Have my first volunteer shift at the RSPCA shop on Thursday. I’m super curious what they’ll have me doing exactly.
Discussion Thread 🐢 Monday 20 April 2026
Submitted 1 day ago by YarraByte@aussie.zone to melbourne@aussie.zone
Comments
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 10 hours ago
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 3 hours ago
I’ve finally got around to popping the plastic hubcaps off the pram wheels to give everything a proper hot soapy soak, and they will get a scrub when it’s not too hot to put my (gloved) hands in. The wheels are riveted together on a mini-axel with a pin attachment that clicks into each pram ‘leg’.
A shame. I often wanted to switch them out for wheels with more cushion because they had zero suspension or give and Melbcat probably had a very bumpy ride each time. But you wouldn’t be able to change the wheels without breaking them free and re-riveting - and while you could get new metal caps and the tool I’m not sure how well the axel would stand up to the process and hold a new rivet.
spoiler
No sign of the little black cat tonight. Which is probably a good thing, perhaps he’s safe at home. The owner mentioned their other cat died so maybe he won’t be bullied away now. I still feel like a bit of an arsehole for avoiding him and no longer feeding him. Sweet boy. He will be missed but I hope it’s a good outcome. I just want him to be treated and be cared for. I wish I still had Melbcat. My big beloved teddy bear always cuddled extra in winter. Still waiting on this grief counseling, I should be contacted on Wednesday.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 7 hours ago
What does it mean when a cat winks at you , with one eye. Ted just did it twice in a row and when I winked back at him he winked back at me.
I feel a little freaked out.
StudChud@aussie.zone 6 hours ago
It’s a form of slow blinking lol
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 6 hours ago
😐😑😐
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 5 hours ago
He may just be affectionately blinking (if there’s no pain)
I used to wink at Melbcat and she winked back
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 5 hours ago
I think he was. 😊
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 13 hours ago
I found someone to take the strays.
I just need to trap them and get them spayed (vet will do it for free).
The little cat recovery area is set up.
So close now.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
Legend. They’ll be so grateful
SaneMartigan@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
Human dentist on the corner of North and Kooyong Rds in Gardenvale might be a bit of a hike for you.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
If we didn’t currently have to deal with replacement busses, it would be achievable.
Thanks anyway :)
Thornburywitch@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
Dentist for yourself or cats?
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
For myself. I need a filling urgently and my normal place can’t get me in till late June.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone 11 hours ago
Parkwood Green Dental in Hillside.
The best clinic in the area.
Travel there could be a pain though
StudChud@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
It wouldn’t have been a great night out without me getting wasted and stacking it on slight decline walking to the tram.
Thankful to bottom racer for pulling me off the road 😂
tw minor road rash, open skin deep wound
In such an awkward spot too, the heel of my hand. I’ve lathered it in Dettol, will reapply; I don’t like the look of some of that yellow lol
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone 11 hours ago
Cuuuuute cupcakes!! They look great! I’m sad I had to miss this one, looking forward to seeing you guys again!!
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
Ouch! I hope you heal fast!
It would be nice to attend these shindigs but currently not able to, I hope you had a wonderful time.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone 15 hours ago
ooh ouch!
Had a great time with youse all :)
Catfish@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
Ouch!
Thornburywitch@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
Cute cupcakes!
StudChud@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
😂😂😂 the vodka was definitely making its way around.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone 15 hours ago
Heavy discussions last night.
Looking at intervention for ol’ girl. I can’t get that weight up if she keeps refusing ensure (she keeps tipping it down the sink when it’s mixed up ready to go in). Was blamed by her. It’s irrational.
Meltdown if you do, meltdown (and severe consequences) if you don’t. “All you want to do is get rid of me”.
Stuck.
Can’t do anything right, just falls on its face.
We’re well beyond gentle suggestion.
When she goes in it’ll be stressful and miserable for her (bad for non-amnestic MCI), more nutrition and on a drip (good for NA MCI), no excercise (bad).
What do you do. What the correct thing to do (peg and drip) is also wrong.
How tf do you weigh this up w/o feeling guilt.
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone 13 hours ago
You feel guilt because you care. Not much you can do about that. You’ve done everything possible and more. It’s a hard time right now. Much love to you and your family. ❤️
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone 13 hours ago
Not much to add to the other advice except that if she can have full medical attention and at least some food into her some of the anxiety and other issues might reduce. I have seen that happen with my ex-gradma in law. Refused everything, couldn’t manage meds, told her daughter the most awful things when she was moved to a home, but she thrived there. Might not help, but it’s pretty awful now plus you are trying to just keep her alive. Get the professionals in so you can be there in other ways.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone 14 hours ago
You will feel guilt. But for a good reason.
