I hope that you guys have some fun stories about laying out by the pool and eating great BBQ this weekend because I’ve decided to spend my day having panic attacks.
Up until a few minutes ago, there was no rhyme or reason for my panic attacks other than I’ve been having them a lot lately which causes me to not be able to eat properly which in turn causes more panic attacks.
I did manage to get the trash out to the street just now. Banjo was in the backyard when I rolled the bin to the street and he did not come to the gate to see what was going on. That was odd.
So I come in the house and go to the back door to call Banjo.
And he was very occupied.
He was killing something. Either a squirrel or a large rat. I have no idea I was hyperventilating. He did not want to leave it alone and it was all I could do to get him in the house.
So now what the fuck do I do? There is something dead or dying in the back yard. My solution of never going into the backyard again is not feasible. I’m freaking out.
Please leave some sort of solution in comments. Or some really fun stories about your weekend to distract me while I breathe into this paper bag.
My dog killed three baby rabbits. I went out the next day with a shovel and put them in the trashcan.
OMG! I forgot about the bunny! It could be the bunny that eats dinner in my yard!
I bet it’s not the bunny because if it’s there a lot banjo would have already killed it had to be something new something he didn’t recognize and didn’t want it in his yard. Just his way of looking out for you cover it with newspaper and then put it on a shovel
Just leave it alone. Some other creature will take up where Banjo left off. And I’d bet it will be gone by morning. The guy who mowed my 5 acres once hit a full grown rabbit. Terrible awful no good day. A real mess. I totally freaked out, spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to do, it was literally 10 feet from the house. Next morning there was absolutely no trace of the rabbit anywhere. I refuse to even think what came and got it.
Isn’t there a wildlife rescue ctr in your area? Don’t wait. Go out & get it in a box & take it for humane treatment asap. The SPCA & or Humane Society must have info in your area. It may be a challenge but that channels yourcanxious energy into action. And of course you still love your dog.
I bet it’s not the bunny because if it’s there a lot banjo would have already killed it had to be something new something he didn’t recognize and didn’t want it in his yard. Just his way of looking out for you cover it with newspaper and then put it on a shovel
It’s just weird because he doesn’t even bother to chase the squirrels anymore. He used to when he was a young pup, but even then he could never catch one.
The bunny usually stays in the front yard and it’s a bit early for the bunny.
Whatever it is, he is dying to get back outside. And he has a cut on his nose.
TT- I agree with all the others readers-Just leave it. Something else will come and get it and have it for dinner. It may not even be as hurt as you think. I WOULD NOT GO OUT IN THE YARD. You could get bitten or scratched by it. Maybe it was a possum? I’ve found them sleeping in my garbage pails during the day.
TT I don’t mean to add to your anxiety please don’t hate me the first thing I thought of when I read banjos nose was scratched was Cujo! I’m hoping it’s a scratch on banjos nose and not a bite. Did I read one time that you have yard help maybe you can get them to come over and get rid of whatever banjo got a hold of.
There are SOME TIMES IT IS OK to lie.
This is one. Call the animal control and tell them the animal was acting crazy, which caught your dog’s attention. Tell them your dog does not chase anymore. And now your dog is scratched and obsessed with going out. Say luckily HE HAS HIS RABIES VACCINE. (Very important, and have proof.)
They will take the animal away and test it This COULD be the real story. It could happen… if you feel guilty for lying, give a donation.
I hope your panic attacks abate. They suck so bad. (Unless it is a fake Hannah hangover panic attack.)
I 100% agree with this post.
This isn’t gong to help your panic attacks and I hate to add more upset ..BUT…do go out and somehow, with a bag or shovel collect it and put it in a trash bag or whatever and call the humane society or animal control to come look at it.
BECAUSE, I know you love your dog and there has been a raccoon and other wildlife rabies alert for the east. And Since Banjo has a cut or scratch you want to make sure whatever he tangled with was not rabid. Also since he has a cut I doubt it was a rabbit.
If you are too bad off to do it yourself ask a neighbor or call someone to come help you.
Sorry but better to do this even if difficult then worry over it which will increase your panic attacks.
We had a spate of rabid fox and possums last year attacking dogs and cats because they become very aggressive when they have rabies.
