Heheh. We have two labs, and the older female (see picture <--) is the alpha over the 2 year younger much larger male. She is the sweetest dog to us, but rules undisputed, and unchallenged. Even the cats respect and love her. She used to break up their fights with a single "woof".

Only the parrot refuses to see things her way, even though he weighs about 1/200th. In return, she ignores his existence, but loves hanging around the cage. Parrots are messy eaters, but clever as well. He actually throws food on the floor for her to chase. He even calls her by name, and tries to order her around ("sit!" "move over!" "basket!"), but luckily she is deaf now at 13 years old.

The interactions are a constant source of amusement.

Pamela, 381 days is a great achievement!

Your dogs sound interesting (can't say much more because I am a cat person ).

However it is good that they have people like you and DB to care for them .

Haha - we gave 4 cats; Abyssinian, Manx, Russian Blue & a Black Russian. The Abyssinian, she is the house ruler including over the alpha male dog. All the dogs avoid her & she keeps the other cats in line. Fascinating to watch power plays, cracks me up sometimes. She loves to chat so as of tonight we now have 4 dogs & 4 cats.

The dogs are all working dogs, (2 retired now) my old girl (black lab) passed away in 2009 at 13. DB had already started working by then as a DDO so we knew we couldn't get another as a pet given we would keep the dogs after they retire - usually at about 8 yrs of age. DD no.3 got his defence medal in November & has about 2&1/2 yrs work left in him.

Watching Labs is better than people watching sometimes. They go from active n energetic to "feed me feed me" & then to sleep!! Love how the parrot feeds her & tries to boss her around.

The black dog has paid another visit accompanied by (at times) an overwhelming urge to drink. DB looking for "I" groups yesterday but unable to garner the energy to get off the bed or couch. His 2 days off spent horizontal. I'm hoping a combination of jet lag, flu & frustration with his sister is the trigger & it will soon pass. DB says he is not going to phone G anymore, her "poor poor me" attitude is depressing. He has an appointment with his psych on the 31st, it can't come soon enough. Strangely, even though he says he has an overwhelming urge to drink, I don't feel anxious over the statement. I hope I'm right to be so optimistic but for now, I think he has got this.
I looked at apps on iPads yesterday, I see there is a mood diary/ tracker for free (open to public) or $1.49 for private. Anyone think it's worthwhile me suggesting to DB he download it as a tool to help identify / manage depression triggers/ patterns? I don't want to wave a red flag at the raging bull.

Pamela, I keep a daily mood diary. In my case it is a highly-secure Word file on this laptop. Living with clinical depression, it helps me to keep an objective record of my thoughts and feelings.

That could also help DB as well - an iPad app might work for him. It is certainly worth suggesting.

Nobody can control having urges or not, but we can control whether we act upon them. He has gone through an emotional roller coaster (the trip), and his initial reaction is to crave relief. Over time, he will learn (and I'm talking about "deep learning", not just knowing rationally) that he can manage turmoil without needing or craving alcohol.

Documenting moods is a good idea, as it gives some form of "control" and insight.

You could always bring it up as a possibility, as a possible tool. Or ask his psych to mention it? Ultimately is will be his decision if he finds it helpful or not.

Pam,
How is DB doing? Hopefully he is up and about.

Gerry

Anxious and depressed but we managed to go to the gym for 30 minutes & buy a clam shell for the new dog to paddle in. 42c here today - hotter than hot!!

Yikes! It was 22c here yesterday and I thought that was near perfect...