Desperate. No Money. Big Problems.

John_In_Lincs

Hello pmlindyloo.

Yes, the dogs go for a walk most days, usually mid or late evening when the temperatures have cooled down. They have black coats and don't deal well with even moderately warm weather. They are ageing a little now and their hips are starting to wear, so they don't get walked too often. I need to see if I can get the eldest dog on some medication for her hip pain. At the moment, I can drive them to secluded beaches and let them have a run on the sand and in the water. They love it. I'm afraid that this won't be possible for much longer. Although I don't live too far from the sea front, it's not within walking distance, so this is a special treat for them which I do once or twice a week.

My experiences with the nearest CAB have been very poor. I saw somebody a few weeks ago and they gave me a checklist of things I needed to do. There were four things. After checking up on the advice I was given, I was shocked to find it was all incorrect. The worst of which was where I was told that I would need to vacate the bungalow where I am now as this would be a 'special needs' kind of property, so 'social housing' of some sort, as I already knew. (My wife was disabled.) After telephoning the housing association, I was told this was not the case and that I could stay. Phew!

Thanks pmlindyloo.

John_In_Lincs

Hello Alice.

Lots of messages coming in now - I hope I don't miss any again. Thank you.

1) Please do go back to your GP.
I will. This is very necessary.

2) Do you have a local CAB - they could help with debts and the benefits side.
Answered above. I think I should complain.

3) Have a look through turn2us for any grants - https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Find-Benefits-Grants
This is a new one to me - I will investigate. Thank you.

4) Dog walking as a source of income (but you will need to be aware of how this affects benefits)?
Now there's a possibility. Thank you.

5) Any way you could swap your skills for essentials - local bartering sites?
Are there such things?

It occurs to me more and more every day just how useful the internet and social media is. I don't like Facebook, but I use it. I had to open an account some years ago when I worked for somebody else - it was a great way of promoting their business back then.

Thanks.

John_In_Lincs

Hello kelpie35.

I only have distant family. One sister, who lives almost 100 miles from me. We are not close and barely keep in touch as it is. Other than this, just a few cousins even further away. Not in touch with any of them. Perhaps I should try to find them.

John_In_Lincs

Hello cattie.

Thank you for your reply. I overlooked that pmlindyloo had already mentioned MIND. I'll check on this.

As other people have said, I need to keep in touch with my doctor. He has made a referral to a mental health team and I am waiting on that. I'll be seeing him again in another week anyway. I'll see what else is available.

Dog food at food banks? I'll ask about this. I'll also check with the local butcher at some point. As long as the meat is good for them. They have been lucky to always have decent food. Feeding them something cheap and cheerful has had a detrimental affected their health, while nothing serious, their age probably dictates that I need to be careful regarding what they can eat and what they should avoid. Again, something I need to check up on.

Many thanks.

IAmWales

Good point on the pet food cattie, I always donate a box when I take food to the food bank.

John, if you don't do anything else today, get yourself something to eat. It's not going to solve things but it will put you in a far better position to tackle them. Beans on toast or a bowl of pasta, just something to give you some energy.

IAmWales

Are you in or near Skegness? If so, get in touch with The Storehouse. It is a church, but they'll offer support to anyone that needs it.

http://www.church.thestorehouse.co.uk/listen.html

John_In_Lincs

Thank you IAmWales, I will do that.

It might surprise you to learn, I got married there. I know a few people there.

Londonsu

Hi these people may be able to help with the Dog walking if you cant get out


I know it says for the elderly and terminally ill but they helped my old dad when he had mobility problems, if they cant help they may know of another organisation who can help you.


http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/

John_In_Lincs

Thanks Londonsu.

This was more of a suggestion for me to offer the service for people. I've been thinking about this.

My own dogs are walked regularly. Probably too much. Unlike Border Collies, as an example, my own are a much slower breed and are not known for their cross-country abilities. With their hip problems I don't walk the too much.

Thanks.

w06

even walking one dog a day during the week would cover the cost of your two's food, and probably flea and wormers too.

(two big dogs that cost more to feed than i do, but worth every single penny)