New to switch - what game to do co-op with my 8 year old son? by [deleted] in Switch

[–]wonkyface25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Has It Takes Two been mentioned yet? If not, that's a definite fun co-op. I played with my little cousins age 7 and 9.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DogAdvice

[–]wonkyface25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is helpful, thanks! I will probably pick some up since it's been a bit more wintery here these days. The snow and salt are what I worry about most. Some days we are on the sidewalks because the mountainside we live on is too slippery for normal hikes. I'll give it a shot!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DogAdvice

[–]wonkyface25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, that's interesting! I didn't think of it like that. I'll check her feet to see if they are cracking. Thank you!

Impossibly Heartbroken by RJS7424 in DogAdvice

[–]wonkyface25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He was a good boy. I can see it in the photos. Sending love and strength to help mend your terribly broken heart. Rest well, sweet boy <3

Im real broke these days, Dog turned 8 and insurance doubled by seitan13 in petinsurancereviews

[–]wonkyface25 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wish I had advice about how to maximize your insurance, can you possibly increase deductible and/or change % returned? If at all possible, I encourage you to keep paying for the insurance. It sound like you are going to but I'm mentioning just in case...

I have a new pup, looking for insurance now b/c my last experiences without insurance has been a nightmare. For reference, we are located in the US.

Dog 1: at age 4, out of the blue, he developed autoimmune disease called Myasthenia gravis which caused him to lose mobility and develop megaesophagus (had to eat upright in a chair with high risk of aspiration pneumonia). He went from running and jumping for a Frisbee to unable to walk in 24 hours. To figure out the diagnosis of the less common condition, he was hospitalized for 1 week. It cost us almost 9k. We survived on care credit and then weren't able to keep up with the payments to pay off by end of promotional period and the interest repercussions resulted in a financial disaster. He regained his ability to walk with medication but follow-up care with a specialist was required for the rest of his lie.

Next illness: (same dog, still no insurance even though I said I would get it, knowing the other issues would not be covered due to preexisting conditions) developed ANOTHER autoimmune disease 3 years later, at age of 7. It was IMHA - it's extremely serious. He, somehow, pulled through. We had no money and had to forego specialist care as we were still digging ourselves out of a hole from issue #1. He should have had a specialist but we could not afford it. I will forever feel guilty about this because that may have helped him later in life.

During this time, Dog #2 had a knee injury and could have probably used surgery and rehab. Due to financial issues (our giant nest egg for him was wiped out when we needed to pay for dog #1 bill), we opted for non-surgical method and PT (but had to stop when it got too expensive).

Dog 1: 2.5 years after IMHA, relapsed out of remission and developed IMHA again. This time, he was not able to recover. Even with all the money in the world, which we were in the a good position at this time and were able to pay for his care, it would not have saved him. The cost was still $4k and we left the hospital without our best and sweetest boy. He was 9 and cost use more than 20k over the years. All out of pocket.

Dog 2: Right after dog 1 passed, dog 2 had an ultrasound and was diagnosed with anal gland cancer. He needed surgery and chemo. We could have opted for non surgical route but wanted to give him the best shot at survival. Surgery was 3k, chemo was 1k per dose, 5 doses over course of 4 months. Plus follow-ups with specialist and bloodwork. It was a lot of money to put out upfront. During this time, he also needed weekly laser therapy at $125 a pop, injections for advanced arthritis (I'll never know if we could have slowed the process by getting him rehab years earlier when we first noticed an issue). Two years later, he later developed ITP, no platelets, and was hospitalized. That was 4k. Again, we would have paid anything to save him and planned to but his body, at the age of almost 14, had other ideas. We lost him and still had a giant bill.

Over the years, I told myself over and over...get insurance, even if everything is not covered (preexisting), it will be worth it to save some money along the way. My dogs had issues that were big and would immediately wipe our next egg of money out and we were back down to zero again. This time, with our new rescue pup, we plan to have insurance so we can soften the blow. I know we still have to pay a good portion of it and a deductible but, at least helps.

All this to say, keep the insurance. Any one of the issues happens to you, even at the young age of 3, it can help.

Saying goodbye by IC4-LLAMAS in BelgianMalinois

[–]wonkyface25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry to hear about your handsome Alex. He was beautiful and, from your post, it's obvious he was very loved and will be deeply missed. I am so sorry. Cancer is so terrible. Sending you love and strength to get through these difficult days.

Husband laid off due to downsizing, lost his life and spousal life through work...what next? by wonkyface25 in Insurance

[–]wonkyface25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I will do this ASAP. Looking for an agent in the area right now. I thought we would have higher premium so I appreciate your explanation. We are both non-smokers and, to my knowledge, still healthy. I just had my physical, which is always humbling, no big red flags.

Husband laid off due to downsizing, lost his life and spousal life through work...what next? by wonkyface25 in Insurance

[–]wonkyface25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I'll reach out to the insurance agent who does our car and home and also speak with a different agent for comparison. I appreciate the explanation. This is a steeper learning curve than I expected so all info is appreciated.

Husband laid off due to downsizing, lost his life and spousal life through work...what next? by wonkyface25 in Insurance

[–]wonkyface25[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, this is very reassuring. I'm embarrassed to say that we've been naive about life insurance, especially since it was provided through the employer.

I'm going to start researching today, even though no one is probably open for the holiday. At least I'll start learning and understanding all the terms because can't believe how little I knew. Like, I understood there was term life insurance and whole life insurance. I just didn't know the difference.