You need to check immediately if it is dead, and if not, do anything you can to stop its suffering. Is there an animal care service you can telephone for help?
DO NOT let it suffer a lingering and painful death.
Maybe go out and shoot it, TT!
It’s some little creature that lives in the wild, that’s the way life goes. Please don’t make her feel guilty when she’s already suffering from anxiety and panic attacks by telling her she must run out and take it to an, “animal care service” whatever that is.
Guilt tripping just makes the anxiety worse. I speak from experience.
.
Walk Banjo for a few days then go in the backyard, hopefully the anxiety will have lessened. Slowly investigate with a large shovel ahead of you. Remember to BREATHE while you’re walking out there. Deep breaths, not shallow. it’s good you wrote about it. Banjo is looking so cute!
True. No need to be cruel. Perhaps it is dead or has recovered and crawled away to safety.
So sorry about your panic attacks! My solution would be to hope that something larger comes along, like a coyote, and finishes the job. Two days of avoiding the yard should do it. If the animal has lived, it will crawl away and if not, maybe something else will have grabbed it. In the meantime…Grocery delivery? Good luck! Hope you feel better!!
Jedi mind trick yourself into picking it up with a black trash bag, tossing it into the bin and then you’ll puke and feel much much better about everything as you will know youre a bad ass bitch that can handle any gd thing life throws at you.
Deidre for the win.
Second that.
Sorry — I don’t meant to be flip or uncaring, but I’m pretty much afraid of animals. I would not be able to intervene. I would just leave it up to the circle of life.
I’m sadly all too familiar with this problem. Unless you’re prepared to euthanize the animal, just open a bottle and have a glass of wine while you wait. And give Banjo a treat – he was doing his doggie job after all. Once it’s dead, put on some disposable gloves and go out with three trash bags, spray bleach, and a shovel and some paper towels if you think you’ll need it. Open the first bag and either pick up the critter with it or drop it in with the shovel. Put this bag into the second bag and tie securely. Tie a solid knot – twisties or handle ties won’t cut it. Dump this into the third bag. If you used the shovel, spray some bleach on it and wipe with the paper towels and drop them in the bag. Spray bleach liberally into the bag, drop your gloves in, and tie the whole thing securely. Now your bundle is ready for the trash. The bleach will keep scavengers away and help with the smell. For the final step, finish the bottle of wine.
Repeat the first and last steps until you feel better.
Does the lawn guy come soon? Maybe he can deal with it.
Maybe something else will come take it away in the night. I’m so sorry you’re having panic attacks. They truly feel like a heart attack or just general dying. Fun. Forget the critter outside if you can, indulge in some booze and celebrate that you got the trash out.
It was storming here today. It was also storming on the 4th of July. I DID have a very nice Saturday by going to a baseball game and then to a restaurant weeks dinner (three courses and dessert pretty cheap plus a food bank donation).
I went to the baseball game with a friend and a married couple who are friends with her. I tried Cheetos popcorn and lost some kernels down my top. Ordinarily, I’d reach down and fish whatever out, but I didn’t want to do that in front of another woman’s husband. Also, because I’ve lost a bit of weight my tank was tucked into my belted jean shorts. So I was stuck. When everyone got on their feet for a hit that looked like it could have been a home run, I jumped up, pulled the bottom of the tank out while grabbing my bra’s underwire and shook. Out came the popcorn. And my breast from the bra. I had to excuse myself and run to the bathroom to reposition the wayward Helga to her proper place. And I HATE using public bathrooms. #Ncupwoes
Miele, your popcorn story is hilarious! I just read it to my hubby and we are cracking up, big time.
Been there, hun. I hate it when it happens while I’m at work, cuz I work with all men. As soon as they leave my office I duck away from the windows and shake my shit. Oh, such fun we have, hey? hehehehe
Lol. The things they didn’t tell us in those “your body is changing” videos in middle school!
I love this story. My lady bits get in the way and cause all manner of awkwardness as well.
?
Just about every top I have has some kind of liquid stain on the left boob.
Okay I called my girlfriend in the neighborhood and she is going to come by and see what the situation is. She is worried it might be a kitten and that would make her cry. Where the hell would a kitten come from?