You’re trying to do what’s best for her, and it’s being throw back in your face.
Guilt is normal in this situation.
In this scenario, you’re not the problem. You’re actively trying to find a solution, but it’s getting harder and harder.
I hope you stay strong through the ordeal.
Thornburywitch@aussie.zone 14 hours ago
Weigh this up w/o feeling guilt - I don’t reckon there’s a way that doesn’t involve some sort of guilt feelings. Question of what sort and for what.
spoiler
At this point I reckon that you’ve done a damn sight more than is strictly required, so the coulda and shoulda sort of guilt is not operating. The woulda sort of guilt - well, she’s your Mum and you love her. In spite of all the current difficulties.
Imo, and this is strictly my own opinion, is that one of her current hungers is for agency. The question is, does that hunger hit harder than physical food hunger - and imo it currently does. And independent agency is contraindicated due to other factors.
You’re battling a shit storm rn, and there are no good or right answers. All you can do is the best you can in the circumstances, and try to sleep at night. Feel for you.Taleya@aussie.zone 14 hours ago
No guilt here mate. She’s clearly not in a fit mental state to handle her health. Once she starts being managed properly you may find the whole thing becomes unnecessary because she’s back on track. But right now they’re drowning
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 12 hours ago
It’s ok. She would have gone downhill and potentially had a bad end if it wasn’t for your persistence and care. Ignore her criticism, she’s not thinking rationally right now. She can’t tip the Ensure down the sink and then blame you for weight loss now can she? And she can’t be distressed about the weight loss and still yell at you for pushing the food. That’s not reasonable or fair.
I completely understand the stress. You’re in a double bind where you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. When I find myself in one of those I just try to pick the least worst option. Usually that’s guided by legal guidelines or what I morally should do. In an imperfect system it doesn’t always work out well but… it’s some kind of compass.
I think conversations need to be had about ol’ girls mental state in regards to making decisions and who is legally in charge of decisions around her.
It may be that if she’s to be supported to maintain her weight she may be forced to do things she doesn’t want to (hospital stay, medication, carers, interventions around nutrition) and you may have to work out if you or someone else have the legal authority to do that. Definitely have her assessed and take her during her worst day so that they can see what’s happening. Also - people with dementia can do this thing called “showtiming” where they’re able to get it together enough to hide it, so definitely document what’s been going on.
Another side of it is that her body may be winding down and doesn’t need nutrition. But that’s a conversation for her doctor. If she isn’t coming to the end of her life and food refusal is related to pain, dementia, or changes to behaviour resulting from TBI - there are things that can be done.
Work out where you stand legally first and get supports on side, then you and the medical team can decide how to go forward.
SituationCake@aussie.zone 7 hours ago
I’m so sorry. Such a difficult situation. This sounds so horrid. It’s impossible to know what her wishes are. Refusing food but also ‘you are trying to get rid of me’ implies she doesn’t want to die? Somehow her mental state is thinking food is poison? Ensure will harm her? Because she doesn’t have the mental capacity to understand the consequences of not eating, or to communicate if she wishes to live or enter palliative stage, you’re in an impossible situation. Agree with Melba that checking what the legalities are for medical treatment for someone mentally incapacitated is important. Maybe also having a discussion with others who are close to her, and her doctors, what decisions would be the best quality of life for her?
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 14 hours ago
I’m sorry if this comes across the wrong way bro, but it sounds like there’s no scenario here where you don’t feel bad.
The best you can do, is pick the option that is the best for your mums health.
I’m sorry you and your family are going through such a difficult time ❤️
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 10 hours ago
Eww. This Aldi face sunscreen is so shiny but not in a hydrating dewy way. It’s like a sweaty high gloss oil slick but also a little bit drying. It was $3 for a handy purse sized tube of high SPF (much cheaper than the alternatives) but I don’t think I’ll be buying it again.
Taleya@aussie.zone 14 hours ago
Kittens starting to be allowed into more parts of house unsupervised. Process was delayed by the fact that despite our entire house is cat friendly - and designed around cats we’ve literally had since birth - these two maniacs have invented new and interesting means of chaos. Sammy is losing his shit sideways at everything and Max is watching with glee
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 13 hours ago
Pics?
