Watty's Awakening

beanielou

Watty Dog 😍

greenbee

Love WattyDog, but I'm not letting him be a bad influence on Stinky :) For a labrador he's VERY good about food. Apart from with the three people who sneak him treats when they think I'm not looking - he's an utter PITA whenever he sees them as a result.

I was reminded how good he was yesterday when I put his lick mat down and went off to do something else - I came back and he was sitting there because I'd obviously forgotten to tell him he could eat it!

Mind you, I think the Kennel Club will be revoking his certificate if they find out that when I did his bedtime snacks last night (charcoal biscuits wrapped in knotted towels), a biscuit fell out that not only had he missed at breakfast, but he hadn't noticed it ALL DAY. Do you think I should get a DNA test? 🤣

Cherryfudge

WattyDog is a treasure. 🐕️

As for Stinky - something not right there… 😉

Watty1

I hesitate to ask but are you sure Stinky is a labrador? That does not sound right !!

WattyDog used to be excellent around food but a combination of the ex's influence during the bad times and a side effect of his meds which make him hungry all the time there are the occasional slips but I am off the opinion that I am lucky to still have him, that he brings so much joy and his age that I am now just going to smile and enjoy him.

greenbee

I do wonder Watty… I mean, he looks like one, but he even brings me apples/apple cores and bits of sandwich he finds on walks rather than eating them (although there are clearly some really revolting things that he does eat, because when I tell him to leave/drop he tries to swallow the evidence and won't come back to heel).

I'm so glad that you and WattyDog are having so much fun and you've found a way to enjoy his quirks. Yes, it can be annoying when they jump on your plants, but it's also wonderful watching them be happy - I was watching the cats chasing leaves and each other round the garden yesterday and it was so joyful!

Watty1

I love Stinky is prepared to share what he considers low value finds but the disgusting stuff he keeps and refuses to let go off.

WattyDog will drop or "out" most things except caught wildlife or found disgusting dead things.

Watty1

Full of hope yesterday I joined my new counsellor for a session to learn that "by a certain age" we all have a lot of baggage and other such triteness. Felt that my mental state was entirely the fault of self and that I just needed to "pull myself together" - and yes - she did pretty much say that. Also she pointed out I don't really have a problem as I can leave the "house" and go into the garden. So I am fine apparently.

And with that she has signed me off - although - did add that someone might help with anxiety and she would put me on a waiting list.

Then had routine appointment with mental health practitioner at the doctors who was rather at a loss to hear this and then asked how I was getting on with another organisation she had referred me too. Now this outfit is lovely - and - if I did not work I would make full use of the coffee mornings, the group chats and the art sessions. I pointed out I work full time and whilst I think the place is great it really is not designed for employed people. She closed the session by saying the meds take time to work and she was sure the next counsellor would help with the anxiety. She did not seem keen to make another appointment this time.

My focus this month was on health and wellbeing. VNM and i had a chat afterwards and he offered the opinion that the "professionals" are actually making things worse. I said I will see what the anxiety therapist is like if a referral ever comes through but he might have a point.

teapot2

I am appalled by the above, they are not seeing or hearing you.

greenbee

I'm inclined to agree with VNM. I didn't find it very helpful when the person who was supposed to be helping with Long Covid told me that full-time working wasn't ideal. I had to point out that neither was not being able to pay the mortgage.

With the being able to go out into the garden, I also get that. Because I do manage to get stuff done (because I have to, no one else is going to do it) it's automatically assumed that you're fine. No one thinks about the effort and impact. I do at least now have more data to help me manage things, but it does mean I'm starting to limit the people I spend time with to those who don't tell me that they think having all the data is making things worse. It isn't. I means I can be sensible and avoid making myself more ill.

Luckily Stinky and the cats are fine with me not doing much … although I suspect all of them would like more playtime and Stinky would enjoy more walks.

KajiKita

I am both appalled and raging on your behalf!! I dunno what the heck is going on with the NHS, they seem to employ the people who are incapable of making a go of it in private practice, so they get the dregs … (Apologies to those who work in the NHS, do their best and are fully committed to patient care, but really …)

Think VNM might well be right. I think you know reasonably well what you need for you to feel well and happy. Maybe its partly about giving yourself permission to have it / those factors more prominent in your life?

KK