Oh, I’m glad your friend is coming to help. When all is said and start pouring the drinks and hopefully you can relax and have a few laughs.
correction: when all is said and done start pouring the drinks….
So glad you got help! I love all animals and on seeing the scratched nose, I would also have been afraid it was someone’s pet cat. Poor wee squirrel. Nature can be cruel.
Our dog is a hunter but luckily now only catches and kills mice outside that he finds near the BBQ, from time to time. He is very, very quick to just grab them and break their necks. They would not know much about it.
Hope you can put the whole incident out of your mind now.
Thank you for doing this Tamara. Hope your neighbor can help.
Dogs can be wee shites, my Springer Spaniel used to catch birds up until he was well into his teens, but we love them all the same. I wouldn’t waste a good panic attack on a dogs hunting instincts lol. Also, feel better soon woman! You deserve a fun labour day like the rest of America. Go see some friends or family and jog the blog on for a few days or at the very least get drunk af and read those OC bitches to filth :p
No delicate way around it. Grab a shovel, or a bag and fling it over your fence. Tie a scarf around your head to help with the smell.
#TitsUp
Oh. Ding, ding. Winning… if it is dead, have your friend fling it over the bamboo!
I’m also worried it could be something with rabies since Banjo was able to catch it.
I might throw up now.
Stop torturing yourself! Get wasted and watch some shows.
Don’t torment yourself over it! Just see what your friend finds. Try to feel better in the meantime!
Ok.
First you need self-care for the panic.
Panic is the body reacting to something and giving you a heads up. Since I discovered I had Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, they correspond with the effing panic attacks.
Hon, get a drink of water. Then throw a little vodka in. You need to short circuit the freak out.
The animal Banjo messed with does not “know” what happened. Let it be while you get yourself under control. FFS please don’t try to kill it in the state you are currently in.
There is always that concern. I know from wildlife rescue & rehab. These concerns are usually not played out. You may want to make a vet visit with your dog just to be safe & feel comfort.
See my lying, or maybe not, reply. Perhaps your friend can help. If it is a nocturnal out in day or day animal out at night, it may be rabid. Likely Banjo was bored from watching you breathe in a paper bag instead of paying attention to him.
”I’m also worried it could be something with rabies since Banjo was able to catch it.”
Sorry to repeat myself but you are right to be worried about rabies and I disagree with everyone who says toss it and forget it.
Call animal control, they can test for rabies.
You can do it.
Do it for Banjo.
Sorry to hear about your panic attack, TT.
Try pressing the flat part of your thumb on the top of your nose, where the forehead starts to protrude.
Hold it firm for 2 minutes. It’s a form of acupuncture and might calm you. Fingers crossed that it works.
When my dogs decide to attack any animal in my yard I freak out. Birds, Squirrels, toads, frogs, mice, Jesus. I scream bloody murder and wonder if the cops will show up, because I yell loudly and for a long time. In the end, I finally get the dog/dogs in the house then take some tongs and pick up the critter and bury it on the other side of my fence. Cussing the entire time yet saying sorry to the animal. Damn, Oh, damn. Too bad you don’t have a neighbor or friend that could help. I feel for ya, hun. It’s the one part of having pets that I DO NOT enjoy.
Thanks for sharing the pic of Banjo. Such a sweetie!
I gave my male a bath today, clipped his nails, and gave him a hair cut.
He has on going ear problems, because he’s a cocker spaniel. Ugh.
I was told that changing his dog food would stop the allergies, ear problems, etc.
Well, he’s been eating Lamb & Rice dog food and nothing has changed.
Spent thousands at the vet to no avail.
I try to keep the hair in his ears cut short.
Anyone have any experience or remedies with Cockers?
Thanks in advance.
Banjo is a Sharpei mix and he has wrinkly inner ears and ear problems. He’s also very aggressive and has to be knocked out to go to the vet so I avoid it as much as possible. In fact, I may never take him back because he is 80 pounds and it’s impossible.
I recently figured out how to fix his ears with essential oils. One or two drops of oregano oil in a coconut oil base massaged into his ears has worked wonders.
