Y'all, I'm not really ok right now. I don't know why. You would think that I would be SO RELAXED since it was spring break, but my life just doesn't work that way. I think the post from Tuesday sums a lot of it up, but there is more going on than that.
I've been on spring break since Monday and I haven't done a stitch of studying or schoolwork. I should have really been taking advantage of this time to get good at Java and Intro to Advanced Math, but I didn't. I slept a lot, caught up on housework, and have been a lump on the couch with my dogs, but over the last few days I've been avoiding notifications because I just don't want to talk to anyone and today I didn't even want to get out of bed. I feel like depression and anxiety are getting to me, and I don't know what to do about it. If nothing else being on break should have been relaxing and good, but nope.
Now thanks to tornadoes jacking up my school I have another week off, so it's almost like I've gotten a second chance to catch up. I hope I don't waste it. I am concerned that I will because my motivation is zero, but we'll see.
I'm probably about to take a break from social media because I feel like I just can't deal. I actually just told Shaun (who is sitting on the couch next to me) not to talk to me because he was like a notification right now - something that wanted attention that I don't have to give. So it's not personal. I just need to be left alone right now.
Before I go I'm going to tell y'all what to do if you find small animals. Best thing is for it's mom to have it, but if that isn't possible look for a vet or licensed rehabber (NOT THE ANNISTON MUSEUM). I highly recommend Wild Mammal Care of Alabama 205.871.7803 for mammals and Alabama Wildlife Center for birds. However, if you for some reason have no choice but to nurse a baby animal, do this:
1) Warm the baby (and keep it warm, but don't cook it - they need space to get away from the heat source in case it is too much). Never feed a cold baby. You will likely kill it.
2) Hydrate the baby with clear Pedialyte. If they aren't hydrated they can't digest milk, and you will likely kill it.
3) Feed milk that was MADE FOR THE SPECIES. Don't feed wildlife kitten or puppy milk. The FoxValleyNutrition website has formula for wildlife. Buy it and use it. Anything else can cause diarrhea and upset stomach, and some young babies are too vulnerable to survive that.
4) Kitten bottles are shit. For kittens and small animals, go to www.henryspets.com and buy their excellent syringes and silicon nipples. For puppies, human bag bottles with premie nipples are amazing.
5) NURSE THE BABIES FLAT LIKE THEIR PARENTS WOULD. This seems like common sense to me, but so many humans think it's adorable to feed kittens, puppies, and wildlife like human infants. It's not cute; it can be life threatening. Don't do it.
6) Wipe the butts with something warm after every feeding.
7) Leave them alone except for feeding time. Honestly, they are supposed to spend a lot of time sleeping, so don't mess with them.
* If you find baby rabbits, find a rehabber. They are especially hard to not kill. I do not recommend trying to rehab them yourself.
* Birds cripple easily so try to get them to the bird center, or maybe try Dr. Cooner at AMC. Also note that many of them are illegal to try to rehab without a special license.
I hope y'all are doing well. I'll see you when I feel like I have the energy for social media again. Until then, take no offense if I don't talk to you. I just can't right now. ❤
