Becky L

So, my dog was attacked a few weeks ago and the offending dog had mine by the throat for a few minutes before letting go leaving a few puncture wounds and scratches but nothing life threatening. The vet injected him at the point of injury with anti-inflammatory mixed with antibiotics and painkillers and made sure the wound was clear and also gave us a course of antibiotics to add to his food and he took the full course. He's been fine since and hasn't really fussed the wound which has scabbed and almost cleared now. Over the last few days though he's been having a dry cough sometimes mixed with hacking and/or wheezing. It's not all the time usually when he gets worked up and excited but not so much when on walks although it does still happen at times. We've left his collar off for the wound to heal and he's still wearing it quite loose now (so much it could slip over his head). He doesn't seem too lethargic maybe a bit more than usual.

Just wondering if anyone can give an opinion as the coughing and hacking is bad enough but the wheezing is scary as we're worried he can't breathe. We calm him down when it happens and usually settles within 20/30 minutes.

Any suggestions as to what it might be or what to do to help him ease it?

Thanks in advance!

I recently bought a two year old chihuahua x jack russell female (has been neutered), I could have sworn she was pure chihuahua as many people including my vet have commented that the jack russell is not noticeable. She weighs in at 6 1/2 to 7 lbs so she is VERY small (vet has commented that this is probably her ideal weight if not a tad bit on the skinny side). I love her to bits, however she has proven to be a bit of a fussy eater.

As she was re-homed from an elderly lady I have to assume she was not walked at all as it was a few days before she got used to a new collar and leash (which she did not come with). When we bought her she came with the food she was fed on usually, a very low cost/low quality canned dog food which smelled disgusting.

She now seems very happy with us, gets along famously with our 3 year old male Border Collie who protects her like a pup, is walked at least twice a day and is not spoiled rotten despite what most people assume because of the breed (I don't believe in feeding dogs too many treats or scraps from my plate as I know a lot of human food is toxic to dogs, especially smaller ones).

To replace the foul-smelling tinned food we initially tried her on IAMS dried kibble for all adult dogs mixed with Winalot canned wet dog food in jelly as this is what we feed our 3 year old Male Border Collie (our vet has always recommended half and half), she went off this after a few days so tried her with dried kibble Royal Canin specially designed for small dogs as she took a shine to this when my brother and sister in law visited with their small dog, again, she went off this after a few days. My dad's cousin has always had small dogs and recommended cat food as she has always fed her dogs this and never ran into trouble. The main problem I found with wet dog food was the fact that she really HATES jelly in her wet food and prefers gravy, plus the fact that she needs about 50g of wet food per meal which is exactly half a pouch of cat food and very few dog foods come in sachets with gravy rather than jelly. I have read online that there are MANY health problems associated with only feeding dogs on cat food as they require different nutrients etc. However, more than half of the meal consists of her kibble with all the nutrients she needs with just a small amount of cat food to add soft meat and moisture, she seems to love this and licks her bowl clean after a few trips back and forth (she never rushes her food). I am just worried that I could be doing damage to her digestive system by adding the cat food but if I don't she starts refusing to eat and losing weight (for a 6 1/2lbs dog this is extremely dangerous).

Can anyone give any re-assurance? Anyone with a similar problem and please let me know what solution you found?

Thanks! xxx

I've just finished my christmas shopping and (stupid to do this after, I know) I've downloaded a barcode scanner so decided to try it out on my christmas shopping for a laugh and actually found that almost all the DVDs I bought from HMV are cheaper online, by about £5 each. Wouldn't mind so much, if it wasn't the HMV website that showed the most savings 99% of the time. I only bought everything I scanned on Saturday. Reading their receipts I noticed they skirt around the fact that they do not give cash refunds but can only "...exchange most items purchased in error or unwanted gifts provided they are returned within 21 days in perfect condition accompanied by a receipt."

Needless to say the DVDs have not been opened. I was hoping to take the things I could buy cheaper on their website and get back some of the money I seem to have wasted, especially handy this close to christmas as I have almost bankrupted myself buying presents.

I have read horror stories online that no matter how much you press the matter, no matter who you talk to, HMV are particularly stubborn even to get a gift voucher as a refund for unwanted but perfectly resellable items. I don't want to just exchange the items for $60 worth of stuff I don't need just to have to buy the items again online because that would be defeating the object.

