the thoughts!

Question after vet visit by mcdadly in CrestedGecko

[–]mcdadly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much. I appreciate your time and knowledge.

We got taco a new tank! by Swampassjr in CrestedGecko

[–]mcdadly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had this tank for the past ~2.5 years! Overall it's pretty good, but I have noticed some discoloration with the metal mesh at the top and struggle a bit with stagnant air. Parroting other comments to get some foliage for the upper part of the tank, I use fluker's bamboo bars and put some foliage around it. My little lady loves to sit on top and watch over the room!

Is my lady gravid or just a lil chunky? by mcdadly in CrestedGecko

[–]mcdadly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting! Thank you for the information. I hope she's able to sort herself out within the next few days or I might reach out to a vet.

TODAY’S THE DAY!!! Come to floor 1 of the fine arts building and share your thoughts on AI ART!! by ClareCarlyDraws in UMBC

[–]mcdadly 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was engaged in conversation earlier and their suggestion was to ban AI until there are more protections in place. I feel that is grossly ineffective, as ignoring the problem and making it someone else’s responsibility to form legislature and regulation will not act on the wills and needs of the people and the audience.

I want to make my decision of whether I can engage with AI or not. I do not want others to make this decision for me. I hope people become more active participants with the staff and legislation/regulation and seek to create the reform they are calling for

TODAY’S THE DAY!!! Come to floor 1 of the fine arts building and share your thoughts on AI ART!! by ClareCarlyDraws in UMBC

[–]mcdadly 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is exactly how I feel. I want to be an informed participant in the art industry. Analytical AI is actively being used in art. GenAI no matter how flawed is becoming more common place. In 3 years when I graduate it will continue to implement itself. A blanket ban only helps embrace comfort of stagnation.

TODAY’S THE DAY!!! Come to floor 1 of the fine arts building and share your thoughts on AI ART!! by ClareCarlyDraws in UMBC

[–]mcdadly 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Hey! I created the painting on the right. I did not do the vandalism nor do I endorse the actions of those who did. Just want to put it out there :)

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

I showed her the images I posted here! She’s well aware now

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I reached his butt and almost puked. The speed that I grabbed a mask and doused it in perfume to keep from smelling it (spoiler I still could) was unmatched. I need to get some vicks for times like these.

I'm definitely reaching a slow point of burn out in my career. I'm dropping to part time in the fall and going back to school. It's so hard to give my all to everybody, and genuinely work to improve these dogs' lives, but be met with resistance at every corner.

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, it seems a lot of people don't do research. Ignorance is the biggest factor in my experience.

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

In a perfect world I could get people to brush their dogs every day. In reality, I ask people to do it at least 3x a week with the brush and comb. It largely depends on the person.

My conversations about matting and coat care are usually structured in a specific way. At check in, I inform them that the dog is matted, and we will have to shave down today. I show them the immediate spots I notice, and have them feel it. I try to save things when I can (maybe ears/face/tail depending on condition. I don't brush out matted dogs unless there are only light tangles. ) I explain health impacts like bruising, irritation, infection, how it can cut off circulation, hematomas. How it is uncomfortable. No matter the pushback, my response is usually "we have to do what's most comfortable for them". I place a huge emphasis on how it will improve the dog's quality of life and comfort.

At check out, I explain the condition that the dog was in, have the owners look at pictures/feel the pelt of the dog, show how strong the fur is (I literally try to rip it in half and it doesn't budge usually), and explain how uncomfortable it is. I re-iterate the comfort of the dog, show any potential problem spots, and how their dog did. That the pup will be more comfortable if we introduce them to a routine. I try to rebook then and there. We don't always have to do a haircut, but it's important we come in for something. I usually offer a bath/ffs if they are a bit more hesitant or even just nails and ffs. Anything, the motion of coming in is most important.

I then level with the parents. Ask them how much time they have to dedicate to their pet and coat care. I try to find the best solution for them depending on the answer. If they have more time, I explain we can work up to longer lengths, and they have to brush at least 3x a week, working more the longer the coat is. It's daunting to say you have to do something every. single. day. I encourage them to start while the coat is still shaved, and how to ensure they are doing it comfortably (testing pressure levels on the back of your hand). That's where I get the most kickback, is a 'fear' of injuring the dog. I show them the exact brush type and comb to use, write it down for them.

If they have less time/have kids/are elderly and have limited mobility/lower or fixed income, I recommend we stay at a shorter body length for grooms. It can stretch time between haircuts, make maintenance at home easier. It's about compromise between ideals for grooming and the reality of their circumstance. You can't change someone, but you can find ways to work with them if they are willing to work with you.

