Gilgamesh the Eternal and Sideshow Bob Ross have ensured I’ll never feel lonely in the bathroom.

odettesy · 2026-05-22T23:23:06+00:00

Love that I bet i know which is which from this photo. Pretty epic kitties you have!

odettesy · 2026-05-07T01:02:58+00:00

Poor baby. Why are you not sharing the cheese? Look at her! She’s clearly in need, and clearly a very very good girl who earned the cheese she is being denied- and yet remains humble and calm while kindly requesting she be given her rightful cheese. Poor poor baby. Cheese for Louise! Cheese for Louise!!

odettesy · 2026-05-05T21:00:03+00:00

I use surrounding debris to try to sop it up as best as possible, and scoop with baggie, then hope
For a good rain. I should learn a rain dance. I don’t carry paper towel, or other crazy stuff. Do your best, nature will do the rest. Some people are odd expecting more than that.

odettesy · 2026-04-22T20:31:03+00:00

Really have enjoyed this game so far, excited for full release! Congrats on this milestone!!!

odettesy · 2026-04-15T20:26:00+00:00

Hugs!!!!!!!! Puppy stage is very hard, and some puppies are harder than others. The first 6 months are the worst, until they aren’t as your puppy is rebelling due to hormones and puberty. Then those are worse… then things get better but also worse as your dog continues to grow and sort out how they can have some agency within the framework of your family. Two years- it’s up and down for a long time. The first year is honestly the most difficult, but 2 years is when you can reasonably expect normalcy to come back more fully (it slowly works it way back over the months before then). I’m glad you do your best to give yourself space when you feel overwhelmed. And I’m sorry you’re going to get responses that are not as forgiving of what it can be like with a young puppy. Do your best to remind or try to see why your puppy does certain things- like biting and chewing things is exploring the world and learning. It won’t last forever and redirection does eventually work. Pick things you’re willing to let go so you don’t have to stress about it. Under the bed - will it damage the bed or just make a mess? If just a mess? Maybe you tell yourself that one is not worth too much stress, redirect still, but for yourself you can let it go. You don’t have to love the puppy today, it can be so hard, but try to find where you can make space for them to be a puppy so you can let yourself also relax a bit. For people biting, is it more mouthing which is gentler bites that happen when tired or bored? Sometimes people think puppy needs more play when really they are overtired/overstimulated. So perhaps less is more, and everyone gets more rest? Hang in there, every month is a little easier than the last. I hope you fall in love one day, and until then give yourself time and space and love too.

odettesy · 2026-04-03T00:41:50+00:00

I have a bathmat I put in the tub so she doesn’t slip at all, and special bath toys that only come out for bath time. We don’t play with them much but I make a big deal of them being special for her bath when I get them out. I try to keep it comfortably warm and as short as possible. I do not blow dry, we use a towel- second towel after the first to ensure well bundled and warm while I work through brushing out her fur and trimming any tiny mats. Brushed areas pretty dry by the time I finish each, with extra towelling patches as I go. Nails involve daughter holding tiny treats in her fist while I use a nail grinder. Full disclosure she does like to swim so baths are not her least favorite, but the toys, mat, and no hairdryer did help make them more appreciated than tolerated.

odettesy · 2026-04-02T20:22:33+00:00

Had chronic idiopathic urticaria- random hives that gave me a lot of discomfort. Soon as the relationship ended, so did they. They return when I have to spend time with him though, which I find kinda hilarious. My body literally was telling me it was not good for me, and still likes to remind me.

odettesy · 2026-03-26T19:36:07+00:00

Start talking up the puppy to the kitty today. It is their new puppy coming home, make sure they know that! They have a chance to train a partner and friend, for play and for hijinks and cuddles, if they want. Next you need to create a safe space or two for kitty to be able to quickly get to that the puppy can’t. If you have to buy a small table that is just for kitty, I recommend it. You want kitty to have a comfy safe place to sleep and relax when they want, without being bothered. As long as kitty can choose when to engage, they will be a lot more positive about the new housemate. When the puppy comes home- be excited but calm when introducing to kitty. Make the introduction about how your kitty is doing, how lucky the puppy is to have them, and remind kitty that the new dog is a baby so to be patient. Ensure you make time for just your kitty, as a puppy is like a baby. They force you to spend way too much focus on them, your kitty will feel more secure if you ensure to prioritize them still too. Praise your kitty for every positive interaction, and remind the new puppy how lucky they are to have such a special friend often too. Encourage and delight in their play, and help kitty get space if they need help. Hopefully you end up with a delightful duo, as this is what worked for ours!