If they sold me things that were much cheaper on THEIR website almost the same day could that be used to maybe get some kind of refund?

I'm just looking for help because I could really use the extra money around now. Has anyone had any luck for this?

Already checked online which was useless as it just confirms that it is down to the shop's descretion whether they accept returned items for a cash refund unless they have a fault so there is no legal side to this I could play on.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

When I met my new boyfriends parents we instantly hit it off and they offered to have me round for dinner sometime. My boyfriend jokingly made a remark about his mothers cooking and half-joking I offered making them all dinner sometime. He was really up for the idea and I think it impressed his mum to see that I was not only polite enough to offer but that I feel I can actually cook with confidence (must be something about being able to look after her son ha ha).

There is one problem, I haven't an idea what to cook. My specialty is surf 'n' turf made with a fresh garden salad tossed with sliced grilled steak and topped with fresh prawns and Marie Rose dressing.

I would make this, however... He has a brother (15) and a sister (11) and I remember from when I was younger that anything out of the ordinary wasn't always met with relish. Ideally I'm looking for a dish that will be simple to make but still quite fancy but that would be suitable for younger children too...

They're a fairly healthy family, it seems, and don't usually eat large portions, but I could always take a dessert for them, too...

If anyone could recommend a nice dinner and dessert too that would be great.

Also, I wouldn't like to make too much mess as it isn't my kitchen, I have a basic knowledge of where everything is and I'm sure my boyfriend would help me if needed. There are no allergies that he's aware of but to be on the safe side I would like to steer away from something TOO spicey or exotic...

Thanks in advance!!!

I know it's normal for guys to be all commitment-phobic and to just be after the sex, but after having far too many bad experiences after rushing into committed relationships to have them crash and burn, I've decided to remain single for a while. The only problem is, while I don't want a committed relationship just yet, I'm craving sex. I keep thinking that this makes me some kind of slut and such a hypocrite for every time I told off a guy for being shallow and only wanting one thing.

There are a few guys I know and trust and that definately would have sex with me and not look for more, the only problem is I'm worried that I'll start feeling either like I'm being used (though knowing all the while that it is all my choice), or that I'm turning into some kind of slut.

Please help, I really don't know what to do. I'd like to remain sexually active and don't think I can wait until I'm ready for a new relationship.

What does everyone think I should do, and does it make me a bad person for just looking for the physical side...

Thanks in advance...

We were at her house last night and we were both drunk, we were just about to go to sleep when we started kissing. I've never had sex with another girl before, and neither had she. I was pretty sure before this that I was bisexual before but she was questioning her sexuality.

A few days ago she confided in me that she may be bisexual and I told her I would support her whatever.

Ok, so here's my problem. I don't want a relationship with her, but I don't want to lose her as a friend because she is the only person that can help me through all the problems that I've been having, and she needs me for the same reasons. I also don't want her to think I was taking advantage of her, and now I feel kinda crap because I think I might have...

I don't think she is interested in becoming an item, I just need to know what to say or what not to say to make sure it doesn't get uncomfortable between the two of us.

Please help! x

We were at her house last night and we were both drunk, we were just about to go to sleep when we started kissing. I've never had sex with another girl before, and neither had she. I was pretty sure before this that I was bisexual before but she was questioning her sexuality.

A few days ago she confided in me that she may be bisexual and I told her I would support her whatever.

Ok, so here's my problem. I don't want a relationship with her, but I don't want to lose her as a friend because she is the only person that can help me through all the problems that I've been having, and she needs me for the same reasons. I also don't want her to think I was taking advantage of her, and now I feel kinda crap because I think I might have...

I don't think she is interested in becoming an item, I just need to know what to say or what not to say to make sure it doesn't get uncomfortable between the two of us.

Please help! x

Okay, so last night I had a weird dream about my teacher. We were basically getting physically close and although we didn't actually have sex, i noticed he had an erection and was somehow in his boxers but still wearing a shirt :/.

I have noticed recently that he is very attractive in a quirky way and I feel myself developing a crush on him. I'm not particularly close to him and I don't feel we share a special relationship in any way. Also I am by no means his favorite student.

He has a wife and I'm sure he is little more than 10 years my elder.

I do not wish to pursue this relationship but I can't help but question why this dream occurred in the first place?

I have only ever had one other sex dream about somebody I'd already met once before and I ended up getting to know this person and going out with him for a short while. I have a boyfriend now but I am having serious doubts about our relationship (which a little to do with the sex dreams).

