SoapZone Community Message Board

walk at a nearby park. It had to be quick; it's been raining on and off all day, and for a late(ish) day in June, it's been positively cold (62°) I feel fortunate we were able to get in the walk that we did--a little over 2 miles--while it was mostly clear.

Right before we parted ways, I asked bff for the final time if she wanted to go with me next week to Marietta OH/Vienna WV for an overnight trip. To my absolute (utter lack of) surprise, she regretfully declined. When gently pressed, she said it was because of the expense, and and when I reiterated I would pay for gas and the hotel, she said it was because of the dogs. I asked if she couldn't board them overnight at the doggie daycare; she said she could but her boss, who owns the daycare, would take it out of her pay. I admit, I was a little surprised by that...I get that the boss is running a business but to hear bff talk, the boss thinks the world of bff so I was thinking she would let her keep the dogs there overnight for, well, if not for free then at least for a greatly reduced fee. I'm sure bff would've even provided the meals for her pups, so all we're talking is letting them out in a large fenced yard to play and then letting them stay in a kennel overnight.

Honestly, there's an even better solution to what to do with the doggos. Bff's niece is 22, college-educated, graduated with honors...and not only not working, she's not even looking for employment (that's a possible discussion for another time...and no, there's nothing preventing Niece from holding down a job, nor is there even a former workplace Niece could return to as she's literally never been paid to do a job of any kind). She also lives (with her parents) only 11 doors down. As much as bff does/has done for Niece, and also for her sis and BIL, I would think Niece would've been happy to stay overnight at bff's house and take care of the animals (the two dogs plus an easygoing cat) either for free or a greatly reduced rate. But bff has some kind of thing about people being in her home and I'm almost positive it extends even to family members.

Anyways, two things: first, I think the dogs are just an excuse. And since bff will likely always have dogs (and I want her to), and since she loves taking in dogs with various issues, the dogs will ALWAYS be an excuse. So I have to accept bff and I may never vacation together again (nor will she and anyone else do so except maybe, possibly, a siblings trip? But I doubt that too). Second, Kitchop asked before if I thought bff is depressed and my answer is yes; I'm just not sure how severe her depression is and if it's truly clinical or more something that would change when (if?) her job situation improves (aka she loves what she does but doesn't get paid enough, so she needs another part time job). I was a little concerned today at lunch when bff told me next Tuesday is one of four "Bark at the Park" days at Progressive Field (home of the Cleveland Guardians) and she might "have" to go, as her boss bought six tickets and wants either her customers or staff to go to the game, on her...but bff doesn't want to go. I wasn't expecting bff to turn down free tickets to a Guardians' game, since last I knew, she was still a fan. But I know withdrawing from things you normally love to do is one of the signs of depression.

At least I have an answer now, even if it wasn't the one I wanted.