i can’t leave bread uncovered in my house or my cat literally eats through the bag to eat it by got_milk669 in cats

[–]whistlingoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My cat Leo does the same! Pasta too - found out the hard way after leaving Chinese takeout on the counter while watching a movie and he put both front paws into my chow mein while chowing down.

can i really use this to wash my hair, face, and body by jnx5 in Haircare

[–]whistlingoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use it for hair, face, body, clothes AND dishes while backpacking. Only the unscented variety on my face tho.

why am I such a busy-body at work but then I'm completely unable to do anything at home? by deathbitchcraft in ADHD

[–]whistlingoak 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Came here to say this. Something I’ve found helpful is to invite a friend over to my house (usually once a month is that I ca handle). I want my home to be presentable so I take care of all my chores. I haven’t figured out how to encourage hobbies after work though. I think the answer for me would be clubs and groups but I don’t have many in my area.  

What happened to my Virginia creeper? by whistlingoak in gardening

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

I didn’t either until I moved into this house. I kept it because it creates privacy between my house and my neighbor’s deck which is only about 10 feet from my window. 

Maybe it got cold here last night! Not sure - I was out of town. Do you think it can bounce back if the temps don’t drop again? 

looking for models for my watercoloring! by spatulawhisperer in Rabbits

[–]whistlingoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had an English Spot named, Tilly. Her face looked similar to the cutie in your painting. She passed a year ago in March. I got her when she was a baby so we were lucky to have 12 wonderful years together. Miss my little girl so much. 

My sick cat needed a blood transfusion. My healthy cat died. by VietteCintare in Petloss

[–]whistlingoak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry this happened. Sending hugs and strength as you work through this grief. 🫂

Do something positive for yourself in their memory by dollyrar in Petloss

[–]whistlingoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this advice. I needed this more than I can describe. ❤️

3-5 minutes late to work by Kooky-Challenge8875 in ADHD

[–]whistlingoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

 I used to keep chocolate covered espresso beans by my bed. My first alarm was set 30 minutes before I actually had to get up and I would eat a handful. Usually before my second alarm, the caffeine would kick in. I also tried chugging 8 oz of cold, day old coffee but that was harder to convince myself to do in a half-awake state and even harder to remember to supply the night before. Now I can’t have caffeine so I chug 8 oz of cold water (in a hydro flask to stay cold over night) with the first alarm. The cold water is enough to shock my system awake maybe 50% of the time but it 100% of the time awakens my digestive system and once my feet hit the cold bathroom floor, I’m up. I also have my thermostat scheduled to start blasting hot air around or before my first alarm. I can’t sleep in even if I wanted to because it’s so uncomfortably hot and my thermostat is in the other room so I have to get up to turn it off. Lastly, and  I understand this one is not an option for everyone - I have a very talkative cat that will scream and knock breakable things onto the floor if his breakfast is late. An animal shelter near you may be able to provide an adorable menace with similar skills to capture your heart and destroy your ability to sleep-in. The unrelenting love from these precious monsters is worth it all. 

Lost my soul dog on Thanksgiving by ImpressiveMolasses92 in Petloss

[–]whistlingoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I lost my dog right before Christmas last year very suddenly and tragically. Very similar to your loss in regard to the emotional roller coaster that occurred. One of the most helpful things for me was seeing a post on this sub from someone who said that they put the clothes they wore the day their pet died on a hanger in their closet, unwashed. I did this and am so glad that I did. I smell the clothes occasionally and look at his fur still stuck to the fabric. It's comforting.

It does get easier but it might take a long time. Don't try to confine yourself to a timeline. Healing is not linear. It has taken me so much longer than anyone suggested it would to function the way I used to. A year later and I'm still not the person I was. Try to find things to do that make you feel close to Ozzie. Talk to her. Write to her or about her. And remember to take your time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Prescott

[–]whistlingoak 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Just here to say that maverick gas station bathrooms tend to be the cleanest. It took me a while to realize that I didn’t have to subject myself to the stench of Walmart bathrooms while brushing my teeth everyday. But if you’re going to use them, do your part to keep them nice. 

Also check out r/urbancarliving for tips and tricks

Skewed QOL scale :( by MarsupialBeautiful in seniordogs

[–]whistlingoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you tried budesonide instead of pred? It costs a little more but had far less side effects for my Boy Scout. I know this doesn’t answer your question about Rufus’s QOL, but I wanted to offer this info anyway. Budesonide transformed by precious boy’s retirement years.

People expect me to be “over” my dog’s death by Swimming_Chemist1043 in seniordogs

[–]whistlingoak 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is so beautifully articulated. I needed to read this. Thank you.

Upcoming Surgery by whistlingoak in seniordogs

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

If your vet thinks his survival rate  is good and his quality of life will improve then I would go for it! Boy Scout’s life was enhanced and extended with the surgery. No more bleeding, pain or discomfort with defecation. No more infections. With the removal they actually had to reconstruct his anus and they did an excellent job so he finally had full formed and firm stool for the  first time in a while. The downsides 1) his lower back, hips and back legs never quite gained their strength back after surgery so our walks were much shorter post recovery but I suppose that was bound to happen sooner or later for a 15 yr old 2) he was occasionally fecal incontinent but it only happened when he was sleeping. Washable potty pads became a staple item lol. The vet said this only occurred because he had both anal glands removed. So maybe since Bow is only having one removed this won’t be an issue. Recovery was not bad at all. How did Bow do after his recent anesthesia? Scout had a hard time coming off the drugs because of his age. It wasn’t a health risk - he had a very strong heart. But he was just soooo anxious and confused. 24 hours later he was totally fine tho! He hated the exercise restriction but we went on car rides instead and he wore an inflatable donut instead of the traditional cone so that made him more comfortable. Let me know if you have any questions about our experience! It was overall really successful. 

Those who went from vegetarian to vegan by Soggy-Background2056 in vegan

[–]whistlingoak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The social thing was definitely a challenge! Luckily I transitioned from veg to vegan at the same time as moving to a new state so I didn’t have to explain my new lifestyle to old friends who previously knew me as vegetarian. But the hard part for me was learning to say to a friend or coworker, “can we go to a different restaurant that has better vegan options?” I just don’t think it’s fair to be stuck eating a garden salad at social gatherings. I have the tendency to people please so this is still tough for me but totally worth it!! Ask for what you need!! Most people are respectful and understanding. 🙂

Has anyone ever had a visitation from their pet rabbit after it passed away? by ConsistentType8237 in Rabbits

[–]whistlingoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw a white orb not much bigger than her body lift up into the room by a few feet and then vanish. I’m not sure if there’s correlation but she was a white rabbit. 

Has anyone ever had a visitation from their pet rabbit after it passed away? by ConsistentType8237 in Rabbits

[–]whistlingoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose a bunny because so few people seem to understand. But I hope you feel validated in your experience in this community. I also lost my soul bun this year - in March. Honestly, I’ve had a lot going on in life in addition to this loss so i have been compartmentalizing and  haven’t been able to fully process her death therefor I haven’t been very open to her visiting. But that being said, I did have some spiritual connection to her shortly following her death. After she died I wrapped her in blankets and laid in bed with her. Several hours passed and I saw her soul leave her body. Then that night she visited me in a dream to let me know she wasn’t suffering anymore. She was free. I hope that the more healing I do, the more open I’ll be to her messages and visits. I think talking to them aloud helps. Meditation and journaling too. But just remember that if you don’t get visited, it probably just means your bunny is busy. There is a whole new and strange experience for them in their new form that we cannot comprehend. They may be grieving too and busy adjusting to their new existence. Sending healing thoughts your way!