Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[jcbrown]

1 hour ago, NotthebadVictoria said:

Hey friends! I know I’m not one of the tell your life story kinds on here but I need advice. My sweet pupp died in his sleep last night and I’m absolutely broken. His brother (who was also in his same litter) is still with us and he knows 😭😭. What on earth do I do for my surviving pupp? They are 12, and have been together their entire lives (and with me). 
 

I am a hot mess but I need to be able to help my boy 😭😭

In addition to lots of snuggles and attention, as recommended by others, I have read that it is good to keep items around that the pet who died was fond of (bed, toys, whatever), so that the scent of the one who is gone can fade slowly. I read that can help surviving fur-kids understand that their friend is gone, though it chokes me up to type it.

@rue721 I'm sorry your stupid standardized test did not recognize your obvious competence and skill. I agree, give yourself a bit of time to pout and then try try again.

Edited April 9, 2021 by jcbrown

[ginger90]

@NotthebadVictoria so sorry about your pup. 😔 

[NotthebadVictoria]

55 minutes ago, jcbrown said:

In addition to lots of snuggles and attention, as recommended by others, I have read that it is good to keep items around that the pet who died was fond of (bed, toys, whatever), so that the scent of the one who is gone can fade slowly. I read that can help surviving fur-kids understand that their friend is gone, though it chokes me up to type it.

@rue721 I'm sorry your stupid standardized test did not recognize your obvious competence and skill. I agree, give yourself a bit of time to pout and then try try again.

Thank you for this! They slept in separate kennels in their room (side by side)and I was thinking about taking Picks blankets and putting them in his bed tonight. I am definitely going to do that. Do you think I should move his kennel to my room, or leave him in theirs? 

54 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

@NotthebadVictoria so sorry about your pup. 😔 

Thank you 😭😭. 

[QuinnInND]

@NotthebadVictoria I'm so sorry about your pup. 😞 I would move his kennel into your room.  It would be easier than being alone.

@rue721 that sucks you didn't pass your test.  😞 Can you retake it later? 

[jcbrown]

18 minutes ago, NotthebadVictoria said:

Thank you for this! They slept in separate kennels in their room (side by side)and I was thinking about taking Picks blankets and putting them in his bed tonight. I am definitely going to do that. Do you think I should move his kennel to my room, or leave him in theirs? 

Thank you 😭😭. 

I would move him to your room, too. And I forgot to say that I am very sorry for your loss.

[Marshmallow Mollie]

@NotthebadVictoria I had a similar situation about two years ago. I am so sorry, because I know the grief is so much stronger. Mollie is the dog who is still with me, so I started doing new things with her (that I couldn’t do with two big dogs including one very arthritic one), and I started taking her for lots of rides and lots of walks. I think the novelty helped transition to the new normal. She’s actually camping with us now. 
 

[Olliesmom]

22 minutes ago, NotthebadVictoria said:

Thank you for this! They slept in separate kennels in their room (side by side)and I was thinking about taking Picks blankets and putting them in his bed tonight. I am definitely going to do that. Do you think I should move his kennel to my room, or leave him in theirs? 

Thank you 😭😭. 

I am so sorry for your loss. I would move Picks blankets with his and move his kennel to your room.  I think it will be a comfort to you both.  Again, I am so sorry.

[NotthebadVictoria]

1 minute ago, Marshmallow Mollie said:

@NotthebadVictoria I had a similar situation about two years ago. I am so sorry, because I know the grief is so much stronger. Mollie is the dog who is still with me, so I started doing new things with her (that I couldn’t do with two big dogs including one very arthritic one), and I started taking her for lots of rides and lots of walks. I think the novelty helped transition to the new normal. She’s actually camping with us now. 
 

This is a great idea, there is a lot I couldn’t do with two that I can do with one. I will start this tomorrow!
 

@QuinnInND @jcbrown thank you, I dill fo that. 

Just now, Olliesmom said:

I am so sorry for your loss. I would move Picks blankets with his and move his kennel to your room.  I think it will be a comfort to you both.  Again, I am so sorry.