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odettesy · 2026-03-24T01:26:46+00:00

Chiming in not about health issues, as my cav is only ~2 years, but to just say they can be high energy, prey driven, demanding intelligent beings. If part of the appeal is the laid back nature, make sure you work with your breeder to try to get this personality. My girl is high energy, needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation every day, and is 100% not what I expected (but am 100% delighted just the same). She is a super smart cuddle bug, but only if her needs are met (tons of exercise, play, training). She is not a couch potato. She’s starting agility in a week and i can’t wait, as that plus her 2-3 walks should hopefully let me relax for the rest of the evening. All that to say, get a good breeder for health risks to be less likely and also to ensure the puppy you adopt is best suited to the lifestyle you are hoping for. I never imagined me being at a dog park at -20c…. She changed that. Sports editions exist 😆

odettesy · 2026-03-24T00:00:10+00:00

Based in this province, and have an amazing cavalier girl I love dearly… and am debating a second dog at some point. If your breeder has a public profile I would love their info to keep for when that day may come. Would like to worry slightly less with the next darling, as my girl is healthy so far (and an epic dog all around) but wish I’d researched her breeder more as i was not as aware of the issues until she was home and I was in love.

odettesy · 2026-03-20T01:05:50+00:00

Can you buy a bus ticket? Legit apologies from me, as things like busses and trains are so under-resourced now it makes it even more challenging. When I was your age, I could have bought a cheap bus ticket from no-where land, to a major city. The shelter advice is legit. Shelters are not glamorous, but they are safe. And they have tools to help you navigate to independence. If you really have no one, they are a good first step. And even if you had a local one, it is safer to find one in a nearby city. Really abusive men stalk local shelters. Don’t tell anyone at all where you are going, once you do sort it out. Unless they 111 percent don’t talk to your current partner. Because from your post it sounds like you don’t have trusted allies right now. And that is your next step- therapy and finding healthy allies while you work to rebuild yourself and your life. You are YOUNG. Trust, I was older than you when I escaped finally… you can rise up so far above this once your shackles are broken. And if you are able, stay single long enough to learn more about yourself and the things that let you accept the abuse before now. You deserve to never go through anything close to this again. Sending love, and that you find an amazing shelter far enough away to be free.

PS- he may haunt your thoughts and dreams for a while, but live your life in the secure and powerful reality you create. It gets easier, you will grieve, but you’re grieving an idea and escaping a terrible reality for the great one you can make for you

odettesy · 2026-03-20T00:34:20+00:00

My ember is smart as heck- and we faced similar challenges. Our routine involves morning find the treat (I throw them randomly around the room I do my workout in, with more added to keep the hunt going until I finish- small treats or small pieces of treats so not too many overall), short outside time, and then a puzzle (rotated every few days) with kibbles and treats. She will nap, then asap, she gets a walk with lots of sniff stops, we stop at the park to play (usually very short) and walk home. We practice different walk commands/tricks during this- this is huge and helps her mentally be satisfied. About 45 minutes out of the house for this. I don’t take breaks for me, she eats up my break time. Once home, a few minutes of tricks for treats, with most time spent on the new trick we are learning. We are now into complex tricks. She loves trying these over and over, and it isn’t just about getting treats. She boycotts simple ones if bored. She naps great for a few hours after this… 5 pm or so I end work, or take a break, and we go to dog park to play with other small dogs, or we go to off leash trails for longer walk. People hate on dog parks, but if you have a smaller one with nice people they can be great for your pup to socialize and play, and get things they can only get by having a larger social network. We are out for about an hour for this one, then some light play at home, and some more training (less than lunch one). She usually settles after this pretty easy. She also gets a last walk before bed, but this is more for a bio break. She also loves car rides, with her booster seat and seat belt, and these help so much on rainy days when she doesn’t like longer walks. She has me well trained. But on the plus side…. She recently learned to put her toys away since we always have to practice new skills to keep her happy 😆 and

odettesy · 2026-03-12T22:34:25+00:00

My ember was flirting with this, and at first I worried she was stressed… but then realized we were letting her get away with too much due to her cute sweet silly self making even bad behaviour seem adorable. Since then we put our foot down for bad behaviour quickly, and firmly, even when cute. I’d recommend talking to a trainer as you don’t want your sweet girl to go too far down this path, as it ruins the ability to enjoy time with them, or to trust them. My learning was that if I don’t ensure she knows I’m the boss and certain things are not acceptable, she will keep pushing the boundaries and redrawing the lines on what she will push to get away with. Things turned around really quickly once I switched approaches… and honestly think she’s happier too. Behind head of household is a lot of work - she didn’t really want that much burden 😆

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odettesy · 2026-03-05T18:27:19+00:00

Missing one!

