Alone Again...Naturally

[tlwtheq]

Brad et al,

I'm sorry if this doesn't qualify for "Cairn Life", but this is where my human friends reside,

and it does impact my Cairn children.

After only 1+ years with my (latest) employer I've been laid off.

They are emphatic about it not being performance-related. It's just that NASA

reduced our contract, and I am one of the casualties.

I found out, after the fact, that this company (ITT) is notorious for laying people

off when the task they were hired for is completed. I'm going into another "funk"

because it's so humiliating. These days, when you get laid off, at least in the US,

they wait until the last minute to tell you, unexpectedly, and then have security

forcibly oust you from the building.

This means that Olie and Teddy's teeth can't be cleaned right now as they should.

There are so many things that need doing around the house, and I'm still recovering

from the July 2010-March 2011 layoff. The last layoff I had $30,000.00 USD

banked for such an occasion...no this time. DH isn't helping with income (didn't last time

when I was out of work for 8 months).

I can't take care of my children. I am panicking!

How can I take care of my children's teeth?

I'm crying right now so I have to go.

I love you all, not looking for solutions, just a shoulder to cry on,

Tara Proud Mum of Olie, Teddy, and Sweet Pea

[Idaho Cairns]

Well, since it does impact a Cairn family and a fellow human being that I care for, you have my shoulder to cry on all you want--here on the Forum or in a personal message. I never faced what you are going thru--losing a job thru no fault of my own (lost a couple that I was responsible for) so I can only imagine the fear and frustration you face. I don't blame you for being scared and for being angry--that is only human. Let's hope this is a door that has to close on you so that a better one can open.

[Sam I Am]

Tara I really feel for you! Here in Alberta with the main revenue coming from the gas and oil industry, lay offs are very very common. My nephew is an apprentice heavy duty mechanic and I can't even begin to tell you how many times in the last three years he has been laid off, and he has his first child on the way.

As far as the teeth cleaning goes for the fur kids, just brush their teeth and give them bully sticks for now. As Idaho mentioned,when the initial anger and fear wears off, new doors will open up.....they always do. Please take comfort that you have a huge support group!

[Zekey's Mom]

Tara, I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this. The "escort out the door" business is horrible. The employer basically says that one minute they entrusted you with all of their data, but this minute, not so much. It's for the birds.

I'm where you are with your previous layoff -- I lost my job in December, but was well prepared for it, as were most of my colleagues. Still, utility bills continue to rise, and I keep putting off annual shots for my 2 cat/2 dog household. It really stinks. I'm still looking.

I spend my days with the dogs in the yard, enjoying the gorgeous spring we've had this year. At least it's free.

Take some time to regroup. The pups' teeth will not be falling out this year, and hopefully you'll be able to snag another job in a reasonable amount of time. Until then, we're here for you.

[Ivy & Lucy's Mom]

Keeping you in my prayers for a bright tomorrow..

[Lynn in TN]

You are in my prayers also. You are more than welcome to cry on my shoulder anytime. This is one subject I know something about. In 2002 We were so happy to find out I was pregnant with our 2nd child 3 days later I was laid of. No severance pay, and we had no savings, I could not draw unemployment, but DH still had a job or so we thought.

Just a few months later 3 weeks before Christmas my husband was laid off as well, no severance pay, We were so scared we would lose what little we had at the time.

They messed up on the unemployment check so it was 3 weeks late. We were both angry and hurt, but things worked out as hard as it was we hung in their and it took us a few years of dead end jobs but we finally came out of the slump.

Everyones situation is different and I may not know exactly what you are going through, but I do know a little of it. You are in my prayers. Try not to worry, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE!

[KShep]

I'm so sorry. It is a frightening situation and it is frustrating to start over. Just when you get comfortable somewhere. I am looking for work too! Unemployed with a bachelors degree. It's tough right now and I was just talking to my mom today about how all the good jobs are going overseas. It's not fair

[Malcolm's Dad]

Tara I'm sorry this happened to you. I've been laid off from a few jobs. It is a terrible situation that makes you feel worthless. Support from your friends is sorely needed at a time like this so don't hesitate to ask from the forum or elsewhere.

When I am in a tense and worrisome period exercise helps me the most. Anxiety causes a physical stress (well for me it does.) Working off that physical stress helps to clear the mental fog that you are probably experiencing in such a depressing time.

I give Malcolm kneecaps. Menards sells them for about $1.25. He gnaws on them for days at a time. They do help keep his teeth somewhat clean and it keeps him busy.

Hope things get better. Hugs to you and the dogs.

[Hawkeye]

Tara, I am so sorry to hear this has hit you for a second time. As you can see you are not alone...it is amazing to see how many of us have been affected by this. I also lost my job back in December due to budget crisis and I can tell you I understand totally. Fortunately for me my husband is still employeed and can handle the bills, but this is a hard time to look for work and my age does not help. Your furbabies will be fine for now and should give you a good source of comfort. I always turn to mine when I am down.

If you need to talk, please know I(we) are here to give support.

[Ivy & Lucy's Mom]

Tara,

I know this is the last thing on your mind but you can actually do a pretty good job on your dogs teeth yourself. After brushing, use a human tooth scraper. I get both my dogs teeth very clean. It might take a couple of times for them to get used to it-eventually mine lay there and almost fall asleep. My vet is impressed how clean they are and they don't have to be put to sleep to get them professionally clean. Continue brushing-and I also use something from the petstore called plaque blaster. Just spray it on their teeth once a day and I swear, it helps a lot. I have always cleaned my dogs teeth and they have never had any teeth issues. Hope this helps..

Take care..it will get better.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Tara ditto to all the above comments. I feel your anxiety and I am sorry you have to go through this yet again.