Taleya@aussie.zone 11 hours ago
♫ I used to fuck with scammerrrrrs Now I just tell them I reeeeent ♫
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 20 hours ago
Dear cat jesus,
I know you’re busy, but please let this new workplace be normal.
I will distribute treats amongst your followers.
➕🐱 ➕
PeelerSheila@aussie.zone 18 hours ago
RustyRaven@aussie.zone 18 hours ago
I’m not sure praying to cat jesus is the best option. It is possible all of your problems are caused by too much attention from cat jesus, who thinks it’s fun to keep knocking you off the shelf.
Maybe dog jesus would be better for this specific situation, dogs understand the importance of a good pack.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 15 hours ago
I feel like my ancestors have bought me a little wiggle room. Then again, cats…
Taleya@aussie.zone 18 hours ago
I’ll put in a word with our lord and saviour Maxwell the blithe.
(Sammy is suspect at this point is more of a loki. Don’t go there)
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 20 hours ago
🙏😺🙏
Catfish@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
Fucking bitch has stolen my desk 🤬
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone 13 hours ago
Just to add to the work rant - fucking bitch is a brown nosing fucking tattle tail. Texting one of the directors every little bit of gossip or grumble she hears. Ew.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
need more deets
Catfish@aussie.zone 15 hours ago
Somebody I dislike got in before me and pinched a ‘shared’ desk on my usual day. I now have no second screen, no barcode scanner, and a bunch of other minor nuisances.
RustyRaven@aussie.zone 16 hours ago
Electrical safety check will be happening shortly. Mr Woof is going to be very unhappy about this. I’m hoping the tester is lazy and cuts corners to get it over and done with. Electical safety is important, but it’s a brand new house, doing a full check seems a bit of overkill.
calhoon2005@aussie.zone 10 hours ago
Anyone know if Darebin is picking up rubbish/recycling/green waste tomorrow? Left it too late to call
RustyRaven@aussie.zone 17 hours ago
It looks like my plan to use the govt. 5% deposit guarantee scheme won’t work out. They make you use all of your savings, so I won’t be able to keep aside enough money to do the maintenance (like restumping) that a house of the age I’m looking at is going to need. I guess it’s back to paying mortgage insurance and/or asking for help from family. Frustrating.
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone 17 hours ago
Holiday starts on Friday, here’s hoping I’m kept well occupied this week or I’m going to be climbing the walls here. Oh, wait, I’ll be doing that anyway.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone 10 hours ago
Deciding whether to take a walk. Feeling so depresso.
And there’s so much to do to sort my life out.
spoiler
I’m trying to avoid this cat in the hope he gets bored of my place and stays home (and to not catch this again). But according to the camera he was out front half an hour before curfew on Saturday night. And no visible sign of having had his fur treated 😔 I can’t imagine they’re taking the time to pill him. The plan is to avoid him for now, try to chillax and get myself in order, and if I continue seeing him here at night a lot or if he’s still got ringworm/his condition deteriorates I might have to become a Karen and make a report. It’s not an urgent medical problem but he does need vet care. I should have just quietly taken him in and treated him without saying anything but that’s illegal.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 19 hours ago
ok back to bed 😷🤒🤧🤢🤕🥴
bacon@aussie.zone 21 hours ago
Beep Beep 🚚
🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍈🫐🍓🍇🍉🍌🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥦🥑🫛🍆🍅🥝🥬🥒🌽🥕🥐🍠🫚🥔🧅🥯🍞🥖🥨🧀🧇🥞🧈🍳🥚🥓🥩🍗🍖🫓🍕🍟🍔🌭🥙🧆🌮🌯🥗🍲🍜🍝🥘🍛🍣🍱🥟🦪🍥🍘🍚🍙🐠🍤🪼🦀🐙 🍗🥮🍢🍡🍧🍰🧁🥧🍦🍨🎂🍮🍭🍬🍫🥜🌰🍪🍿🍯🥛☕️🍵🍺🍶🥤🧋🧃🥂🍷🥃🍸🍹🧉🔋CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone 19 hours ago
I think you’ve turned into the seedy part of town.
bacon@aussie.zone 18 hours ago
We have seen worse. Our after eight business is rather profitable.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 20 hours ago
some lemon tea and pseudophedrine please
bacon@aussie.zone 18 hours ago
🍋☕️💊💊
Seagoon_@aussie.zone 20 hours ago
the snottening makes me feel like mr mackie
a day of rest I think
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone 5 hours ago
Image
The queen has been carried on her throne from the loungeroom to bed.
Goodnight all ❤️