Thoughts on the pet.
I see, re-reading old entries, that pet was having depression issues as recently as August.
Frankly, that surprises me; it hasn't really been an issue for months. Though he's certainly somewhat upset now, as I now live more than twice as far from him as I used to, so I won't be seeing him every week. Our work schedules are incompatible now more often than not; he is getting home late and I have to rise much earlier than I used to. Pet does a good job taking care of me in that arena, putting my interests before his as far as making sure I get some sleep. Good boy!
He is very happy working, although he gets quite incensed about situations at work. He has found some interesting ways of dealing with that; I approve. I do continue to have difficulty with his strong preference for action over thought. It can be difficult to get his opinion or thoughts about things; I am sure there are people who would be delighted at some of the replies I get sometimes ("because it's something you want, ma'am" is a favorite) but I am interested in what makes him tick, not just in having my own preferences reflected back at me.
It's possible I worry too much about that.
I am somewhat more annoyed over the tendency he has to ignore or forget commands which involve his welfare, as opposed to something sexy/humiliating. We are working on this. Having to follow up constantly is an annoyance I'd be happier without, but I'm sure it will improve with time. Some of the recreational stuff didn't come instantaneously either, and you work with what you have.
He is a good pet, and if my own life hadn't been pretty thoroughly discombobulated, he'd be wearing a locked collar by now. Until my own circumstances settle and we see if he can deal with the new ones, I don't think putting a padlock on him would be fair to him (or to me). I'll have to re-examine that in the New Year.
Frankly, that surprises me; it hasn't really been an issue for months. Though he's certainly somewhat upset now, as I now live more than twice as far from him as I used to, so I won't be seeing him every week. Our work schedules are incompatible now more often than not; he is getting home late and I have to rise much earlier than I used to. Pet does a good job taking care of me in that arena, putting my interests before his as far as making sure I get some sleep. Good boy!
He is very happy working, although he gets quite incensed about situations at work. He has found some interesting ways of dealing with that; I approve. I do continue to have difficulty with his strong preference for action over thought. It can be difficult to get his opinion or thoughts about things; I am sure there are people who would be delighted at some of the replies I get sometimes ("because it's something you want, ma'am" is a favorite) but I am interested in what makes him tick, not just in having my own preferences reflected back at me.
It's possible I worry too much about that.
I am somewhat more annoyed over the tendency he has to ignore or forget commands which involve his welfare, as opposed to something sexy/humiliating. We are working on this. Having to follow up constantly is an annoyance I'd be happier without, but I'm sure it will improve with time. Some of the recreational stuff didn't come instantaneously either, and you work with what you have.
He is a good pet, and if my own life hadn't been pretty thoroughly discombobulated, he'd be wearing a locked collar by now. Until my own circumstances settle and we see if he can deal with the new ones, I don't think putting a padlock on him would be fair to him (or to me). I'll have to re-examine that in the New Year.