Thanks, y'all.

I'm chatting with B and he just wrote the loveliest intro email for me to the warehouse manager over there. Gah. Crush continues unabated.

Smonster, I really don't see why you shouldn't apply. it might be a little too high up, but they may be willing to hire you as is, or even for another position.

I'd say, apply for the job, smonster. If nothing else, look at it as an opportunity to practice your interview skills, and also a chance to make the acquaintance and do a little networking with those people.

vw, do you feed Toto only dry food? If not, it is really easy to mix a fair bit of water in with some canned food. You could even put some chicken broth over kibble. When we were in the desert, once in a while one of the cats would get overheated, panting and whatnot. So I would take some put bouillion in ice water for them to drink. I would also wipe them down with a cool, wet, washcloth to bring the body temp. down a bit.

Good points, all. Maybe they are or will be looking to hire crew people. B is thinking about applying, too. Well, that'll light a fire under my ass to get my resume in order.

Maybe they are or will be looking to hire crew people.

Definitely something to keep in mind. You can apply and maybe they'll realize how perfect you'd be. For this position or for another.

The one thing I would say about tempting a pooch to drink is to be careful of the sodium content in whatever you use. That can end up making any dehydration issues worse.

I concur with the ice cube and adding water to their food suggestions.

On the days when I am feeding Bartleby kibble, I heat up some water and douse the dry bits with it while I'm prepping his 'powders' (Plaque-off, which is a miracle...and the one of the reasons he's going strong at 9/essential fatty acids/acidophilus tablets ground up/a dehydrated fruit and veg concoction). Once I am ready to mix in the extras, the kibble has made a nice gravy. He gets extra fluids and the bowl is licked clean!

It amazes me that a 40lb dog drinks a full quart of water a day. I serve it in a nice, ceramic bowl that helps to keep it cool on warmer days.

Question for the hivemind pet people. How often do you wash your cat/dog bowls?

I've been getting loads of different answers and am looking for an average.

You can apply and maybe they'll realize how perfect you'd be.

I agree smonster. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and, perhaps, stretch past your comfort zone a teeny bit. Unless, of course, you absolutely know you don't want to do managerial stuff...in which case, apply anyway for all the reasons given, plus helping them keep you in mind for what you really want.

Unless, of course, you absolutely know you don't want to do managerial stuff...in which case, apply anyway for all the reasons given, plus helping them keep you in mind for what you really want.

Pretty damn sure. I'm current managing one intern who works 10 hrs/wk, and it stresses me the fuck out. ::sigh:: Some of it is a need to build those skills, some of it is lack of self-assurance, and some of it is I don't *like* managing people.

Please forgive the shameless serial posts, but in me news...

Today was the memorial service for my surrogate dad.

I practiced my eulogy dozens of times and was totally confident that I would do as Niki asked and be the one who would not cry.

I came right, bang in the middle of the program and as soon as I hit the lectern, I choked. Or choked up, I should say. I got through it...and everyone said lovely things (but, then again, what are they going to say? (Shame about how much you loved him and your crappy delivery!) But it was tougher than I ever imagined.

I did tell some funny stories and was so honored to be able to offer a side of him that his kids and step children didn't see. EVERY single person before me talked about his profound love of nature and I was able to open with, "I never went camping with him!"

In any case, it was a loving, moving and entertaining program all together. At 97, most of his friends had preceded him, but there were still scores of people who came to pay their respects. It was a blessing to me to be included as family.

I've been so caught up in caring for Niki that I guess I didn't really grieve properly for Gordon. In truth, I was relieved for him. Today, I came to grips with how much I will miss him. That's a good thing though.

and some of it is I don't *like* managing people.

This is a key awareness. So many people go up the ladder to management because it is expected...then they suck at it...and it ruins what might be a great work life.