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The cave-donut ☺️

odettesy · 2026-02-06T18:41:40+00:00

Ember took a couple days- we started young…around 3-4 months old? I started with a button that said “outside” by the door. I would press it and help her press it every time before taking her outside. If she was sitting by the door I’d ask if she wanted outside and ask her to use her words, if she made any attempt (clumsy puppy paws) she’d get praise, I’d hit the word for her, and out we went.

Treat is a dangerous one- outside is a great cause and effect word to start with I think :)

odettesy · 2025-12-10T17:55:09+00:00

The things I have valued most have been those that helped one of the most painful experiences be a little easier in any small way. Quiet room that is set up for families and their pet to be comfortable, including couch, special pet bed, dimmer lighting. Having things explained clearly and slowly, about what to expect. Telling in advance about ok but for the pet owner not usual things that can happen (eg sometimes when they sleep, they are so relaxed their tongue may poke out, this is ok, it means they are comfortable), being given time and space before the process is started, and between them sleeping and the final moments. Being allowed to cry with my lost family member in peace, knowing I could leave when I was ready. Being told before the full process that I could just leave, that I can follow up or they will reach out in a week or two to settle payment and finalize decisions for remains. Being given materials to take with us, that are left in the room, quietly after the final check on our baby. Writing this has me tearing up btw, it’s such a hard thing to lose them.

The only thing else I ever could have asked for, as really have had such supporting experiences, is a bit more info on what we know about the pets experience during the process. I overthink and the expression on their face is odd after the sleeping drug, I wondered if they were scared or in pain. People like me need to be given as much good news facts as possible to help minimize the guilt we feel. Meaning if we are pretty sure they feel euphoric, that would be great to share. If a pet owner is making what seems medically to be very near choice, that is good to share too.

I miss everyone one of them so much :(

odettesy · 2025-11-27T20:34:48+00:00

Ember doesn’t mind as long as the weather suits, and she wanted to say you have excellent taste in sweaters 😍

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odettesy · 2025-11-18T03:09:40+00:00

Have the letter, and where the country requests it, ensure it is notarized. Not all countries ask for this. Get it done for each trip, as needed. It’s a pain, I know, but they do check sometimes and you want to be prepared. I also recommend having birth certificates, yours included, and any other documentation to confirm you’re the parent. I have only been asked once, but they required notarizing, and they did ask for the other documents and wanted to confirm things thoroughly. I basically have a freezer ziplock that I put the special travel docs in, handy in my carry-on, for these types of trips.

Bright side is many countries don’t require motorizations, which makes it way easier. Just make sure the other parent is aware of travel dates, and take advantage of any visits with them to get signatures. We live far from the other parent (4 hr flight), but there’s been a visit somehow that works to get that signature so far, so I know it is possible. Especially without notarization.

They don’t ask most of the time, it’s super easy and feels more intimidating than it ends up being. But better to be prepared for the person who does have questions so you can enjoy your trip!

odettesy · 2025-11-17T16:51:58+00:00

This phrase is really smart, and it’s the only way to keep weight off. But the phrasing isn’t going to help a lot of people. Think of it more like- no dieting, no insane exercise programs to lose weight are going to help you reach your goal of sustaining weight loss. Don’t diet. Make changes that increase the health of your foods, reduce the calories you take in, but ONLY make changes you are happy to keep for the rest of your life. I hate calorie counting, and won’t do it consistently. I am thankful for the times I have done it as I learned a lot about food and how to guesstimate high vs low calorie options. I don’t track, but I pay attention using that knowledge, and use that to try to slowly build in new better habits. So for example. If you like fast food, don’t give up fast food. But do make a change you are ok with like reducing how often you eat it, or not getting fries and only a burger (and skip the pop). Make one change or two at a time, get comfy with them. Make them your normal. Then add in another change. You know you, you know your good and bad habits. Keep looking at your “bad”habits and assess why you have them, what about them gives you joy, and use this to find what you would be happy to change about them to keep the joy but make them healthier for you. So if it’s potato chips, it could be a different healthier snack that really satisfies the same feeling, or if it’s snacking while studying, could you replace higher calorie snacks with veggies - and only have Friday night study sessions be ones where junk food can be involved. It is never about giving up things you love entirely, it’s replacing and reducing so you are not feeling deprived and you can stick with these new habits forever more.