If it gets really bad he take prednisone for a couple of days and that clears up all of his issues.
Oh my gosh, thanks, TT. Do you buy the oregano oil and coconut oil from a Herbal store or do they sell it at Meijer’s / Walmart? Never bought those, but will definitely try it!
thanks, again!
https://pureoils.shop/product/oregano-15-ml/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwLKbwvyf3QIVwUsNCh067Qt2EAQYASABEgIyVPD_BwE
Get the oregano oil online. IT IS EXTREMELY STRONG. So be very careful to just use one or two drops.
You can buy a jar of coconut oil at the grocery store. Whole Foods and Publlix both sell it. It’s a miracle in a jar all its own, I smear it on my very dry skin all the time. I always have it next to me. Oddly in the last few days the lid wet missing. Banjo loves to eat coconut oil in moderation and it’s good for his health.
Thank you so much, TT! I will look for these items today!
Tamara, I bought the oregano oil and coconut oil.
Whew the first store wanted 60.00 for that little bottle of oregano oil.
Went down a block and got the same amount for 28.00.
My cocker got his first treatment today.
I heard it works for hot spots on the dog, too.
I’ve been doctoring his ears for over 11 years now and have never heard
of this treatment before. I’m happy as a clam!
Thanks, again!
Just remember the oregano oil can burn the skin. Just one drop in a teaspoon or so of coconut oil mixed well. The coconut oil protects the sensitive ear tissue!
You just told us your location. Meijers! When I visit Michigan, I want to go to a Meijers.
Damnit! Now you all know I’m a Yankee! LOL
I love Meijers! When I visit my sister in Indiana I always love shopping there!
We had a cocker spaniel mix when I was a child. He was always in mischief, and those hangy down ears got into the mix always. No matter how ma y baths, or brushing, or medicine, or clipping, he would get infections. Nothing for it. Do your best , you are not a bad pet parent. Also, try other food. Pet who have skin issues are often very sensitive. I’ve had pets on Benadryl, and also a kitty who regularly needed shots. He turned out to be allergic to clothing soap when we finally figured it out. (He slept in people places and people clothes, and generally did as he pleased, as cats do.).
Yup! He has skin issues, eye issues, ear issues, too.
Always out digging and getting filthy.
Hard to believe he is a house dog.
He thinks he’s Billy Bad Ass of the Backyard.
I will NEVER buy a thoroughbred, EVER again.
I always have had mutts that I’ve rescued.
This guy eats rocks. We have a train beyond our back fence and he will literally
gather his rocks & sit on them, like a mama hen, while barking his ass off at the train!
He’s goofy as a shit house rat.
But….I stiff love him though, even if he is a Little Bastard!
It is just me and my furbabies today, but am happy to report – I made it to KFC!! ?? Original recipe chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy plus my favorite cole slaw, that’s what’s for dinner ? here in OC.
Sorry to hear about your panic attacks and Banjo’s backyard battle. Can you take a bit of Xanax, TT? And I hope his nose is Ok.
If you have a wildlife animal rescue near you they will come and take care of it for you. Sorry to hear about the panic attacks.
Today I am just being lazy, I am binge watching Who Is America, it was funny to see a Real Housewife pop up
My friend came by and had gloves and a plastic bag. It was a squirrel. She just picked it up and put it in a bag. Then she walked back through my house with it and I thought I was going to puke on the floor.
The son of a bitch actually caught one.
I hope the squirrel,who destroyed my tomato plant, somehow made it to your house where the bastard met his fate.
Thank God that’s over with! Whew!
That is a Good friend!
Oh, good know. It is all over. And you and Banjo are just fine. Also, since you asked. This is atough time of year for me. I had places to go, and things to do, and people to see, but I mostly curled up with my kitty in bed and played games on the internet. Anxiety sucks, and not in a fun way.
I swear to God I was waiting to find out what the hell Banjo killed as if it were, “Who Shot JR?”
Wow. I missed this and just read this today, almost a week later. I honestly couldn’t breath as I scrolled through the comments. I am so relieved to read that everything worked out-a brave friend came by to help!
The only thing I miss about having a man around the house is getting rid of dead stuff. Or alive stuff ?. I have been known to hole up in one room until my ex or my dad can come and kill something.