If anybody could interpret this for me and also explain why I'm never having sex dreams about my boyfriend that would be a great help. Thanks in advance!! x

Okay, so last night I had a weird dream about my teacher. We were basically getting physically close and although we didn't actually have sex, i noticed he had an erection and was somehow in his boxers but still wearing a shirt :/.

I have noticed recently that he is very attractive in a quirky way and I feel myself developing a crush on him. I'm not particularly close to him and I don't feel we share a special relationship in any way. Also I am by no means his favorite student.

He has a wife and I'm sure he is little more than 10 years my elder.

I do not wish to pursue this relationship but I can't help but question why this dream occurred in the first place?

I have only ever had one other sex dream about somebody I'd already met once before and I ended up getting to know this person and going out with him for a short while. I have a boyfriend now but I am having serious doubts about our relationship (which a little to do with the sex dreams).

If anybody could interpret this for me and also explain why I'm never having sex dreams about my boyfriend that would be a great help. Thanks in advance!! x

Okay, we have two weeks break from college and a week from Tuesday we've arranged for my boyfriend and I and another couple we know to go on a camping trip. We are staying there two nights from the Tuesday midday to Thursday midday so we will be sleeping over two nights. The other couple are still fairly early on in their relationship and may want to have sex for the first time on this trip, we can either use a tent with three seperate sleeping compartments and a main area in the middle or a smaller tent with two sleeping compartments and a main area. Alternatively we could take two small seperate tents, but it means more to pack in the car, which isn't particularly spaceous.

What do you guys think? Plus, can you think of anything we can do/take to keep us entertained - we are all 18 now and will be taking some beer etc but would like some good, wholesome fun =P any ideas?

I doubt we would be up for any hiking etc, just things like frizbees, card games maybe? I don't know any.

Best answer will be most fun and helpful suggestion!

Thanks xx

This isn't the first time we have suspected this, my parents almost divorced a few years back because he was getting far too friendly with an older female friend of his and while we were on holiday he ran up a £100+ phone bill phoning and texting her.

He got a new job a few years back and has recently started working night shifts.

There were arguments between the staff a few months back because my dad was accused of having an affair with one of his co-workers. This has been resolved (supposedly) and I havn't heard anything from either of my parents in a few weeks.

This morning I was making a cup of tea and my dad's phone beeped. He was outside so I went to take his phone to him and opened the phone ready to give it to him, before I got outside, however, I saw the beginning of the message. This made my heart pound and made me feel physically ill, I opened his inbox and found two messages from his female workmate. The first had been recieved around ten past nine, just as my mum was leaving for work. It said something like "Good morning, see you tonight, love you xx" and the more recent one which was recieved at about 25 past 9 said something like "God i've missed you, can't wait for tonight, will have to make up for lost time. mmm xxx". Neither of these messages had been read and there was no messages sent to her in his sentbox. He only put his simcard in this phone about a day ago, maybe even this morning because his broke and is away getting fixed.

Because he hadn't read these messages, I can't presume he IS having an affair and since I didn't see any sent messages I don't have enough evidence to start pointing fingers.

I don't want my parents to divorce but I also don't want to keep quiet about this and have my mum hurt more if my dad doesn't tell her or leaves her.

My dad says he loves my mum but has a bad way of showing it, he has behavioral issues (he has never physically abused my mum) sprouting from a head injury about 18 years ago.

My mum has been in a state of mild depression for months maybe years and when all the fuss was going on about my dad supposedly having an affair at work she almost walked out and couldn't handle it.

What the hell do I do? I can't confront my dad because we don't get along but I can't tell my mam with unsubstantial evidence or I might cause an uneccessary divorce? Please help me, this is driving me insane!

And I know that my dad is doing a night shift tonight and it sounds like it will be with that woman, I won't be able to sleep thinking what they could be doing.

(They work as carers in a large house of disabled children, they regularly sleep on couches in the front room while the residents are in bed, it would be all to easy for them to do God-knows-what...)

I was given an iPod Touch for my birthday about 2 months ago, it was second hand but i extremely good condition and the guy had already downloaded a load of games onto it. They all worked fine for a few weeks but then all of a sudden when i click on certain games, i get maybe a start-up screen but most of the time it just freezes for a few seconds then takes me back to the home screen.

Looked on the internet for a solution but can't find anything that directly deals with this problem.