Thank you 😭😭. He’s the first pupp I’ve ever lost, this is worse than I could have imagined. 

[Jeeves]

35 minutes ago, NotthebadVictoria said:

Thank you 😭😭. He’s the first pupp I’ve ever lost, this is worse than I could have imagined. 

Oh gosh, it's so hard to say goodbye to a furkid. You have my condolences and sympathy for your loss.

Although I'd been through it a few times before? About 18 months ago, I was a freaking basket case when my 11 year old dog died. I experienced strong and sharp grief, and cried a LOT, although that phase didn't last forever. I still miss the little guy, and don't tell anybody else, but I still talk to him sometimes. I'm glad you have one of your pups and I'm sure you will comfort each other. 

[Jeanne222]

11 hours ago, zoomama said:

unexpectedly, got my #2 shingles vaccine yesterday. so now i am caught up on all vaccines. and....hearing test today!  i hope they can figure me out and do something about the ringing in my ears.  its such a nuisance.  kinda silly to be happy about a dr appt but i got two specialist appts scheduled within 24 hours of seeing my dr yesterday. that's world record speed!

Is the ringing tinnitus?

[Jeanne222]

@rue721I'm so sorry about the test fail.  I've always heard each part of the CPA test is really hard.  Aren't there three or four separate tests?   Different in that they each deal with something like, law etc?

Do take a little break.  I see your glass half full!  You have passed all the others, been accepted to law school and have a guy that loves you!

Everything is gonna be alright!  Hugs kiddo.

[GeeGolly]

So sorry for you loss @NotthebadVictoria.

@rue721, are there online practice tests you can take? Maybe that could help narrow down where you might need to focus your studying on.

[Mindthinkr]

@NotthebadVictoria I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Pets are members of the family and you and your other dog will need time to grieve. My condolences and purrs from the Mindthinkr kitties. 
@rue721 I’m sorry that you didn’t pass the test, but as you stated, you can retake it. You will pass it. Give yourself a few days off. Your plate has been very full and a small break may give your mind some time to catch up with itself. Then dip your toes back in. I have all faith that you will get there. 

[whydoiwatch]

@NOTTHEBADVICTORIA I am sorry for the loss of your pet. I had two pups from the same litter. One had several health problems early on and we battled through. I thought she would be the first to go. However, her sister developed a blood disorder at 10 years of age and was gone one week after diagnosis. We were devastated. I kept her blankets and other items and put some of them in her sister's crate. We spent a lot of extra time and tried to concentrate on fun activities and eventually we all adjusted to being a one dog household. Today, Sammie is 15 and declining. It is so hard losing a beloved pet. Take time to grieve.

[NotthebadVictoria]

8 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Oh gosh, it's so hard to say goodbye to a furkid. You have my condolences and sympathy for your loss.

Although I'd been through it a few times before? About 18 months ago, I was a freaking basket case when my 11 year old dog died. I experienced strong and sharp grief, and cried a LOT, although that phase didn't last forever. I still miss the little guy, and don't tell anybody else, but I still talk to him sometimes. I'm glad you have one of your pups and I'm sure you will comfort each other. 

I will still talk to him to, I won’t be able to help myself. Thank you. 

[NotthebadVictoria]

1 minute ago, whydoiwatch said:

@NOTTHEBADVICTORIA I am sorry for the loss of your pet. I had two pups from the same litter. One had several health problems early on and we battled through. I thought she would be the first to go. However, her sister developed a blood disorder at 10 years of age and was gone one week after diagnosis. We were devastated. I kept her blankets and other items and put some of them in her sister's crate. We spent a lot of extra time and tried to concentrate on fun activities and eventually we all adjusted to being a one dog household. Today, Sammie is 15 and declining. It is so hard losing a beloved pet. Take time to grieve.

Thank you for your advice. Picks has been through multiple surgeries for various things and managed to shock doctors and recover. I think this is why I thought he was just tough as nails invincible. Their breed usually has a longer life span thank 12 years (dachshund) so I hope I can keep Palo around a lot longer. 