I can fix things, I can put together ikea furniture like a pro. I can move furniture, I can confront noisy neighbours, but I cannot abide critters. I’m sorry you are having a crappy Labor Day T, lots of love to you from Australia xoxo
My Labor Day was full of strange and great things.
Ginger dog held her “elimination” for 10 hours until she could go out and baptize our entire front yard. I suspect the free range boy dogs were marking and Gin was giving them an “eff you”. It was awesome to see that much pee and poop emerge in a controlled manner to touch the entire front part of the yard. After, I hosed it all into the ground.
Did a bbq for family with all local and homemade food. I found a farmer who uses humane slaughter and butchering. The meat is better.
The hummingbirds and wrens are fighting.
Finally, I urge everyone to look into “earthing”. Basically, stand barefoot on the ground. This is my third week and it is like a damn miracle. I sleep like a rock, my food digests better and my illnesses are less.
I am sure Banjo has all
His shots, so his health is safe. Check him for scratches and bites. Use peroxide if you find any. If he did not kill his object of obsession, it will go away. It is not going to come inside. If it is dead, it will be there tomorrow in the day light. Just it the body in a garbage bag with a rake or shovel, and put it at the curb. Don’t touch! It will be OK. Banjo was taking care of you. He is is a good boy.
Banjo is very handsome. But he wasn’t taking care of Tamara by trying to attack and kill a squirrel. Sounds like Banjo might benefit from the dog whisperer training. To drain his energy and live without attacking things. So glad your friend & neighbor came Tamara. Also glad some of your commenters are inclined to humane action & treatment. Do you gave but trees or something like that in your yard? The squirrel was probably just trying to get something to eat. Managing and living with wildlife around is a fragile active kind of experience. Suggesting to leave it or go out & shoot it represents a way at looking at & interacting with wild lives or even a stray or feral kitten. I’m just glad you took the path you did because if you’d said yeah boy I’m grabbing the gun to go out and shoot that…whatever it is I ciuln’t read tour blog any linger or comment. And I really like your blog.
Nuts grow on trees. Not gave but trees…
Banjo looks adorable. Still think he’d be a handsome mate for my mentally unbalanced chihuahua, but you already nipped that in the bud. Funny that you’re writing about a dog catching a critter today.
My grandson was pulling out my old dishwasher two days ago and found evidence that a rat or something had crawled in through a hole for water pipes and began nesting under the machine. That freaked me out completely. Then I found rat poop on my kitchen floor yesterday morning. More freaking. Pulled the fridge out to see if he was hiding under no. No sign of anything – no more rat poop. Anyway, didn’t want to put a new dishwasher in until we figured out if we had a problem. My grandson completely blocked off the space where the old dishwasher had been and we figured out that, if a rat was hiding in the house, he would run to that area expecting to get out, but would be trapped.
Last night, I told my German Shepherd, Hero, and my Chihuahua, Cheeky, “Find that damned rat for Mommy and bring him to me!” They sleep with me and I left the bedroom door open so they could listen. Vaguely heard some scrabbling in the night, but was too tired to wake up. Later, Hero woke me to go out and I noticed blood on the kitchen floor. No rat body. Eeeeeeeek! Where was the little bastard? It was still dark and I stumbled back to bed. Figured out I’d look in daylight. Woke up this morning and there was the dead rat – neatly laid out to the left of my bedroom door. Do my dogs obey orders or what?
Now I just have to make sure he was alone, but the old entrance is blocked and I guess all I can do is keep a lookout. The mere idea of anything like that getting in my house is enough to creep me out.
Glad your dead squirrel body is gone, Tamara. I picked my dead rat up by its scrawny little tail, put him in a quart storage bad, and took him out to the trash bins. Luckily, he wasn’t bloody or chewed up. Hope you feel better soon – panic attacks are the worst and there’s usually no rhyme or reason for when they strike. I take Lexapro (escitalopram) and that seems to help. Might be worth checking out.
…quart storage bag…
I think ‘mentally challenged chihuahua’ is redundant.
This! Hahaha!
