If you want to confuse dogs, take your cat to the vet on a lead.

My last dog (border collie) was a frequent flyer at the vet for her last year (it turned out she had a brain tumour). She became very restless. I would either walk her around outside (after letting the receptionist know I'd arrived) or I'd have to keep moving in the waiting room, because she wouldn't stay still. Fortunately she'd always been very gentle with cats - although a cat stuffed into a cage in a vet's waiting room is not usually receptive to friendly overtures from strange dogs.

Especially the cat we had to take to the RVC - he growls at all dogs, even the small/ frail/ elderly.

Sorry, a Beagle! Stupid predictive text........!

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fio

Thanks! I should have guessed that, but my brain wasn't working - or had predictive text on!

Birmingham Libraries have "upgraded" their library catalogue yet again.

Now it's much more tedious to use as they split information which used to appear on the same page between several different pages so you have to click through more times. They've removed the written options (ie reserve selected items) for unlabelled buttons whose function you have to guess (so if you don't know that you can reserve a book, there's nothing to tell you that you can). It's added completely meaningless choices (anyone like to guess what "carrier" means?) and some of the obvious choices have been split between two different headings - well separated (you have to scroll to find them). Searching the catalogue - which has always been a bit hit-and-miss - seems to be worse!

They solved none of the problems they had and added a few more. You are supposed to be able to search by "tag" but the tags used are completely random - there's no kind of protocol.

I reserve a lot of books but I gave up from sheer boredom yesterday. I haven't even attempted to browse the catalogue.

Overheard in town today : "well, a tenner's nothing isn't it? What can you do with a tenner these days?"
Dunno about you mate but I can get about three days of electricity on the meter or food for my family.
Do people really think that ten quid is as of little value as a couple of pennies? ☹️☹️☹️
I'd like to be that well off.

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http://www.timwoodward.weebly.com

I've known someone who throw away his change because it was too much trouble. I suggested he gave it to me. He was shocked. The "pay for everything with a note and coins aren't worth amything" is not unusual with young men.

I don't find £10 "as nothing" being surprising (not because I have a high income, I hastened to add!) but because, with a fixed income, I can see things that used to be a little of a stretch but within reach which have become forbiddingly expensive. It's my lack of income (or its failure to keep pace with inflation) that's the problem.

So much for look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves!!

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We really must stop eating like this ...

Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open.

http://setinthepast.wordpress.com/

It's pouring with rain today, my husband has driven off to take our son to college, so I have to take the dog out for a walk .

Not sure if it is a whinge but absolutely heartbroken as my little cocker spaniel, Cassie, died a week ago today. She was 14 and at times was a bit "off" healthwise this year but she even had her breakfast the morning she died but we knew then she was in pain. It was best for her to go quickly and the vet was able to give her relief just before. I adored her though. - so did Phil and Holly. She was a darling little dog and one of the best things that ever happened to me. Such joyous memories especially of her walks but so hard without her.

I'm sorry for your loss x.

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We really must stop eating like this ...

Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open.

http://setinthepast.wordpress.com/

Sorry about your Cassie, Audrey25. Cocker Spaniels are lovely little dogs (we've just spend time with two of them down at the park) and must be a big loss.

I am so sorry Audrey, the home feels so empty when a beloved pet has to leave us. Thinking of you all.

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Cestina's dolls houses - Brave new world?

Hail and farewell, Cassie, and sympathies to you and the rest of the family, Audrey. Yes, it's the price we pay for the relationship with these beloved animals, unfortunately - hoping the happy memories will carry you through.

Alison, Joanne, Cestina and Noreen, thank you all so very much. Sympathetic people do help.

This agony though is the price for having a much loved pet. She was as much part of the family as any of the rest of us and it was as much her home as ours but it is horrible without her.

We did have another cocker spaniel, Muffin, who died 2 years before we got Cassie and we have the most joyous memories of Muffin. Hopefully this will happen too with Cassie when the pain goes.

Thank you.

Oh, I do feel for you, Audrey. Having had to do that for three beloved cats over the years, I know the heartbreak. As you're quite rightly doing, think of the love and all the good times. Sending lots of hugs.

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"It takes a long time to live what you learn." May Sarton

Sorry to hear that Audrey! Hugs to all everyone who needs them!

MaryR and roversgirl my thanks to both of you. I also send hugs to anyone else worried or suffering.