[Jeeves]

@rue721, I'm sorry about that test. I hope you can take it again when you aren't juggling so many things at once, and I have confidence that you will get 'er done at some point in the future. 

[Tikichick]

Anybody who received their vaccination through a retailer who was asked to provide their insurance info when getting the vaccine?   My youngest is away at college and getting the J&J today just mentioned in a text that they had contacted her for her insurance info. and reminded her to bring her insurance card today.   She now thinks maybe it is just to enroll her in their pharmacy program.  I told her to tell them she's graduating in a month and doesn't live in the area.  

[Jeeves]

36 minutes ago, Tikichick said:

Anybody who received their vaccination through a retailer who was asked to provide their insurance info when getting the vaccine?   My youngest is away at college and getting the J&J today just mentioned in a text that they had contacted her for her insurance info. and reminded her to bring her insurance card today.   She now thinks maybe it is just to enroll her in their pharmacy program.  I told her to tell them she's graduating in a month and doesn't live in the area.  

According to this story, the vaccines are provided free of charge by the federal government, but there may be an administrative fee which the provider can bill to health insurance. That could be why the retailer asks for the insurance card. 

ETA: according to the story, the provider is NOT to bill the patient at all, nor is the patient to have a co-pay. It's all on the insurance companies. I got my vaccination shots at the clinic of the HMO where I have my health insurance; there was no co-pay at all. 

Edited April 9, 2021 by Jeeves

[MargeGunderson]

48 minutes ago, Tikichick said:

Anybody who received their vaccination through a retailer who was asked to provide their insurance info when getting the vaccine?   My youngest is away at college and getting the J&J today just mentioned in a text that they had contacted her for her insurance info. and reminded her to bring her insurance card today.   She now thinks maybe it is just to enroll her in their pharmacy program.  I told her to tell them she's graduating in a month and doesn't live in the area.  

Yes, I had to give my insurance info to Walgreens when I got my shot. As @Jeeves found, it seems common. 

[Zella]

I had to give my insurance card when I got mine at a little local independent pharmacy. I was not billed, so I don't think it is sketchy that they asked for it. Getting ready to go get the next one here in a couple of hours. 

[crazy8s]

I got my second one yesterday, Moderna, so far all is well. My arm is really sore, but I have been out gardening and pulling weeds all morning to keep the arm gently moving.

years and years of physical therapy has taught me don't let the muscles lock up.

[zoomama]

12 hours ago, Jeanne222 said:

Is the ringing tinnitus?

yes and its LOUD!!!  he says there is nothing to do but live with it. 

[rue721]

17 minutes ago, zoomama said:

yes and its LOUD!!!  he says there is nothing to do but live with it. 

I think someone on this board recommended a phone app that will play a noise at the exact Hz to cancel out the tinnitus noise -- the poster said it worked wonders. I'm sorry, I don't remember who recommended it and I haven't tried it. It sounded like an amazing idea, though!

[Jeanne222]

1 hour ago, zoomama said:

yes and its LOUD!!!  he says there is nothing to do but live with it. 

I asked because I have had tinnitus for about 30 years.  I tried a lot of things but I have had the best luck with staying far away from caffine.  Wearing hearing aids and I get a B12 shot once a month and for some reason that helps.

The B12 isn't given for tinnitus but it gives me relief.

Honestly it bothered me a lot in the beginning but now days I hardly notice it.  I guess I've just gotten so used to it.

[Tikichick]

1 hour ago, crazy8s said:

I got my second one yesterday, Moderna, so far all is well. My arm is really sore, but I have been out gardening and pulling weeds all morning to keep the arm gently moving.

years and years of physical therapy has taught me don't let the muscles lock up.

When I got my first dose, Pfizer, the nurse who gave it mentioned moving my arm around to avoid the stiffness and achiness, which I knew and expected,  but she also told me to take it easy that day and the next, which I really didn't understand why.   I was not told the same when I received my second dose, and no one else I know was told to take it easy with whatever vaccine or whichever dose.   I still find that odd.    

[CalicoKitty]

 Flora is helping me unpack boxes and organize this morning.