From the Department of Hysterical Faux-Scottish Buddhists: There was a teeny centipede in the kitchen sink today – a wee bairn. He wasnae daein’ any harm. So ah said come haur, ye wee daftie, an’ ah tried tae scoop heem up in a glass but he hung ontae th’ ootside of it. So ah said fine, then, haud yer wheesht, and ah bolted tae th’ door, bit th’ wee fellow let gang and fell juist as ah got there, and he disappeared up th’ sleeve o’ mah robe. Si ah jumpt thro’ th’ door wiggling ‘n’ shrieking like a banshee on amphetamines, and found masell within a stone’s throw o’ a group o’ hikers out tae gilravage a bonnie donder up th’ ben. ‘n’ ah felt lik’ a tot eejit and a right fool. And the the worst thing is, ah aye dinna ken whaur that wee insect crawled aff tae.
Ah wis interrupted afore adding that a’m terribly sorry aboot th’ unhappy animal experience. Ah hae dane better th’day wi’ ainlie a wee bug.
Love it! So authentic! Thank for the laugh – I’m still grinning.
It’s th’ stoatin o’ pleasures tae bring a smile tae the face o’ a true English rose!
Give us more, DalaiMama – it’s terrific!
Rabbie Burns himself would be vera proud!
It really is! Wow!
Scottish is easy, try Welsh. You did make me laugh.
@belladonna Yn anffodus, ni allaf siarad fy ffordd allan o fag papur yn y Gymraeg, ond dwi’n caru’r iaith.
A wee fix whilst we await Outlander!
Waiting too long! When does the next season start? (I’m not going to attempt to write in accent but in my “wee” brain I’m thinking it!)
All advice here is good. But you said Banjo had a scratch on his nose. That would bother me. I’d want to know what kind of critter it was. For Banjo’s well being I’d have to at least look. Then if it’s a wild animal call the vet? If the animal isn’t too big a hawk or owl will take it. I live in the south and I have watched hawks take snakes I’ve killed 5 minutes after I threw them in the road. Good Luck ❤️
Hi TT, Now that you have solved the squirrel issue, I think look to see what you can do to settle your mind and get on top of the panic attacks.
You are/were an experienced teacher – so you are resourceful, intelligent, adaptable and strong. Alcohol and food always seem to me to offer immediate solace, but I know will not be the answer.
I wonder if you can sit quietly on a good day and think if there is something your mind is telling you you need to do – or should have done, or did by mistake? If there is something you might have done, such as overreacted to something, then it is done. Forget it. If there is something or some things you need to do, make a list and start doing them. Just acting on a plan will make you feel better and take away the problem at the same time.
Do you remember how brilliantly you got on and did that big spring clean some months back, and how good you said it made you feel? Whatever is bothering you may not be something physical you can do, like that spring-cleaning. It might even be something you feel you have to write about or take a stand on. If you let your mind tell you, you will know.
I know you can feel better, as soon as you have a plan and start to act on it. All the very best! You are a strong woman and have so many people who believe in you.
Oh yay! Apparently we are going to cap off the shitstorm of a day with fireworks. Lovely.
Guess it might be a downer for some to share how awful the noise from fireworks is for pets & wildlife. It is devastating for them. So awful.
My Labor Day was fabulous. Spent the weekend in Savannah drinking, eating and swimming. Went over to Bluffton today and had a wonderful lunch at cottage. The fried green tomatoes are amazing. They have tomatoe pie but I went for the shrimp and lobster roll. Tamara you need to throw banjo in the car and head to the beach.
Check out Bethenny’s twitter about her grieving & healing process & being near water & the ocean….
Bango brought a huge smile to my face. Bango looks so much like my rescue baby Sipho they could pass as brothers. I hope you feel better take care.
I love the picture of Banjo too! What a handsome dog! Sorry to hear about the fireworks. I did buy a thunder jacket or whatever they’re called before the 4th of July, plus some calming supplements to no avail. Igor and I just ended up hugging it out.
