luv2lurk

Fellow Canadians and those living in responsible states might appreciate this

Just an observation but @Cupid Stunt has not posted here for several days. I hope all is ok with her. I might be a party of one, but I honestly just scrolled through her lengthy news and music links. So much better when we just chat. Hugs to all.

Well Jewel, if you hop across the border to Ontario - as of yesterday if you are fully vaxxed you no longer have to isolate after five days of first having symptoms and if you are feeling OK. This announcement was accompanied with the new policy that unless you are in an at-risk environment (hospitals, LTC, etc) you can no longer get a government paid for PCR test. And trying to find a rapid test to purchase is like looking for toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic. Before Christmas, they were handing out free RAT kits - but no more. So basically the message from our Ministry of Health is - if you have symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, etc) assume it is Covid and isolate. IDK it could just be a cold . . . but the government doesn't care to test anymore. I guess that is one way to manage the extremely high case counts. On a personal note - it sounds like you have found a new job. 2021 has been a terrible year for you - I hope 2022 is filled with joy and blessings for you and Steve!

I'm going to start with a stupid question - why can't you use a D-ring from a collar Mo has outgrown? Now that I see them together I actually like the blue/gold (bottom right) - colours of Barbados, right? Definitely no to pink/goldenrod (bottom left) Otherwise you can't go wrong, although I admit the burgundy is darker than I thought (maybe just the light for the photo).

Well, I am older than four but thought of that combination as well. Just thought it might be too girly for a boy dog.

I am thinking the burgundy and goldenrod would look very regal. Or burgundy with either the neon green or one of the light blues in the first photograph. (Can you tell I like burgundy?) I would be inclined to stay away from black since Mo has so much of that colour naturally, other colours will pop. Good luck with your choice.

@Netfoot Add me to the list of YES please keep posting! And I would be remiss if I did not comment on your new avatar pic . . . it is wonderful and I can just imagine a Santa hat on top of your head, although I understand that would be quickly shredded by Mo. Coincidently my 20 year old cat was just prescribed prednisolone. This was in response to vestibular condition (head at right angle ie resting on shoulder) causing lack of balance due to either ear or brain infection. The cat was able to eat and drink through all this (no idea how she did it) and there were only a few mis-steps in the litter box. Anyway the vet cleaned the cat's ears and then after bloodwork prescribed antibiotics and the steroid which she will be on 2 times a day for 4 days then once a day for 3 days. We are on day 4 and she is much recovered - but has a huge appetite! So be warned. My cat is a tortie so has colouring similar to Princess the pup - I am wondering if she has found her forever home. Also, I don't think you updated us on if Heidi met Mo.

Based on the results of a trial in Kenosha, it is no wonder residents of Genoa City regularly get away with murder. This is not meant to be a political statement, just an observation of the laws in Wisconsin.

@Netfoot I love Mo and his "Safety Orange" collar, as @raven said, perfect for Halloween. And exactly what I had in mind. When I said glow-in-the dark I had no idea if such a thing existed but figured it must. Since then, I did a search on Google and discovered there is such a thing - and they have LED lights and are re-chargeable using a USB cable. Mostly designed for people walking dogs at night but as low as $13 Cdn. Although models are adjustable you might want to hold off until Mo gets a little bigger. Do you have a pet supply store you could check - I agree with you about the horrors of online ordering right now. I like that both of Mo's collars have a ring - presumably to attach a leash when needed. As for the Croc - glad you found it. Funny but true story - I was at the cottage this summer and went inside to read because the mosquitoes were very bad. It was a warm day and I left my Crocs on the deck. A short time later I heard a noise outside so I got up to investigate - a mink was chewing on my Croc. I said Hello Mr Mink - he dropped the Croc and came right up to the screen door as though looking to be let in! This is unusual because normally minks scamper along the shore by the lake and are terrified of anything. After he left, I opened the screen door and discovered my other Croc had been moved 10 feet down the deck and was suspiciously wet - the little bugger probably pee'd in it! Anyway I now have a pair of blue Crocs with mink teeth etchings :-) About the beans - you can quick soak them. This only involves rinsing the beans, putting them in a pot with water at a depth to cover plus maybe an inch, bringing the water to a boil - let boil for 2-3 minutes then turn off heat and put a lid on for at least an hour. I actually prefer this to over night soaking. Some recipes suggest adding salt but I never do because baked beans usually involve pork which already has salt. Strain the beans and proceed with your recipe. I keep the water to add as necessary during cooking. Will let the experienced dog parents here comment about Mo's scratching . . . ETA: Didn't you say mosquitoes love Mo? Maybe he has bites from them