[jcbrown]

19 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Oh gosh, it's so hard to say goodbye to a furkid. You have my condolences and sympathy for your loss.

Although I'd been through it a few times before? About 18 months ago, I was a freaking basket case when my 11 year old dog died. I experienced strong and sharp grief, and cried a LOT, although that phase didn't last forever. I still miss the little guy, and don't tell anybody else, but I still talk to him sometimes. I'm glad you have one of your pups and I'm sure you will comfort each other. 

 

10 hours ago, NotthebadVictoria said:

I will still talk to him to, I won’t be able to help myself. Thank you. 

After my 19+ year-old kitty Hillary (who had been with us since she was three weeks old) died in 2019, I had a couple of good photos of her printed and framed them. I still greet her and say goodnight to her and blow her kisses. I love having the photos displayed.

[NotthebadVictoria]

3 minutes ago, jcbrown said:

 

After my 19+ year-old kitty Hillary (who had been with us since she was three weeks old) died in 2019, I had a couple of good photos of her printed and framed them. I still greet her and say goodnight to her and blow her kisses. I love having the photos displayed.

I’ve thought about that, I think that’s a great idea. I will do that. Thank you.

[QuinnInND]

@NotthebadVictoria how did it go last night? Did you and your dog have a decent night? 

[kaleidoscope]

NotthebadVictoria, there are no words.  Sending love and {{{HUGS}}} ♥

[Bayarea4]

On 4/8/2021 at 5:06 PM, zoomama said:

guess what? i failed my hearing test...both ears.  so he recommends hearing aids.  i do have the option of trying to get people to look at me more when speaking and other techniques he mentioned so i dont have to rush out immediately and get them. but probably i will need to sooner rather than later. of course, all on my dime.

It's better to not delay getting hearing aids. If you wait too long, your brain will forget how to hear certain frequencies, and no hearing aid will help. I've had mine for about six years and couldn't be happier. I only wish I'd gotten them sooner.

[iwantcookies]

OMG I saw these in a store. People must have heard me laugh a few aisles over. 

[awaken]

35 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

OMG I saw these in a store. People must have heard me laugh a few aisles over. 

Interestingly, I get tons of Facebook ads for those!  

[Scarlett45]

20 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

 Flora is helping me unpack boxes and organize this morning.

She’s amazing. 

[Zella]

Just an update to add to our collection of COVID vaccine reaction stories. Got second dose of Moderna yesterday afternoon. None of the mild aches and pains I had last time and not having fatigue, but do have the sore arm. Not quite as bad as last time, and it feels better this morning, but it still was pretty painful yesterday. Assuming the pain will wear off either today or tomorrow morning, which happened last time. 

Edited April 10, 2021 by Zella

[doodlebug]

14 hours ago, iwantcookies said:

OMG I saw these in a store. People must have heard me laugh a few aisles over. 

The specialist in Gynecologic Infectious Disease who runs the Vulva and Vagina Clinic at my place of employment, recommends probiotics to women who suffer from recurrent vaginal infections like BV.  She says there is a little bit of research that shows it could help, so she tells women to give it a try.  I do not recall ever seeing this particular brand, however.  A lot of companies who make various vaginal preparations have branched into the probiotic market these days and those are the ones I've seen.

[Boston]

I hope this the right place to post this.. my neighbor (she is 73) finally got an appointment for her first vaccine.. the place (which is in our town) left a message.. no time.. and she should register.  So she came to me and i looked up the website and, again, it is a freakin nightmare trying to either register or even be put on a waitlist.  So (because she doesn't drive).. I will take her.. I finally found out the times they are open (from 8am to 6pm) - it is at a school.  We will be there at 7:45.  I don't care how long she waits.  What a pain in the ass.  BTW .. I STILL can't get an appointment in Massachusetts (even going online at 1, 3am in the morning).. UGH

[iwantcookies]

28 minutes ago, Boston said:

I hope this the right place to post this.. my neighbor (she is 73) finally got an appointment for her first vaccine.. the place (which is in our town) left a message.. no time.. and she should register.  So she came to me and i looked up the website and, again, it is a freakin nightmare trying to either register or even be put on a waitlist.  So (because she doesn't drive).. I will take her.. I finally found out the times they are open (from 8am to 6pm) - it is at a school.  We will be there at 7:45.  I don't care how long she waits.  What a pain in the ass.  BTW .. I STILL can't get an appointment in Massachusetts (even going online at 1, 3am in the morning).. UGH

Come to NY. I got 2 different offices calling me to get the vaccine. 