TT, 3 things:
1. Please make sure Banjo’s nose is okay. Is he up to date on all his shots??
2. Him killing a squirrel. He was just being a dog and doing his thing. He was protecting you. Just be glad he didn’t bring it in the house and lay it at your feet LIKE MY CAT DID WITH A CHIPMUNK ONCE! It was still alive! The cats (all 8 of them) were in a circle around it. I had to lure it back outside without getting the herd involved. Then I had to sterilize everything. Or the time my three cats brought a BAT into my apartment and it was still alive. It was circling over my bed. I had to wait until it landed on a giant wicker basket and I threw a huge blanket over the entire thing and picked up the basket with the towel all around it and threw the entire thing down the garbage chute. It was HORRIFYING!
3. Panic Attacks: I had then from when I was 20 until I was 40. Every single day. I tried everything in the book to get rid of them on my own. My husband finally talked me into trying Paxil, despite my shrink telling me I needed something for 10 years. After having a HUGE one in Chinatown one morning, I decided I can’t live like this anymore. I got out all hubbies medical books and read up on Paxil and I had every single symptom it said it would fix. So I took half of a 10 milligram pill. It took about 2 weeks and then started working. I have not had ONE since and I am 62 years young and I still take 5 milligrams every single night. I will NEVER STOP TAKING IT. The panic attacks are about being out of control. Our minds start going into hyperactive gear and it’s the flight or fight situation. If you can get out of your head when you feel one coming on by doing a crossword puzzle or tweezing your eyebrows or doing ANYTHING that gets your mind off whatever it is that it causing the panic, it will go away. All I know if I am never going off Paxil because ever since I took it and it kicked in I feel like I got my life back. I can go in stores and not have to leave. I can drive places and not have to know where the hospitals are or the exits are or have a huge bag full of “emergency” supplies just in case. I can sit on an airplane without clutching my Bible and hyperventilating. My sisters all have it so it’s a genetic thing. My shrink told me that when you are growing up in an unstable or angry environment (we were), our brain chemicals were always on high alert – waiting for the next bomb to drop. And that causes a brain chemical imbalance, hence the panic attacks. I feel for you, I really do because I do not wish that on anyone. Even people I wish would get hit by a truck.
All this being said, try getting out of your head. Be glad that squirrel is out of your backyard, give Banjo a big hug and a treat because he was protecting you and keep an eye on the scratch on his nose!!
God Bless You and I love your blog!!
Each time we understand how to address unexpected wild creature events…& know about rescue& rehab centers, this is an act of helping captured or injured wild things by our pets or something else. Or another thing like a bird flying into your house & how to stay calm, quiet, open doors, windows, let the bird find its way out. The more we separate ourselves from nature & go to that fear response & not actively stay calm & breathe & attentive, the less connected we are to ourselves….that includes anxiety as a high level of energy & how to move through it. Compassion to you all. Kudos to the input on humane living. And care for beloved pets.
Banjo is adorable.
And he also looks completely innocent. I don’t believe a single bad thing you’ve said about him. 😉
He’s very hard to stay mad at. 🙂
I can only imagine..just seeing his picture melts my heart ❤
We did very little today..
I can see why he’s hard to stay mad at, he’s adorable and looks so innocent! ?
My sister freaked out when her Chow caught a bird. I talked her down, telling her he was just being a dog.
In the light of day, if you are very disturbed by the thought of it perhaps being there go out prepared. Put on boots/rain boots, rubber gloves,, bring2 large trash bags annd a shovel. If there, throw the bag over it, roll it with the shovel and scoop it up into another bag, then dump it. You will feel stronger with the armor on. It helps mentally to feel prepared. Hopefully, it won’t even be there.
Honestly this is the reason I cut out alot f my planting. Just didn’t want to attract anything extra back there.
But Sharpeis are tough guys after all, and your guy was protecting you….so good job puppy.
Just watch that scratch on his nose just in case.
