Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Accused of treason; bitches about the ratings. I am in awe.

They think we are photo bombing their nice little lives.

They are lying in pursuit of an agenda.

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

Narcissists are always shocked to discover other people have agency.

Just because you believe it, that does not make it true.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

I did not have this on my fuck 2025 bingo card.

Motto for the House: Flip 5 and lose none.

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

Hot air and ill-informed banter

Disagreements are healthy; personal attacks are not.

Of course you can have champagne before noon. That’s why orange juice was invented.

A tremendous foreign policy asset… to all of our adversaries.

People are weird.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

If you are still in the gop, you are either an extremist yourself, or in bed with those who are.

Speaker Mike Johnson is a vile traitor to the House and the Constitution.

Dear Washington Post, you are the darkness now.

Their freedom requires your slavery.

“Alexa, change the president.”

They want us to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Focus. Resist. Oppose.

Polls are now a reliable indicator of what corporate Republicans want us to think.

Imperialist aggressors must be defeated, or the whole world loses.

You are here: Home / Nature & Respite / Respite Open Thread: That’s Not How Fire Works

Respite Open Thread: That’s Not How Fire Works

by | 133 Comments

This post is in: ,

The only thing that made me laugh out loud in the past few days:

The whole thread is full of win. If you need a laugh.

Here’s the big guy:

I know you are all looking for a Bixby update. It’s a pretty dire situation, although I think we may have gotten lucky. He had a rare and yet devasting reaction to the anti-nausea medication. So rare, it took a lot of research and ignoring a lot of veterinarians and trusting my instincts to figure it out. Because of course, I watched it happen in real time.

The outlook is murky because the few dogs or cats it happens to are euthanized within a week because it looks like they have had some type of massive traumatic event without a real diagnosis, there is a lot of guessing and expensive, negative tests.

But the dogs that fought through it see recovery within a few weeks, with a long rehab after that.  Bixby has been fighting since day one – he literally crawled outside the first day when I wasn’t looking.  I’ve now put up the baby gate. He doesn’t want to potty in the house. Such a good boy. I’ve sacrificed the large living room area rug without even a thought. Easy to replace. I haven’t seen my bed since Tuesday. I’ve had a revolving door of people helping out and one friend who has definitely gone above and beyond to help out. Bixby is loved.

He’s regained more feeling as days drag on. I am hopeful and terrified depending on the moment. I’m sleep deprived and living on stress and caffeine. I’m not even sure I’m writing in English at the moment. My fingers could be on all the wrong keyboard keys.

Keep a good thought.

I know I am not the only one struggling right now, so I am sending good thoughts to all of you. Or I will when I can have actual thoughts.

Here, in this thread, is where you can share and find comfort.

NO! Politics open thread

(the only good news is I have absolutely NO idea what is going on in the world outside my little corner right now)

 

Reader Interactions

133Comments

  2. 2.

    debit

    TaMara, thank you so much for the update. You and Bixby have a lot of people who are worried and sending you their best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hang in there and let us know if there’s anything we can do. Bixby is the best boy.

  3. 3.

    japa21

    Thinking of you and Bixby. There are times thoughts and prayers are appropriate and this is one of them.

  4. 4.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I — along with every Juicer, I’m sure — have been thinking about you and Bixby, hoping and wishing and praying for good news. He is such a love, and I know I’m not alone in wishing him many more years of health and strength, and the same to you, dear TaMara!

  5. 5.

    Leslie

    Thank you for the update. Sending gentle hugs to Bixby and you and beaming every good thought possible for his recovery. Hang in there.

  7. 7.

    Betty

    I really do hope Bixby gets back to his old, active self and very soon. Good to hear he has fought his way back this far. Sending prayers and good wishes for you too. Take care.

  13. 13.

    Baud

    There were many times I thought I had lost my dogs before they finally were lost to old age. Bixby is lucky to have you. I hope his recovery is speedy.

  14. 14.

    Laura Too

    Thank you so much for the update, I have been trying to scour every post for any news. Keep you all in my thoughts.

  15. 15.