[Kathryn]

Corporate America seems to have become much more cruel than it was in my father's time. That "march out the door" in particular galls me: people do a good job, play fair and work hard - and then they are treated like criminals. Hmmmpf.

I am sorry that this has happened to you. There was a 60 Minutes story last Sunday about the impact of the closing of the shuttle program in Florida, and it seems to be rippling beyond. How sad that you had to feel that impact so personally. I will keep my fingers crossed (and Allie and TBone promise to cross paws) that you find something new very very soon.

Here are a few practical suggestions. Sometimes there are programs that will provide veterinary help to people facing financial crises. I know this because many years ago I lost a job just after getting a puppy, and a local program provided me with a deeply discounted spay for the pup.

Also, is it possible to barter work for the veterinary services you need? I would at least bring it up with the vet. I have a friend who is an artist and very resilient about money, and she has managed to get vet services in exchange for maintaining their landscaping over the summer. Another friend who cuts hair "traded" with a dental hygenist, hair cuts for tooth cleaning. I would also mention your circumstances and ask for reduced or delayed payment...if the vet knows you, he/she knows how important your cairns are to you and would understand how important you know their care is.

Hang in there! Post here when you need to, and friends will definitely respond.

[josie&holly]

Sorry to read that this has happened to you again Tara................. my thoughts are with you and your dogs. I am sure that there must be ways round the vet costs as suggested above. At least you can have plenty of time to love and be loved by Olie, Teddy and Sweet Pea but I hope that something comes along soon that is just right for you.

[sanford]

Dear Tara,

So sorry to read that you were laid off. Losing a job is one of life's major setbacks so your fear and uncertainty are understandable. As you can see from the above responses, many of us have been in your predicament. Life does throw us curves and we know how hard this can be. I hope you have some friends and family who can be of some consolation and emotional support at a time like this.

I wish it was in my power to offer more than these words. In my case, I did some volunteer work while unemployed. Just interacting with people, keeping occupied and having a routine went a long way in helping me keep my equilibrium and not feel so alone.

Re caring for your pup's teeth, I understand that certain (inexpensive), natural bones can be quite effective in keeping teeth clean & healthy. I hope this, together with plaque softeners and brushing will be a practical solution. Please keep posting on the forum. I'll want to know how things go with you and I'm sure others here feel the same!

[Hillscreek]

One of the things our beloved dogs do best for us is just being there - in good times and bad.

I second what IGotAhome said above about exercise. Take your buddies for a walk. Especially nice if you have country nearby. You will all feel better. I can tell you from experience.

Their teeth will be OK for a while and you can have a go at cleaning them yourself in the meantime. May as well use the time to learn something new about caring for them - take your mind of other things for a little while.

Do like Kathryn suggested.Try the bartering thing. Where I live is a generally poor area and people help each other out by swapping services or help for each other.

Don't be too proud to ask for help in your neighborhood.

Your Cairn buddies care for you and are sharing their experiences. Just gotta dig down for that extra strength.

Let us know how you are all getting along

Take care.

[Dempsy's Mom]

All good ideas. I like the volunteer work to help keep you occupied and with other people and maybe some space between you and your DH. (Ok - I have to ask - call me stupid but I have never understood what DH means. Is it dumb husband?)

[Zekey's Mom]

call me stupid but I have never understood what DH means. Is it dumb husband?

Too funny! I think most people take it to mean "dear husband" or "darling husband", but you never know!

[lindasue]

Tara I too was given the boot at the end of December (I call it the Merry Christmas bonus). Just no work in my field of marketing these days. And my twins go off to college in the fall - ugh! On the bright side, however, Pegi gets lots of walks and attention, and I've been able to work with the college financial counselors (playing the laid off mom card) and get a little more aid for them. This is the 4th time I have been laid off - and each time I have landed a better job. Just keep at it!

[Dempsy's Mom]

I got the giggles ... thanks Zekey's mom. I really wasn't sure if it was a reference to a husband at all.

[TazTalk]

Tara, my heart goes out to you, having to go through this again. Keeping busy and networking is very helpful. If you're not on LinkedIn, it's a really good way to make contacts, find people you lost touch with, etc. Volunteering is also good networking. I started volunteering for Hospice last year and have met a wonderful group of people.

A couple months ago, we bought a doogie dental plaque tool on Amazon and we were amazed at how well it works. I don't think we will every need to have Taz's teeth professionally cleaned. My DH does a few teeth at a time, and Taz really doesn't mind at all. I know all dogs are different, but for $8, it's worth a try

Put this in the Amazon search:

"Double End Dog Dental Tooth Scaler w/Sleeve for Storage"

$7.96

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! My DH and I have both been in your shoes ... it's tough. Hang in there, keep busy and stay positive.

(I also was never too sure what DH stood for ... Wondered if it was doggie husband!)

[tlwtheq]

Thanks everyone. I'm trying really hard but it's still hard keeping my chin up.

One of the recruiters I'm working with asked me if I could get a reference from my

latest employer. I called one of my friends there...she had to whisper because

people there have been told there is not to be any contact between them and

the recently laid off. I've found out a lot of really bad stuff about this company

from recruiters and others since this layoff. Name of company: ITT Exelis.

I knew I wasn't being treated well the whole time I was there, but now it makes

a little more sense. I did such excellent work for them, even last fall when I

had mono, and then had to have surgery, and they just threw

me out with the trash.

Again, thanks for the moral support.

Tara

[oscar's mom]

Tara, How's the job search going. You sound good in all the posting. I bet your fur babies love having you around a bit more, even it's for short period of time.

[Hillscreek]

Sounds like you got a job? Sure hope so. Good to see you back again

[Dempsy's Mom]

I'd like an update too Tara. Hope everything has come together.