15months to debt free - I hope

jwil

Happy New Year!  Hope it's a good one.

My cat and dog aren't normally bothered by fireworks, but last night some were so loud, and seemed so close, the cat in particular went running.  I think she spent the night under our bed.  I feel for those who have reactive animals.

ladyholly

There was a report on one of the news feeds that someones dog had to be pts because of the fireworks which caused problems that couldnt be treated. I just hope there arent any tonight.

ladyholly

Last nights fireworks have certaimnly left their mark on the dog. He is, at present hiding behind the chair. He is coming out to sit with us but then retreats back to his safe place. Having said that he did pretty well when out for his walks . The pulling is horrendous but he is spending more time sniffing and less time looking for things to bark at. He also sat about 8 foot away from a friends dog while we were talking without getting stressed even though Mr LH was giving her treats. He did well.

Tasks completed today. Christmas dismantled and put back in the attic, cards saved to see if any are suitable for making gift cards. Dog walks done except for the 10pm one. Dinner cooked and cleared away.  Not much else due to being very tired from a lack of sleep last night but did have a nap this afternoon. Money saving  has been not a lot but have got bids on 2 items on ebay so hopefully that will be something to put into the present pot. I have looked at the car tax and insurance and was quite shocked at the total which I have never taken much notice of as we pay for both monthly. I am hoping to put away enough to cover paying both in full this year and save the interest charged. The house insurance I should be able to pay in full this year which will be another small saving. It is due in Feb so will have a look soon if I can save on it. Dog insurance has been organised which will start soon as we had 5 weeks free from the rescue. The lady on the phone was very helpful in arranging the dates so the fortnight that he isnt covered for illness on the new insurance is covered by the free one. Our dog insurance has dropped from over £200 to just under £40 a month because C is so much younger and we got a new customer discount for this year so it will shoot up next but should be manageable.

I am slowly getting budgets sorted but as I have said before it will take me time as it is a new thing.

I hope anyone reading this has had a good new years day.

foxgloves

Sounds like progress with doggy C. I like reading about how he's coming on. I'm sure he must have previously lived with owners who didn't establish the basics of training with him.

You've also reminded me that I need to nobble Mr F about cat insurance, as I'm sure their new policies last year were in his name. I don't want to find I've missed the renewal letter.
F

Blackcats

A lovely idea to have yellow flowers for your mum's birthday.  Years ago I bought my mum an azalea for her birthday and it flowers every year on her birthday.  It seemed to be running late the first year after she died and I thought it was protesting but it made it with a couple of flowers on the day before blooming fully as the month progressed.

C seems to be making progress which is good to hear.

good luck with your savings pots.

ladyholly

Its not been the best day today as it started at 4.15 with C going nuts scratching at the lounge door too get out. I tried to settle him but he kept doing it every time I left him so I went and sat on the sofa and ignored him until about 6.30am. Then we had our first walk. He barked but nottoo much. Our neighbours must love us though I am gradually apologising to them as I see them. Fortunately most people have lived here a long while and have seen us with other dogs and the work we have had to put in with them so are generally forgiving. He goes out again about 8.15 when it is light so I can do some training with him before I get on with whatever my day holds. When I got home I realised in one of his pabnic attempts of getting to the window he has torn a huge hole in the net curtain. Fortunately it has a lot of gathers so for the time being I have simply pulled the torn bit to one side so it doesnt show too nuch but it will need replacing. Our front window is right by the footpath so we feel we need that bit of privacy.

When we took him out at lunchtime he was very alert to the birds and I was having huge problems getting his attention but on the good side ther was a dog out playing ball and he sat and watched it quite well and again when someone we know passed with their dog. I held C while DH talked to them to give him some practice with other dogs. We werent right next to them but move a little nearer when he was settled. When we got home we were watching TV and there was a loud battle scene and he became very stressed and was pacing, panting etc. The new year fireworks have not helped him at all as he is even more noise sensitive than he was. I am going to get him a thunder shirt to see if it helps him. I have never used one before so it should be interesting but at the moment he is so bad we have to try something for him. He seems very subdued this evening. Tonight we are not shutting him in the lounge and he has a bed in my bedroom so hopefully I might get a nights sleep.

I do wonder if there is too much dog and not enough money news in my diary but he is our main focus as were the others. We dont really go out or do anything interesting that doesnt involve the dog. The most exciting thing I do is the shopping and PO trips. We do get the occasional visitor but that is all. I will be going to the theatre occasionally and of course there is my monthly trip to see my BiL. I am due to go next week and am a bit worried about leaving C for so long as Mr LH doesnt get up very early or should that be he gets up at lunchtime and I have to leave about 7am so he will only get one walk before I go which will confuse him.  

No money news today as I havent been anywhere but will be posting a couple of ebay parcels in the morning. There is a third but it isnt paid for yet so unless it is paid before 9am tomorrow it will have to wait. No surveys today which is disappointing as I am almost at payout for another £5.

foxgloves & Blackcats

Thank you for your interest in C.

beanielou

It 's your diary so write as you please.
Mine oftem mentions my resue c a t who is the light of my life!

Flying_By

I had to look up thunder shirts for dogs!  They sound like an excellent idea and I hope they will work well for C and have the required calming effect.  You seem to be making really positive progress with him and over only a short period of time too, and I love to hear how he's getting on. Our two old boys sleep in baskets in our room and I love it, especially when the two cats sleep on our duvet as well - it feels like we're part of a pack, although I'm sure there are those who would be horrified! 

ladyholly

The dogs have always slept with us but we were told not to let him upstairs after being neutered until we got the final all but hopefully that will Wed so we are going to try him tonight. He had started to sleep upstairs before hi op. So all being well it will be ok.
Some days progress seems good and other times not but as you say it is a short time with a lot of change, an op and we don't know how long he was in the kennels between being returned and us adopting him. I don't think it was long so even more change for him
Our little one used to sleep in bed with me and loved being under a blanket on the sofa. Shock horror😂

Flying_By

Fingers crossed you will all have a peaceful night x