I am so happy for you and Mo! What a day of adventure for the little boy (and you). NOW there are two things you need to do: 1. Get a fluorescent/glow in the dark collar for Mo. Yellow, green, maybe orange for Halloween 2. Change your avatar pic so we no longer have to see the image of a bottle of rum beside you 😉 When I lost my first cat (who had been with me for 17 years) a friend advised me to get a new kitten "sooner rather than later". Four weeks later I came home with a 1lb 1oz kitten and looked her straight in the eyes and said "You have big paws to fill". She just turned 20 and has filled the paws, but in a different way. We remember them all even when new ones enter our lives. I think somewhere Buddy is smiling.

Molasses/Mo is the perfect name for this tiny bundle which looks very happy in your arms. I love how the pic goes from goatee to adorable pink tongue. He seems to be saying - I found my furever human - what's the wait? How big will he grow to be?

@Netfoot - first of all, my heart goes out to you. As my username suggests, I tend to read more than comment. For some reason, two days ago I thought to read this thread with Aug 1 being the first unread post. So, I read about the celebration of Budweiser's birthday (even if delayed one day; he probably didn't know) - a steak most humans would enjoy. It spoke to me of the love and bond between you. And then there was the incident with the wild dogs . . . I read on, hoping all would be well. When I got to the post from last Sunday, I screamed out loud "Oh No!" startling my sleeping 20 year old cat. Then I cried for the next hour or two. Because there is something about a connection between a human (especially those living alone) and their fur baby. Then I thought, Bud taking you on long walks from the vet - did he know what was going to happen; is that why he buried the biscuit? Now, about this girl puppy (whom I have named Guinness because of the colour of her coat) how did she break her leg? It is entirely possible she is a tom boy. So I think you should not worry about gender. My final thought, take Dr K's prescription for a new puppy when you are ready and you meet the right one. You have so much love to give to a four legged friend. Take care.

Actually it was Garcelle that most annoyed me - constantly trying to stir up old shit. My TV got annoyed at too many "shut up" shouts and my eyes are tired from rolling.

Hi Scout. My cat (also a Tortie, but has a much more colourful face) was diagnosed with kidney failure a little over 4 years ago when she was 15 years old. At the time the vet told me she might live 1-2 years. Like you, I was dealing with a new vet who had taken over the practice from my former vet who had sadly passed away. And I also I thought my cat had hyperthyroidism. However the vet did prescribe a medication called Fortekor and warned me that the cat would have to take this pill for the rest of her life. She offered it in liquid form, but the cat hated that so now we just do the pill. Notice the "now". My cat is still here at age 19. Every 6 months she goes for bloodwork. My vet says "we caught it early" when I remind her of the early fatal diagnosis. The blood work comes back at stable levels. (Hope I did not just jinx things, paws crossed) My vet normally does not give values, but we had a conversation a couple of years ago which when pressed she said the cat was in late Stage 2. Interestingly last December she voluntarily gave me the values, maybe because the bloodwork had dropped (ie improved). So they do know the values, and stages, you just have to press. I did have to change the cat's diet from dry food only to wet food only. She refused to eat any of the kidney prescription stuff from the vet, but loved the grocery store wet food. Until she developed an allergy (constantly throwing it up) So now she gets a wet food from a pet food specialty store which is higher in nutrition but not necessarily designated for kidney. Every cat is different so you will have to find what works for Willow, but I remember my old vet saying "As along as they eat, drink, pee and poop everything is OK". I would add with Kidney cats, just make sure they eat and drink - the peeing will take care of itself (just be prepared to buy tons of cat litter). As for sub-Qs we went through that stage a few months after the cat had the initial kidney diagnoses. What made me bring her to the vet was she was throwing up a foamy, cloudy, white, watery substance. I know the pull at the back of the neck is a classic check - I never saw it even when the vet did it. Anyway the vet did show me how to do sub-Qs. And as other posters have mentioned, I also watched plenty of YouTubes. I agree with other posters - go for the smaller needle, once in under the skin, a couple more minutes doesn't matter. I thought it was like the pills - for the rest of her life. But after a year the vet and I agreed it was no longer necessary. (Back of my mind how much did the vet know about cat kidney disease at the beginning?) I hope Willow has been diagnosed medication and my only other advice* is to seek an online source for the medication and/or sub-Q supplies when they are needed. Here in Canada the vet has to write a prescription for the meds (sub-Q supplies no prescription required) but I have been honest with her on what she charges vs what I can get online and she writes it for me. *Apart from finding a responsive vet you trust to work with