Please help! xx

Writing a short story for an English assignment that could be expanded into a book/novel (theoretically, not in reality).

I need girls (preferably teens 16-19 but not discriminating against others) to tell me some story/anecdote of a past relationship/relationships that havn't ended well, the guy's cheated, you found out he wasn't as nice as you first thought etc.

Don't need to go into A LOT of detail but some would be nice, and if you have the time and are willing, feel free to add more detail :p

Would like to keep it witty, snappy etc so any tales of revenge would also be greatly appreciated.

Will be choosing best answer on the basis of which make me laugh and hate men at the same time :D

Thanks!!!

The title is a woman's name, I'm sure it's "Mrs (something)".

It is about a woman, the movie is in black and white and set during, I think, the first world war. There is a scene in this movie where the people of a town are sat in a church with the roof of the church gaping open due to bombing. I think this is a scene close to the end.

I need to know the name of this film as it ties in with a piece of coursework I am currently writing but is not of much use to me if I do not mention the name.

The story, I think, is of a woman who's son or husband (unlikely to be husband as she was elderly) was fighting in the war.

This is really all i can think of but I'm sure it was a fairly famous movie with atleast one famous actor/actress. I saw it on TCM a few months ago but cannot remember too much about it. I think it was made some time during the fourties.

Please help!

I was with my previous boyfriend for a year and 10 1/2 months.

I broke up with my boyfriend around christmas and have just started to see this a new guy around the beginning of February.

This new boyfriend is great, he's funny, very smart, witty, and we get along great. He's told me he can speak to me in a way he's never been able to speak to anyone else before. He told me the other day - "When I'm talking to other people I'm just on auto-pilot, with you I actually feel like we are having a proper conversation, and I want to pay attention and respond because it's intriguing and challenging."

He is not particularly emotional in public, but is not afraid to give me hugs etc.

I've already met his parents (Mum and Step-dad had me over for dinner and got on fabulously well).

All in all, he's a great guy and treats me really well.

The EX-

I broke up with my ex because he was beginning to drink heavily, hang around with his friends too much (I don't usually have a problem with it but they act like idiots most of the time) and has been out of college for over 6 months and barely looked for a job.

However, the (almost) two years i spent with him were fantastic and I loved him dearly.

My problem is - -

Now I'm with this new guy, but he is busy a lot of the time so I don't get to see him as much as I'd like. Mainly in college for an hour or so but we are surrounded by friends so it's hard to be intimate and chat. He is busy on average 3 nights a week and is now doing a course which takes away his weekends.

I have been chatting to my ex a lot more and he keeps telling me he loves me and on occasion we have met up and talked, maybe hugged (NOTHING MORE) and now I am so confused, I don't know what to do.

Could somebody please help me make sense of everything. My feelings for my new boyfriend are clashing with the feelings of the ex, and because my new BF is always busy, I have more time to think of the ex.

When I'm with the ex, I always think of my new bf, however when I'm with my new bf I don't think I ever think of the ex.

What does everybody think? Could I just be missing what I USED to have with the ex because I don't spend enough time with the new bf or what?

Any opinions and suggestions would help me so much, because this is driving me around the bend!!

(Sorry for such a long post, wanted to give the fuller picture)

I am attempting to compile a list of things that are needed when spending the night at my boyfriend's house.

I have already been in a relationship before which involved sleeping over, however as he lived so close I tended to never need to take a lot of stuff, and the stuff I did need was pretty much there if i needed it.

However, my newest boyfriend lives on average about an hour from my house, so it's not as easy to go home early in the mornings if i've forgotten something.

So I'm making this list to cover every eventuality, as I won't be coming home really early and would like to look and feel fresh the next day, possibly into mid-afternoon.

So far I have...

1. Change of Underwear

2. P.Js

3. Makeup, facial wipes etc.

4. Hairbrush/comb

5. Deodorant

6. Toothbrush

These are the basics, I'd like to hear any suggestions of things that will fit into a medium sized bag (as I don't want to look like I'm moving in and can't leave anything there.)

Even if it's silly, mention it, I want to consider everything.

Please also give reasons for the choice.

Thanks xx

Recently have begun driving peugeot 206 and have noticed car handbreak to be very slack/when pulled comes much further back than it should. My father and I have not got a clue how to locate the mechanism to tighten it with and need help, please include as much detail as possible, thanks!