DC law would probably not hold this woman legally accountable for the bites (it's weak on owner responsibility). Morally, this woman should pay, and she should be apologizing all over the place. Legally, she's probably off the hook.

(Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, esp when I'm never much around anymore.)

We're all carrying a debt like this and I'm certainly not clearing mine with what I'm chipping in... but maybe its a debt we never "clear". Maybe it's an honor to carry it. Maybe it's a trust. Maybe you get to pay it back forever as much as you can.

Echoing everyone else's sentiments. While the largesse I've received has not been monetary, it has saved my life and my sanity. What everyone did for me after Rob's cancer diagnosis and his sudden death is simply amazing. I still cannot adequately express how much it means to me. It's not something I can ever pay off. I can only hope that I pay it forward.

Don't panic, bonny. Givers and nurturers find takers sometime, though I think you know their Queen.

Thanks for chiming in, Sparky. That seems very odd to me, but laws are often odd.

Thanks, Maria, I just drove all the way home because I'd forgotten to refill my pill case and need to take my antidepressant... only to realize that my bottle of pills is also in my work bag. So that's a half hour of work I lost for nothing.

And I'm in pain and that plus work stress is triggering a panic attack. I'm trying to ward off a nasty downward spiral here and I don't know if I can. Feeling very insecure and defensive and imposter-y.

Sorry, don't mean to detract from other conversation. I'm not sure what I need, either. What I want is to give in, eat a bunch of chcolate, and nap instead of going back to work. But that's not really an option. It may be time for me to look for a therapist, or at least a support group of some kind.

((( Smonster )))

Bonny, I hope you are feeling better today. And yes, do not stop caring for others. It's so much a part of you, I'd hate to see that leave.

Aims, how is MiracleBorn household doing?

ND & Pix, I'm itching to know what the CU says. Clearly y'all are more patient than I am. Still have digits crossed.

{{{Smonster}}} I'm sorry you're feeling that way.

Bonny, I'm sorry that your former friend is being such an asshat. She needs to pay the whole bill.

I need some advice from the buffista parents for a friend of mine. Her 5 year old is starting kindergarten soon and they went to a gathering with the other kids who were going to be in his class. A couple of the kids were pushing him around, and now he doesn't want to start school. He's been in the same daycare/preschool since he was little, but this school has all new kids.

smonster, I don't know what words might be of use to you right now. You ARE stressed out. I wish it were some easy way of coating stressors in protective casing so they hurt less - like an oyster with a grain of sand. Telling you the secret of it would be a delight right now, but I do not know it. But do please know that we are here, 100% on your side.

smonster, can you work -- I mean literally, are you *able* to work, physically, and SAFELY -- if you take a Xanax (or half, or a quarter)? A desk job is not going to be treacherous if the person takes a Xanax and does some typing, but I know your job often involves heavy, pointy, ouchy things.

So if you can safely work with a little Xanax in you, I recommend that.

DC law would probably not hold this woman legally accountable for the bites (it's weak on owner responsibility). Morally, this woman should pay, and she should be apologizing all over the place. Legally, she's probably off the hook.

The logical part of my brain finds this interesting and a little confusing (so, basically, no one bears responsibility if their dog is an evil overlord?), but the emotional part of my brain is all THE HELL, YOU SAY. Dang, DC. Dang.

Right now I'm trying to get myself out of my house and into the car to go back to work. I have to go. My drugs are there, my computer is there, I carpooled with my coworker this morning.

I could probably take 1/4 or 1/2 Xanax and work. It seems to be less effective when pain is part of the anxiety trigger. I've been lying on my back using Alexander technique, which helps some - but as soon as I sit up the pain comes raring back.

Thanks for the brackets and support. Gonna do five more minutes AT and then head back.

But I agree that it's a pattern, and I wonder if part of it comes from equating "caring" with being there for, well, anything. Which isn't necessary or even really caring. It's absolutely a pattern you know how to recognize in dogs and owners, but it's worth applying to people relationships too. Your boundaries are sacred, and they just need a little shoring up right now.

Yeah, that does seem like something to look into. (I mean, I feel like I veer too far the other way, which is an issue also, but)

DC law would probably not hold this woman legally accountable for the bites (it's weak on owner responsibility). Morally, this woman should pay, and she should be apologizing all over the place. Legally, she's probably off the hook.

Hey, knowledge is power! We love you Sparky, don't worry! :)