Can you please elaborate more on your panic attacks? I will be 42 this January. For the last 12 months I have had severe anxiety which has been life altering. I am on anti- depression/anxiety meds and when I spoke to my Dr. About this, I got no answers. I asked if it was possibly pre-menapause or hormones and they said no. I went for a second opinion and they said the same thing. They did put me on meds for hypo-thyroid about 8 months ago but no relief. I have no energy, dont want to leave the house and barely get the daily hygene down. It has crippled my life as my heart races, I throw up, i get so nervous and panick for no reason however everytime I read about panick attacks, it states it feels like your having a heart attack. Well I dont feel like that but the other symptoms seem more debilitating. Drinking definately exasperates it, which is why I cut diwn but to be fair, it was the only thing that offered relief. I know there are certain triggers, and I try to stay away from them, but even the silliest thing will do it to. I’m very content in my home, but I am too young to live lkke this and feel like I am missing out on so much and nobody gets it. Maybe it’s just me but Icould use how you overcome it or how others may have. TY
Some of us have bodies that warn us of potential danger all the damn time. I have had panic-anxiety on and off since I was a child. We used to call it nervous stomach. I am 57 now.
It is not in your head. You are not crazy. It is physically real.
Here are some things to research:
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. My sinuses and face detect chemicals and particles too small to smell. This triggers an instant migraine, dizziness (ear canals and ear vents swell).
This is part of veterans’ PTSD.
Hormones/Aging: yes. As we age our skin thins and we get more sensitive to perceived attacks. Hormones are also protectors when we are of “breeding age”. The natural menopause hormone drop can trigger panic. Again, the body is just freaking.
Infections/bacterial/fungus: they weaken us, cause inflammation and trigger a defense mechanism-panic.
Electronic waves: yup. Especially if we are already inflamed.
I am doing ok. Not great, but ok. I watch my diet, eat a lot of fruit and veg. Daily chores provide exercise. I avoid stores and mindless shopping (the chemicals in stores from antifungals sprayed on the items!). And (this is new) I put my bare feet on ground for at least 10 mins a day. Called earthing. It calms me and I sleep like a rock. I drink a lot of water, stop eating 2 hours before bed, and get good sleep. Sleep time is when our bodies “clean house”.
Reducing inflammation is part of the answer.
About three weeks ago, I brought the trash can from kitchen to put out on the patio so I could empty the vacuum cleaner canister. When I turned around to head back into the house, there was what looked like a baby Copperhead snake right there at the door opening, and it was poised to strike! I just about had a heart attack!!! I went right by that snake going out the door and startled it. Anyway, there was no way I was going back the way I came out. I was the only one home so I went and opened the garage and got the flat edged shovel and had to kill that thing by myself. Totally creeped me out. I’m just glad my small poodle didn’t follow me out like she often does.
Tamara, I couldn’t help but think that your friend could have thrown that dead squirrel over the fence into your neighbor’s yard. You know, the one whom you think poisoned your garden.
He’s dead. Wasn’t me.
That made me actually lol.
The plant poisoner is dead? Instant (semi) karma?
We had a bunch of grilled oysters and Manila clams. All fresh out of the Puget Sound here in Washington. Amazing seafood! And just mellow.
Yumm! That’s sounds so amazing! No pun intended!
I worked. Now that minimum wage hikes have gone into effect, Labor day is no longer a paid holiday (or time and a half if you work) where I’m employed. Hmmm.
Tamara.. you might want to consider using a mobile Vet in the future. Many people have wonderful things to say about them and you have a couple near you.
Very good point! I used a mobile Ver for a cat who inflicted severe car drama on me. She was good for one house call then somehow she knew they were coming or knew they were here and she’d hide. After one canceled visit for a cat “no show” I learned to leave her in the closed bedroom until Vet got here. I used him for my dogs too at the time because he was already here. Nothing but great experiences! (A little pricier but worth it!)
The 2 cats and 2 dogs that I live with currently all love to travel. I’ve had to turn my car around to return a cat or two that sneak into my car when I’m leaving for work more than a few times!
We went to The Bird Shop to get pellets for our two and took my pal who was having an anxiety attack. It melted away. Fell in love with several birds. Got to drive my friend’s brand-new badass tricked-out Honda. Tried to talk her into visiting the oh-so-peaceful Golden Pond water plant place. Next time… Dogs have been very naughty lately. Eating packages of sourdough rolls from the food pantry. Even stole the iceberg lettuce and peach skins for our neighbor’s chickens. I think they are protecting us from gluten and carbs. After a stern talk, my dog is back to waiting for permission before she gets my people food tidbit. I did create a monster … What Would Brandon (McMillan) Say?
I hope your anxiety/panic is at bay.