    Anne Laurie

    Crossing my fingers for Bixby, and for you!

    Damn, one way you can be *sure* Great Danes are sight hounds — they have as many ‘atypical’ reactions to different medications as your average cat! Good for you that you didn’t accept the vet’s ‘yeah that never happens’ shrug-emoji response to your immediate assumption it was an allergic response to the new anti-emetic. And you’ve worked so hard, all his life, to make sure that Bixby was in peak shape and well-nourished, so that he has the best possible chance to make it through this crisis.

    (Extra prayers for Scout, who’s no doubt confused by this whole meshugas, and Bixby’s other housemates.)

  17. 17.

    MomSense

    Thank you for the update. We are all rooting for Bixby and sending love and positive energy to him – and to you, too.

  18. 18.

    Mary G

    @Anne Laurie: I think you meant Scout, though I am certain Bailey’s up in heaven rooting as well. Keep following your gut, Tamara, and fuck that vet that blew you off.

  19. 19.

    spudgun

    Oh TaMara, I wish I could help out!! Rooting so very hard for Bixby – I know he’s your rock! Sending you all energy and strength and healing.

  20. 20.

    TaMara (HFG)

    @Anne Laurie: Right!! Scout has been a dream, seems to understand I’m fragile and just snuggles me when she can and happy for the extra ‘treats” because Bixby is on a 1950s housewife diet: cottage cheese and hamburger and she gets a bit in her food, too.

  21. 21.

    SWMBO

    Peace, comfort and rest to all of you. It’s never easy when one gets sick but trying to do what’s right by the rest of the critters can just drain you. Eat the comfort food, take naps as you can, and please keep us posted.

  22. 22.

    White & Gold Purgatorian

    Good vibes and healing thoughts to Bixby and the whole family, including friends.

  23. 23.

    SWMBO

    @TaMara (HFG): If he’s still having gastro issues, have you tried chicken flavored jello? My Gromit had pancreatitis and his numbers (300 is considered too high and serious) were 1100. He could eat chicken broth with unflavored gelatin dissolved in it. Boil 1 cup broth for each packet of gelatin(keeps it from getting rubbery).. Pour into ice cube tray to set up in fridge. Or let it cool and see if he wants to just drink it. You might switch him over to boiled chicken instead of beef for a few days.

  24. 24.

    MelissaM

    All good thoughts for Bixby. The fact that’s he’s a fighter and has already been aggressive about this is very good. Keep it up, Bixby!!

  25. 25.

    dmsilev

    What a horrible situation. Hopefully the worst is behind him (and you) and he recovers quickly.

  26. 26.

    David ??Merry Christmas?? Koch

    Baylor 81 – Notre Dame 80

    Those poor Irish girls – lost the game on a missed free throw with 1 second left in the game.

  27. 27.

    MoxieM

    Sending warm (or cool, as appropriate) thoughts and love to all 2 and 4 legs who need it…

    I spent the weekend in the hospital with my sister, who pretty much collapsed yesterday morning while at an art exhibit, from a heart arrhythmia and tachycardia. Thankfully, she’s OK, she was with friends who called 911, the hospital was responsive, the nurses were terrific (what’s new?) and phew, that was scary as all get out.

    Wishing everyone the best.

  28. 28.

    J R in WV

    We have always had good luck with a chicken breast cooked with white rice for puppys with an upset. But if he likes cottage cheese and hamburger, that’s good too!!

    So glad to hear from you… so good that you aren’t following the news!! So glad your big boy appears to be doing better. What a good dog!!

  30. 30.

    spudgun

    @MoxieM: Holy crap!! Wishing your sister a speedy recovery! (and you as well, that must have been quite the fright)

  31. 31.

    Adam Lang

    Maybe get a patch of astroturf? Easy to clean and may make your pup happier than going on the rug.

  35. 35.

    Ruckus

    @TaMara (HFG):
    Bixby will keep getting stronger. He wants to, you want him to, we want him to.

    I’ll keep repeating this as often as necessary.