I think Harper is really saying - can I wear a bandana instead?

I think the only way to watch this episode (and Dec 31) is through a Covid lens. There was obviously a lot of testing and possible quarantine - note that Abby and Chance and Tessa left for stupid reasons and there are basically only 7 people at the wedding. Nick hugged and kissed Faith on the top of her head. And Celeste via Skype, well not due to her job in FL, but restrictions on number of people on set. Might be unpopular, but for the first time I actually enjoyed the Rosales siblings and their banter. They have grown up.

Billy is definitely left handed, I remember the awkward way he signs things. But I don't think he is the shooter.

Alli looks worried . . . wondering where Harper's bandana is

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day fellow Canucks 🇨🇦 I have never eaten poutine, so do I have to turn in my citizenship? I do like malt vinegar (or white if malt is not available) on my fries which was strange to Americans years ago when I travelled there. I think John Catucci featured 4 restaurants on Roncy - 3 of which I have been to - Cafe Polonez (Polish food - pierogis, borsch etc), Barque (smoked meat, pork and chicken) and La Cubana (Cuban food and I went only after seeing the episode - it did not disappoint!) The fourth - Cardinal Rule is now out of business but the episode is famous for John singing about the deep fried mac and cheese balls (I can sill hear it in my head). He did have a show in 2019 called Big Food Bucket List - so watch out for that one OhioSongbird. I can't believe Environment Canada just issued a heat warning for Toronto - hasn't it already been hot enough? Maybe the library will open as a cooling centre so I can pick up my hold book (curb side pick up has no slots available for 3 weeks) No AC here (and my ceiling fan has decided not to work), so no danger of gravy or anything congealing. I have already become used to wet as a perpetual state. Looking forward to neighbours setting off fireworks tonight (the cat isn't). There is someone close by that has been setting them off a few times per week since Victoria Day - I can hear, but not see. Has that been happening around you pearlite? Just learned that activity is totally illegal - can only set off fireworks on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit. Will not be rushing to the phone to report.

Yes, I would highly recommend. I started going there a few years ago after decades of not seeing a dentist (I know very bad . . . ) The dentist I see (Dr McGrath) is both knowledgeable and caring. The staff are excellent. Best of all - they welcome new patients and are only a short walk away!

Hi pearlite - yes, you recalled correctly❤️ I recently received a message from my dentist (Roncesvalles Dental Centre) that they are preparing for re-opening. Among other measures (additional PPE, social distancing, etc) they are modifying the treatment rooms as well as adding Surgically Clean Air units, to clean and change the air frequently.

Jewel, I am sorry for your frustration. I suggest you look up the mandate by the professional association for dentists in Quebec. If it is anything like Ontario, all dental staff and patients (until they are in the treatment chair) are required to wear masks. Staff are required to maintain social distancing during breaks and wear PPE. Plexiglass in the reception area is recommended. I would be surprised if the protocol is different for Quebec. If the dentist you are working for is in violation, you can always report them.

I'm in Canada so watched the episode today. Like many of you, I thought December 2019 was not exactly vintage. But given everything that is going on in the world today this did feel like worlds ago and was strangely soothing. Friends and family (re-united) celebrating a holiday. Wouldn't we all like to do that now?

Lima observes Peru Time all year ie no Daylight Savings Time hence currently 1 hour behind NYC. https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/peru/lima

This episode just felt like - what do we already have taped?