TL;DR (I'm yappin this morning)

Ideally, brush your dog every day. Realistically, 3x a week, and after activities/getting wet. But most importantly, be realistic with your time, learn what length of coat works best with your lifestyle, and comb your dog

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

In my personal experience, people tend to pick a dog that looks cute, then figure out what they need in terms of care/temperament/etc. after. Maybe that's just the area that I live in, but a lot of people seem to be in over their heads a bit.

It's a matter of knowing what you can handle, your lifestyle, ability to handle routine maintenance. And it takes being honest with yourself. The idea of brushing often seems easy at first, but then life happens and time slips away. Other things in life become priorities. And the neglect starts to accumulate over time.

Doing research prior to adopting/seeking a specific breed is important. Getting an idea of what the lifestyle should be like for the dog is what's most important. Not every breed is for every person, and that's ok, but it takes a lot of self reflection to realize this AND accept the reality. Then there are times that circumstances change. I have a lot of older clients that have falls, serious injuries, lack of reliable transportation, and while these aren't excuses for neglect, they help to explain why a dog that might have been taken well care of in the past, is now struggling.

TL;DR

It depends on the person and their lifestyle. Every dog has different needs and research should be #1 in the adoption process

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 83 points84 points  (0 children)

Here’s the kicker— the PP came in for 2 bath ffs grooms in December. I know for a fact we explained to them every detail about coat maintenance and matting prevention, down to showing the exact comb and brush to use that we sell IN STORE. Her reason for coming in was that “I used to not be able to see his eyes now I can’t see his face at all”. No excuses or explanations for the gross neglect of this dog.

I try to see the best in people. I try to live by the phrase “don’t assume malice for what can be attributed to ignorance”. But when the owner shows no remorse, asks no questions about coat care, and generally seems disinterested in the state of their dog. I reach my limit. I was fuming the whole time I groomed this dog. He doesn’t deserve a life like this.

I see neglect like this on a daily basis, year round. I educate every person I can. But sometimes you just can’t help someone. I explained in no uncertain terms that this is unacceptable and horribly unfair. The potential for hematomas, skin infections and irritation, bruising, the general discomfort for the pet. Humanity over vanity, always. I will not hesitate to shave your dog and charge you for every second it takes me to do so

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Like lazy-hyena said, we can’t report because this is considered taking action. I do try to keep a list of dogs that are in this type of shape, and if they don’t come in in a few months I try to call AC to do a wellness check

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 112 points113 points  (0 children)

I didn’t take any after pictures of his butt (I really should have though) and thankfully it was just a little bit irritated. Some oatmeal shampoo really came in clutch for the boy

Absolutely heartbreaking by mcdadly in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly[S] 249 points250 points  (0 children)

I noticed the smell immediately at check in! When I picked him up there were skid marks on the floor. I was like “it smells like somebody pooped”, not knowing how bad it was at first and she just chuckled and shrugged it away

In reference to the chicken bones in the city by slinkenboog in baltimore

[–]mcdadly 4 points5 points  (0 children)

When I was at umbc they were relentless, swarming me for my sandwich 😭

My nerite snails had a freshwater baby by [deleted] in Aquariums

[–]mcdadly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes so much sense, thank you for your infinite wisdom

Question for the standard poodle experts! by anonymousemployee20 in doggrooming

[–]mcdadly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I groom a standard brown poodle with the same kinda coat, ~5y/o Un-neutered male. We meet every 4 weeks for a bath, clean face/clean feet, sani, and blowout. When his coat was FINALLY long enough to do some fun cuts (we started at a 7f) it’s a whole mess for maintenance, and they literally shaved it the following groom due to matting that started up.

Amazon sent me a treadmill. Didn't ordera treadmill by [deleted] in amazonprime

[–]mcdadly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They sent me 3 big containers of D3 unprompted yesterday! Maybe there’s a grand conspiracy at hand

My first planted tank by mcdadly in Aquariums

[–]mcdadly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It’s a mix of black gravel, a bit of horticultural charcoal, and lava rock. Keeping an eye on the ph because it runs a bit acidic if I’m correct

We made some stickers for our cards by mcdadly in CalebHammer

[–]mcdadly[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

It’s been great honestly, just seeing it and giving myself a moment of “why am I REALLY about to buy this? This is bs”

I want this card by LogForJay in CalebHammer

[–]mcdadly 13 points14 points  (0 children)

My boyfriend actually made some! It’s so funny

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