  38. 38.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Ah, my bad. Typed .con instead of .com

    It would be so much easier if we didn’t have to enter nym and email every fucking time.

  40. 40.

    Jay

    @TaMara (HFG):

    {{{{TaMara}}}}, {{{{Bixby}}}}, {{{{Scout}}}} and everyone else pitching in and helping out.

    Maybe Quinoa?

    Get a couple cheap, soft, low tuft mats and a pee pad, ( quilted fabric, waterproof on both sides, washable). You can rotate the mats as needed, and the pad if needed. I used to do this when sailing with the dogs. Instead of having a washing machine and dryer, I could tow them behind the boat and air dry them.

  41. 41.

    CaseyL

    Happy and relieved to hear a Bixby update! Sending hopeful thoughts and wishes for a complete recovery!

    I don’t understand why the vets you consulted were so lousy at their jobs. I don’t understand how they can be in business with attitudes like that.

  42. 42.

    WaterGirl

    @TaMara (HFG): You are a fierce mama bear protecting your cubs. What a lucky boy. Sending love and prayers and good thoughts to all of you. I’m so grateful for the friends you have helping you.

  43. 43.

    Another Scott

    Hoping for a speedy and complete recovery for Bixby. Hang in there, everyone.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  44. 44.

    Steeplejack

    Bumped up from downstairs:

    New Unforgotten on PBS tonight. Check your listings.

    “When the body of a teenage girl who went missing at the turn of the millennium is found at a building site off the M1 motorway, four men are placed under the spotlight.” Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar.

    ETA: This is Season 3. Previous two seasons available on Amazon Prime. Recommended.

  45. 45.

    MoxieM

    @TaMara (HFG): So, shredded chicken with a little more shredded chicken. I thought the chicken jello idea posted by (oooh I’m sorry I missed the Nym) was terrific, and I’m going to add it to my list of tummy stuff. (Murphy is a fussy eater and has a sensitive GI so I’ve enhance my repertoire of things she might eat when she’s out of whack.) I’ve had good luck with the Bil-Jac food for sensitive tummies.

    They also sell a canned veterinary bone broth–I’m sorry I can’t remember where I bought it, but Chewy.com might have some. For me, they deliver practically overnight. That would make a dandy and nutritious jello or ice cube item
    Wishing you and the Big Bixby the Best

  46. 46.

    Lyrebird

    Does anyone near you have one of those square furniture/moving dollies? Just 4 boards with rolling casters underneath? If I were there I would offer to try to rig up a big dog wheelchair of sorts to help him feel like he can go SOMEwhere.

    Sent with all good wishes for quick recuperation for the big guy!
    Did you see the capybary video Anne Laurie posted? Sorry if it was you or someone else instead… the one with baby goats dancing on the giant creature’s head, apparently fine with the capy?

  47. 47.

    MazeDancer

    @TaMara (HFG):

    Rice allergy!

    Completelly unfair.

    Good for you for sleuthing out rare side effects.

    Sending many healing thoughts and much Light.

  48. 48.

    geg6

    Oh, thanks for updating on Bixby! Been worrying about you guys all weekend. All my love and most powerful positive thoughts heading west straight to you all. Give Scout some extra scritches, too.

  49. 49.

    moonbat

    TaMara, All good wishes for Bixby and your household. Thank heavens you figured out what was going on. You saved him. Now on to the healing! Me and my kitty and puppy are pulling for you all.

  50. 50.

    WaterGirl

    @SiubhanDuinne: I added WaterGirl to my address book on my mac, so as soon as I start typing it autofill comes up for me. So it’s marginally less annoying than it was originally. Marginally.

  51. 51.

    Felanius Kootea

    Here’s wishing Bixby a full recovery and hope you are able to get some sleep.

  52. 52.

    MazeDancer

    @Adam Lang:

    Astro turf is a huge idea. Put in behind a wall Chewy.com boxes so Bixby can feel like he’s going somewhere.

    Or you could get actual sod. Real grass. Over plastic sheetin. Compost it later.

  53. 53.

