Pesky, so glad you and your son have been able to get through these difficult times. Thank you for sharing your story. I think we all learn a little and may see things a little differently after someone has written about their problems. Years ago, I stood at the same crossroads as you, took the same path, and like you, the roads met up again, for a time. A year later they separated again, for good after, 13 years of marriage. Fortunately, there were no children to get hurt. We got married just after we both turned 19. We didn't know ourselves well, let alone each other. We didn't talk about the important stuff. The infidelity was a symptom of how disconnected we were. If we had met 5 years later, I don't believe we would have been partners. I hope I have been more open and aware with my current partner. I still find it hard work sometimes. Next year will be our 25th anniversary. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and continuing hope and happiness.

I am the author of the book you mention, Pet E.R. Guide Wow talk about coincidental! Nice to meet you Melinda! And congradulations on such a helpful guide for all pet owners. Ironically I didn't know about your book till a friend of mine told me about it when I got back from our trip. The only advice I had than was to stop at Hotels and or gas stations on the way if an Vet ER situation occurred and ask for a phonebook! HELLO, I probably would have had a heart attack myself under that kind of stress. Here I was thinking I was doing such a good job by screening ahead for Vets in my final destination ( and luckily it did pay off big time) but didn't prepare for the road trip itself except for my first aid and bloat kits. Let's just say your book is on my list for Christmas gifts for all my friends and family that travel with their animals.

You really need to practice this a lot. No there isn't anything that will stop the throwing up as it's related to anxiety and not upset stomach. I've tried everything under the sun for one of mine, even vet prescribed sedatives and ginger snaps and nothing worked. Practicing the short rides and feeding your dog in the car may or may not work. One thing I highly suggest is that about 10-15 minutes into the ride, stop and let the dog out to poop. Yes, even if he just went before you left. This will buy you about another hour. Hopefully during that hour, if it is interstate driving and smooth with no stopping and go-ing then hopefully the dog will fall asleep. Depending on how far you are going, bring a big supply of water, paper towels or wipes for cleanup. While the soft blanket may look comfortable, you may come to discover your dog prefers a cozy, confined kennel during times of anxiety. And of course also for safety reasons. Mine does better in a somewhat confined space and tends to settle down and sleep sooner as long as we're on the interstate.

Surely, there is a way to shut off your water. You need to shut off the water to change washer hoses, work on sinks and toilets, etc. Locate your water meter. There should be two shutoff valves, one in the feedline to the meter and another in the water line leaving the meter that supplies the house. These two valves are needed to change out the meter. In my town, meters are changed out every 10 years for calibration and/or updates. In my state, there is a 3rd shutoff not accessible to the homeowner and it does require a special tool. This valve is buried at the lot line where your supply line connects to the city or association supply. Its at the lot line were city/utility employees may turn off the water without entering your property and do not have to get a court order. About your washer hoses. Trace your washer hose from the back of the washer to its source. Normally, these hoses (hot and cold water) are connected to a faucet or valve and may be behind the washer. A nice installation places these valves above the washer so they can be reached without moving the washer.