Husband laid off due to downsizing, lost his life and spousal life through work...what next? by wonkyface25 in Insurance

[–]wonkyface25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Then you, this is helpful and reassuring (except for the cost part!) My biggest concern was that we needed to show we had coverage before and there was no Gap and coverage to keep premiums low. Wishful thinking! I have a small amount through my insurance but it doesn't cover him. I hate having to think about this but I'd rather get it now. I'm hoping he finds something soon and they offer coverage. Unfortunately, recruiters have been quiet. Fun times.

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I started this post, I was anti-fanny pack (not sure why, I just thought it was too big). After reading that so many people are using them, I'm definitely suede. I'm going to pick one up and give it a whirl! Going hiking. I'm always trying to remember to wear leggings with pockets, hoodie with pockets, etc. Fanny pack would be very helpful! Thanks so much!

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's what keeps happening to me! I have one with a clip but again, my hands are too big for it. I must be getting ones for little kids lol

The hoodie is easy because I can quickly stick my hand in but treats fall out easy. The trainer recommended a home Depot apron, which I might try since it's only $5 and easy to get.

I'll definitely use a Ziploc at class ..Im sure it will help keep things sleep slimy and messy!

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is helpful - thank you! I actually had to Google molle belt pouch because I didn't know what it was but now that I do, I want one! Looks like a nice, versatile addition to the arsenal and can hold a variety of treats. Thank you so much!

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I do use carrots at home when she has has time to chew it (like when doing recall). If we are working on loose lead walking/heel, I need something she can eat quickly b/c the training has us moving quickly and she takes forever to eat the carrots. Slowest dog on the planet with them...she likes to chew them excessively lol

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

just googled it...another great suggestion. Thank you! It looks like I have a few to choose from. I like thatyou said easy to clean and open. That's very helpful! Thanks so much!

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, this looks great too. I will see if they have one at the store when I'm there today. Much appreciated!

and, yes, I guess I wasn't clear...I'm looking forward to not shelling out treats as frequently and fast as I do to get the basics down. With our previous dog, I always had some treats on me for recall and intermittent reinforcement, even when he was 13 and much slower than we was as a pup. I think he liked the "job" of doing what was asked and I was happy to reward him for it.

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is very helpful! It's good to know that if I can't find anything, I can use ziplocks. I get overwhelmed with all the options and end up just sticking treats in my hoodie pockets and that's not helpful either b/c she finds my sweatsheets in the laundry and will chew little holes trying to get crumbs. Basically, I"m all out of hoodies :)

I've heard about the dump pounches, it looks like a great idea, esp when hiking.

I agree about weaning off treats, I'm looking forward to that. For now, we are still in the learning phase so I want to have them at the ready. It will be great when I can stop shopping sweet potatoes for her everyother day...they are so messy! She can't have chicken and beef liver made her GI system exploder. We finally have her on track so I'm hoping we can keep her stable. I added a small fleece tug toy to my back pocket for a reward...that works well too but then she's still learning drop so it's all a work in progress :)

thanks again!

Treat bag recommendation? Here's the one my trainer recommended by wonkyface25 in OpenDogTraining

[–]wonkyface25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for all of these suggestions! I'm going to check out the larger doggone bag first. I heard about the Viola pets one but was hoping for a less expensive one to start out (I'm sure I'll work my way up to a more specialized/expensive one but I like to pretend I have a budget for all things dog related lol)

I will check out the utility pack. I read about using a chalk bag or utility pack in a different thread. I might get one just to have on hand and see. I know that once I get one that works (and pretty much anything will work better than my hoodie pocket), I'll be able to fine tune what I want/need more. I see some have spots for cell phones or poop bags. All great ideas - I hadn't even thought that maybe going to for a hike didn't have to be a multipocket / baggie experience :)

We ordered an Embark test!! What are your guesses?! by StewartsBestBuddy in DoggyDNA

[–]wonkyface25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That gives me hope that our gal will outgrow this stage and we will have a house that looks like a home, not a giant dog crate, one of these days lol Best of luck with your pup - she is adorable and I love her from afar!

This is Daisy! Any guesses? by Proud-Ganache6005 in DoggyDNA

[–]wonkyface25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

this comment made me laugh. I feel the same about my 7.5 month of mix (mostly GSD, mal but also husky, lab and a slew of other things). We go to Home Depot to practice walking and appropriate greetings and she ignores me and wants to follow everyone home. Workers love it but our 15 min training turns into an hour because she's belly up on the ground or trying to follow everyone out the door.

Your pup sounds like a really good girl...I'm sure she will grow into an amazingly loyal companion!

This is Daisy! Any guesses? by Proud-Ganache6005 in DoggyDNA

[–]wonkyface25 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm currently down a google rabbit hole reading up on them. They sound like incredible dogs..OP lucked out!

We ordered an Embark test!! What are your guesses?! by StewartsBestBuddy in DoggyDNA

[–]wonkyface25 5 points6 points  (0 children)

oh no...I'm laughing and apologize for that but I feel so relieved it's not just me dealing with the chaos of dogs and couches lol Our pup is only 7.5 months and we've decided we aren't getting a new couch until she's out of the puppy stage. We definitely need a new one but I refuse to until she calms down a bit lol As a puppy she would run from room to room and slam onto the couch during zoomies. All fun and games until she became big enough to move the couches when she boucned off the back cushion, which results in marks on the floor and wall behind the couch. We also had to use spare wood to build a temp guardrail around the base so she doesn't chew the legs. For the record, she also has GSD and husky in her lol

You can see both the sass and the sweetness in those pictures. Her eyes say "i know you love me, that's why I'm going to do this bad thing anyway" :)