    WaterGirl

    @TaMara (HFG): @MazeDancer: When I suspected my Tucker might have food allergies, I put him on the classic Lamb & Rice diet — and he got way worse right away!

    Yes, he is allergic to lamb and to rice. Actually, the list of what he is NOT allergic to is probably shorter. Happily, he is not allergic to pumpkin, which he adores, so that makes a nice treat.

  54. 54.

    TomatoQueen

    Ahhh Bixby Bigstuff, so glad to see you. Yer ma is speaking in tongues (perfectly articulate, as usual) so please to be getting well soonest. Love also to your family and friends.

  55. 55.

    Raven

    ONE of Lil Bit’s conditions is Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia She was diagnosed about a year after we rescued her and she’s been on meds for that ever since. It can be deadly and because survived a year she was made the cover girl on Miesha’s Hope, a now defunct site dedicated to critters with IMHA. We never know what’s going to happen to them or to us but, as long as they are hanging in, there’s hope.

  58. 58.

    WaterGirl

    @Raven: Is that the same as autoimmune hemolytic anemia? My cocker mellon had that and lived for years with pred, as I recall. We were able to get her down to half a pill a day, but any less than that was NOT GOOD.

  59. 59.

    Ohio Mom

    Glad to hear Bixby is turning the corner. More than once, I’ve had to redirect doctors, not surprised the same is true of vets. And it’s not that I expect them to be infallible but do they all have to be such bad sports about it?

    @MoxieM: Yikes! Was this out of the blue, or did your sister have heart issues before? Hope she gets answers and a doable treatment.

  60. 60.

    MoxieM

    @Ohio Mom: Thanks — she’d been having what she thought were work-induced anxiety attacks. She very doctor-averse … They put her on a beta-blocker and will monitor. I hope it scared her enough to pay attention to the docs. She’s otherwise in very very good health, especially for someone in the mid-sixties. We’re getting old!!! Holy Crap!

  61. 61.

    raven

    @WaterGirl: We have used Atopica and it’s done the trick for years. Interestingly the active ingredient is cyclosporine which is also one of the seven eye meds she gets 3 times a day. They did put her on mild pred because of he awful cough and it seems to have worked well. She goes for her ultrasound Tuesday so we’ll see where we go when her enlarged heart is officially diagnosed.

  63. 63.

    Ole Possum

    Long time lurker first comment.
    Just wanted to say I’m wishing you and Bixby the best. He is obviously the best boy.

    So glad he has you and everyone loving him.

  64. 64.

    Adam L Silverman

    Since this seems to be the comment thread for this sort of thing, I’ve heard from Yarrow. He’s doing fine, but he’s been busy as he’s been providing a lot of support for his dad, uncle, and aunt – all of whom have some had some serious health issues. They’re all doing better/improving, so that’s the good news.

  66. 66.

    Keith P.

    I can see where someone got the idea to use gasoline. When someone on TV’s “Gold Rush” wanted to thaw out ground so they could mine it, they dumped barrels of kerosene or gasoline on the ground and lit it. The show played this super-triumphant music (which they play any time someone manages to pass a difficult turd or find their car keys)
    Same mindset that brought us “Close up the Macondo well by nuking the ocean floor!”

  72. 72.

    dmsilev

    @Keith P.:

    Same mindset that brought us “Close up the Macondo well by nuking the ocean floor!”

    Look, if it worked in _Pacific Rim_…

  73. 73.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Mary G: Happy to do it.

    I’m trying to coax him back out from lurking, so if he turns up don’t make any sudden moves or loud noises so as not to spook him…//

  76. 76.

    Wag

    Best thoughts to you and to Bixby

    Now on the the tread. The videos of the infield reminded me of the most insane concert I ever attended. Mid 80’s, the venue was a junkyard in Commerce City, Co. band was a German Industrial Noise band named Einstürzende Neubauten. The band apparently spent the the day improvising their drums and percussion instruments from the junkyard. At the climax of the concert, the lead singer jumped off the stage and soaked the dirt in front of the stage with gasoline. He jumped back on stage, and tossed in a march. Insanity ensued.