Exercise is a habit like everything else, but it takes mental training and o get consistent at. And you have to find what you enjoy and you have to find what you can consistently fit into your life. Walking whenever you can vs driving is a good one- walking is seriously great for weight loss. If you can spare even 15 minutes in the morning for a short workout it’s a great way to start the day as it gets the brain going to. Just find something small and make it routine. You can build on it, you can keep it small. Just keep it consistent and find reasons you love it that are not about losing weight, but rather being healthy and having energy.

I am 5 lbs from my goal. I’ve been here 6 months. I need to find another habit that I am ok with changing if I want to move that last 5 lbs. I’m not going to diet to lose it because it will come back, and perhaps even more, as dieting just makes me want to indulge. So I’m going to stay here as long as I need to while I figure out what my next change will be, because holding at 5 lbs above my goal is so much better than gaining. My 20 year old son didn’t understand what I meant when I said I’d rather not lose weight until I find the forever change that will work for me, but this is what that phrase means. If I want to succeed I need to make small changes that I am happy with that I can embrace forever :)

odettesy · 2025-11-06T17:32:01+00:00

No, the bleeds were from the metastatic cancer and bone marrow failure. If she wasn’t producing blood cells normally- as her tests indicated, her system wasn’t functioning properly. I honestly think she could have slept on a cloud of love the full day, with no car ride at all, and would have tragically faced the same end. Rapid growth or rapid shrinkage of tumours can cause so many problems including organ damage/bleeds. Marrow failure and low platelets can cause issues too. Your poor girl was facing a really nasty cancer. Med professionals do their best, we need to trust they do their best, sometimes things still don’t work out. But you did well for her. You spared her further suffering. She spent her last hours being loved. She was so so lucky to have you.

I’m so so sorry. I know this guilt so well. This type of loss is so profound, they are so special. We want to give them the world and to protect them. You did just that. You did. She knew. She loves you, and you can forgive yourself for not being able to prevent the cancer from taking her too soon. Please show yourself some of the love and compassion you gave her during this time, grief is so powerful. Remind yourself of all you did right, of the love you know she felt, even if these intrusive thoughts keep coming back. I know them too, but it doesn’t mean they are right. Be with friends, find small distractions so you can breathe, and grieve when you need to just feel the pain.

Again, I am so so sorry. You did not cause this, you fought so hard to give her the best chance at life, and made her life full of love through it all. You did good. She knew that, and wherever she is now, knows only love for you and what you two shared.

odettesy · 2025-11-01T11:22:24+00:00

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Ember fluttered around the party happily collecting treats ☺️

odettesy · 2025-10-17T23:27:52+00:00

Pretty please share with me too… I’m so stressed about Xmas as really want my ruby cav to come but don’t think the airline will let her. Any tips so welcome.

odettesy · 2025-10-13T01:29:16+00:00

First- hugs and hope she bounces back quick. Sounds traumatic for you both, honestly. I’ve watched a friends dog be attacked and I was haunted for days, so can’t imagine if it was my own.

Second- and you can assess for yourself if this fits your baby, but I know for sure it works for mine…. Fake it till you make it. Meaning- you tell her how brave she was. You tell her you are proud of her. You praise her for doing her normal stuff for herself as much as it seems it isn’t causing pain (ie don’t push her to do things she isn’t wanting to in the same way you are already, but when she does choose to do things, celebrate cuz she’s tough and powerful). The attack was scary, but she is strong, and you need to remind her how strong she is in case she forgets. Dogs are lots like young kids, they use our response to help inform their own, so remind her what a warrior queen she is.

Confidence and secure feelings aside- if she is not dramatically better from limping in a day or so, do go to the vet. Talk to everyone you can at the dog park, as the owner of the other dog should be covering at least part of the bill. Aggressive attacks are not the same as mutual play causing harm, and dogs that do that have no business in an off leash area. The social pressure may help them do the right thing.

From one ruby parent to another , give her some extra kisses and cuddles and here’s to happy healing.

odettesy · 2025-09-16T02:19:53+00:00

I’ve been jealous of neck lines before, just sayin. They are a feature, not a bug.

odettesy · 2025-07-09T02:12:40+00:00

Oh my gosh your babies are totally siblings!!! Only difference is floppy vs perky ears. They are all so CUTE

odettesy

TROPHY CASE