[Boston]

3 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

Come to NY. I got 2 different offices calling me to get the vaccine. 

in the words of FRANK BARONE.. HOLY CRAP!!

[iwantcookies]

7 minutes ago, Boston said:

in the words of FRANK BARONE.. HOLY CRAP!!

Oh man I loved Everybody loves Raymond!

[Boston]

45 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

Oh man I loved Everybody loves Raymond!

I think that show saved my life during the pandemic.. got off the news.  Marie is like my aunt (my brother brought it up.) and yes yes.. but she doesn't have the snarky gene.  I love her (my aunt).. an Italian from Sicily

[MargeGunderson]

@Boston, if your name is your location, we are in the same general area. I had luck scheduling at Walgreens in the middle of the afternoon (I had been trying late at night/early morning). I basically just checked throughout the afternoon. If you want to try that, be sure to sign up for a Walgreens account, because you will need one to schedule your appt.

[jcbrown]

This morning, we finally managed to get scheduled for our first doses on Tuesday. The whole putting on real people clothes and leaving the house thing is going to be weird.

[CherryMalotte]

Every damn time I am at our county's website the times are all taken, and they are all morning anyway when I am working, which sucks.  I have an appointment with my regular doc this week so maybe I can wheedle one out of them.   

[emmawoodhouse]

So, I got my second Shingles shot yesterday. Of course, this morning there were about 20 appointment slots open each day Su-Wed. This is the FIRST TIME I have seen ANY openings. Hopefully, I will be so lucky in two weeks when I can actually get vaccinated. 🙄

[frenchtoast]

TX opened up and I started fiddling around today and actually found some slots at a nearby CVS. I've got an appointment for Monday and May 3. Woo-hoo! I'm so angry that it has been so difficult for so many people. I understand why they are sending it to pharmacies, thinking it would be easier for more people to access, but the technology seems to be a sticking point for those that really need it. Plus it's just a shit show in general, basically 2020 has bled into 2021. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and I'm so glad I'll be vaccinated soon!

[QuinnInND]

So I mailed a letter to my sister before we left Florida. I included an email I made for this. Today, she wrote back.  It made me happy. She was so surprised to get a letter from me. She had almost given up that I was going to respond.  I told her I'm not going to jump into a relationship with her in that sense, but I was glad she wrote me back. 

[CalicoKitty]

RE: the one  blue shirt in the picture of the Duggar brothers in another thread.  This reminded of a story about my uncle.  My grandfather was the superintendent of the school district where they lived, and he was a no nonsense type of father.  There was a school picture being taken one day, and the instructions were that all boys were to wear a white dress shirt.  My uncle was dressed in his only white shirt and on his way to school for the picture, but on the way he got into an argument with a "buddy" of his, and this guy punched my uncle in the face and broke his nose.  Of course, he bled all over his white shirt.  He went back home and cleaned up, and put on his only other dress shirt, which was blue.  My grandfather was absolutely furious with him for not following directions and showing up for the picture in a blue shirt.  No mention of or sympathy for the broken nose.  He had a crooked nose the rest of his life.

[Jeanne222]

On 4/8/2021 at 7:06 PM, zoomama said:

guess what? i failed my hearing test...both ears.  so he recommends hearing aids.  i do have the option of trying to get people to look at me more when speaking and other techniques he mentioned so i dont have to rush out immediately and get them. but probably i will need to sooner rather than later. of course, all on my dime. 

ETA: i thought, NotthebadVictoria, that you said you had 12 dogs!!!! wheew, reread it and understand now. maybe my eyes are going too. 

 

If on your dime check out Costco.  They are good and not so expensive and if I'm correct you don't have to be a member!

They might help your tinnitus!