  79. 79.

    Ohio Mom

    @MoxieM: She’s a stoic, your sister. Somebody else having what they thought were anxiety attacks would have gone to the doctor for that.

    It’s ssid there are two types of heart doctors, the plumbers and the electricians. Your sister now has an electrician.

  82. 82.

    Ohio Mom

    @Adam L Silverman: And all this time, I’ve thought “Yarrow” was a girl’s name — keeping my average score for guessing genders for nonspecific nyms at zero.

    I hope he is getting some outside help. It’s hard enough to be the caretaker of one convalescent but three!

  84. 84.

    Miss Bianca

    Rooting for Bixby and you. Hard to bear others’ animal sadness right now, the only good thing about it is hearing about persistence in finding a treatment.

    I remember when my boy Larry began suddenly and mysteriously ailing. The vet I had at the time could not figure out what was wrong with him, but kept persisting. In the meantime, she told me to take Larry home and prepare for the worst. It was so awful to watch him slither downhill to the Rainbow Bridge.

    Then, suddenly…the vet (an amazing diagnostician, as it turned out) figured out that what he had looked like a fish parasite. To this day I don’t know how he got it (I suspect it was the food I was feeding him at the time), but she treated him for it and I got a good number of years with him after that. It can get better…it’s just hard when *you* have the be the diagnostician for your pet!

  87. 87.

    Tazj

    I’m keeping good thoughts for that very good boy Bixby. I’m glad to see he’s showing some improvement.

  89. 89.

    SealDeal

    Blessings to Bixby! Also, try Nutri-cal Nutrition gel. We had recent episode with our bully pit. Stopped eating, constant diarrhea, would not eat anything, even all her favs. She slowly got better, but the vet didn’t really have much to offer. Lots of tests, but nothing conclusive. The Nutri-cal at least was a way to keep nutrition going in. Just smeared it in her mouth and on her gums which she couldn’t spit out. Positive thoughts are coming your way!!

  90. 90.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    Wow, this is really sad to hear of the allergy and poor Bixby being stricken with it. Best wishes to your big boy and yourself. Bixby knows that he’s in good hands and that will help him a lot with recovery.

  92. 92.

    Aleta

    Good thoughts to you Tamara, and sending love and light out to elegant, graceful and dignified Bixby.

    Some good news: A very nice guy drove up to our door this afternoon with a wonderful cat from Minnesota. (It was like that sweepstakes prize that they promised would knock on the door. Except this happened.) It happened because of this blog and because debit is outright amazing.

    We had thought he would arrive tomorrow, but Steve the driver had to get up here and then quick out of state before a snowstorm tomorrow.

    Infinite Kitty has been his code name, so now we’re calling him Finn and Finney. He spent 2 1/2 solid days in the crate. Steve’s report to me was: “He HATES really HATES HATES HATES crates.”

    Finn’s been bouncing around the room with me here for hours now. He’s smart, social, polite, hungry, sweet, playful, determined, gorgeous.

    It’s good to see him relax more and more with every half hour. I’ll send some pics to a FPer tomorrow and also put them at a link in case they are busy.

    Oh Finn
    Look at
    the world
    you’re in.

  94. 94.

    Ohio Mom

    @Aleta: Love that image of the sweepstakes guy knocking on your door with your prize.

    Wishing you and Finn many happy years together.

  98. 98.

    cbear

    All the best to you and your beautiful pup, Tamara—I’m praying to DOG for you both.
    Peace.

  100. 100.

    Josie

    It’s good to hear that Bixby is hanging in there. Hugs to you, TaMara, and to all your critters.

  101. 101.

    debit

    @Aleta: I knew right away when John posted Walter’s picture that he was my dog. I felt that it must have been the same way for you when you saw Finn’s picture. So happy that he’s with you, snug and happy.

    For the contributors: We used a shipper out of Florida called 4 The Luv of Pets, a small mom and pop (literally) operation. We were super lucky because someone else in Minnesota had already contracted them to get a puppy from here to the east coast and Finn got to tag along, almost like it was meant to be. I found Finn on Friday the 29th and in exactly one week he was off to his forever home with Aleta. You guys did that. I love all of you.

  106. 106.

    SWMBO

    @TaMara (HFG): Have you tried barley? Wheat can cause gastric upset and if he’s allergic to rice, you might try barley for a filler. When Gromit had pancreatitis, the vet researched it and found that over cooked white rice was better than regular cooked rice of any color. We cooked it until it looked like paste with rice boogers in it. Might over cook the barley if that works for him. My vet said the over cooking partially digested it so it was easier on their gastric system.

  107. 107.

    Aleta

    @TomatoQueen: I’ve been wanting to thank you and CarolPW and Mary G for telling me about your loss of a cat because of hyperthyroid or kidney disease. What you said helped a lot. Besides the shock and pain I was having horrible guilt. You all made a big difference in my pain, which felt like I might not survive it.

    And every other kind word from everyone gave me relief .

    I’ve felt a lot of guilt for following the (standard) vet protocol to wait, even though I felt and said that I knew he was sick from his behavior and just my sensing him. I’m not blaming the individuals who gave me a limited picture. I think maybe the system or business model that’s drawing the picture is making flowcharts for them instead. Or something else. Just something wrong, and my reasonable polite questions are answered with “no one could have predicted.” I understand that. That can be true AND it shouldn’t be all they are willing to say. I’m still trying to figure this out.

    Also blaming myself for not having the energy and courage to do more.

  109. 109.

    Ruckus

    @debit:
    When I had to send my cocker back to the rescue org because I could no longer keep him, found a guy that would fly all over the west delivering pets in his private plane. One Saturday about 20 pets in cages were loaded in the cabin and he took off. There was room for him to fly. Just. Cats and dogs. It was amazing. And heartbreaking.

  113. 113.

    Aleta

    @eemom: I read today there may have been more than one poacher. It’s not known how many, because they were pretty thoroughly consumed. Only one skull and several boots and the poaching equipment were scattered around the bloody bushes.

  116. 116.

    eemom

    @Aleta:

    It’s not known how many, because they were pretty thoroughly consumed. Only one skull and several boots and the poaching equipment were scattered around the bloody bushes.

    ???

    Somebody send the Dump princes over to investigate. And add it to Jared’s “portfolio”.

  117. 117.

    Sandia Blanca

    Wow, this thread contains such a heart-tugging mix of good and tough news. Thinking of all who have lost their pets recently, praying for TaMara and Bixby, and sending up thanks for debit and Aleta in rescuing Finn! This is a beautiful community.

  118. 118.

    patrick II

    Back in the 70’s and into the 80’s men’s fastpitch softball was pretty popular, particularly in the countryside. One tournament had some bad weather luck, and after the usual sand and sawdust didn’t dry the field sufficiently they called in a helicopter that hovered over the field and and dried it out so the game could continue. They took their softball seriously.

  122. 122.

    Riodawg

    Happy the big dog is feeling better! Long time lurker in New Mexico is quite relieved!

  126. 126.

    Adam L Silverman

    @jl: As someone born in Florida and who has lived in south Florida, central Florida, north Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, and central Pennsylvania, I can honestly say that it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!

  129. 129.

    WaterGirl

    @Adam L Silverman: Thanks for letting us know!

    @Aleta:

    Finn’s been bouncing around the room with me here for hours now. He’s smart, social, polite, hungry, sweet, playful, determined, gorgeous. It’s good to see him relax more and more with every half hour.

    I do love a happy ending!

  130. 130.

    Orchid Moon

    So glad that Bixby is doing better. Thank you for the update. Will keep sending Bixby and you healing thoughts.

  131. 131.

    Sherparick1

    Hope Bixby keeps getting better. Knowing the reason and knowing it can get better with time and treatment is a big morale boost.

  133. 133.

    Scamp Dog

    Thanks for the update, TaMara! Like so many others, I’ve been wondering about Our Favorite Great Dane (tied with Scout, of course). Best wished for continued improvements!

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