Just a quick word to my friends here

[Greylyn58]

I've mentioned from time to time that I lost my job back in Oct 2003(laid-off) and I have been searching for work since then--so far nothing.

I have just recently had some interviews, but haven't heard anything as of yet. Well my time has run out. I am totally broke and in debt up to my eyeballs. I won't be able to stay where I am after this month.

As of the end of this month I will probably be homeless. My folks can take me in, but they informed me that I would have to give up my baby-boy, Sheridan as my mom is allergic to him. She can handle being around him for short periods, but can't live with him. I've been crying for two days as he is my family. I can't even stand the thought of it. He's 9 almost 10 yrs old. I'm not sure everyone will understand my heartache, but I just don't know what I will do.

Thanks for listening. I know my problems are petty next to the tragedy going on since Katrina, but I can't help my feelings. If I disappear from here it is because I won't have access anymore. I'll just keep hoping and praying for a miracle. God knows I could use one right now.

[Gogi]

1. Do your folks live next to any pet friendly neighbors...

that could take him in? Perhaps the vet has some foster homes that would look after Sheridan until you can figure out what to do.

[Berry Cool]

2. Oh dear, this is so sad.

I was in a situation like this once--not being sure where I was going to live next, not able to keep the cat I had at the time with me--and as luck would have it I stumbled across a wonderful woman who housed him for me while I went two states away to live with my family for three months.

You need to let EVERYONE know you are looking for someone who will take care of Sheridan until you can get back on your feet. Someone, somewhere, is going to help. (Do you have any local organizations that rescue dogs from bad situations? You know, like where they're being abused? You might try calling them and saying "This is not an abuse situation, but if I don't find a home for my dog temporarily, he will have nothing.")

In the meantime, I will hope and pray something comes through for you to turn things around and enable you to stay or to get back together. Soon.

[RevCheesehead]

3. Oh no!!

Sweetie - :cry:---:hug:

I've been wondering, but was afraid to ask how the job search was going.

If we lived closer to each other, I'd gladly offer to dog-sit for you until you are back on your feet. (the cats will learn to live with it)

[crispini]

4. ((( BIG HUG )))

sending good karma your way. :hug:

[Berry Cool]

5. Some advice from WhirlyGirl...

She was looking in, and she sent this my way, Grey...in addition to the possibility of finding a temporary "foster parent" for Sheridan, she said to me in email:

"I'd *NEVER* suggest someone do the following if they're still receiving unemployment benefits -- but Grey says her benefits have run out; therefore, I strongly advise her to register with a temporary agency. I  was able to hold onto my apartment for 2 1/2 years while supporting myself that way. I didn't have any extra cash, and a couple of times all I had to eat was noodles, but I got by until one of those temporary jobs turned into a PERMANENT one. (That frequently happens if the client likes your work.)

"I sincerely hope this or someone else's advice will do the trick for her. And tell Grey for me her dilemma is no less poignant than that of the storm victims. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, it's the same: losing your home and separation from a loved one."

I'd second that emotion. Grey, take heart. Sometimes when you think you don't know where to turn, that's when the angel appears. Believe me, I've been there. I once went on a job interview when I literally had so little money that all I had to eat all day long were the cheese crackers out of a vending machine at the bus station where I got on the bus to travel to the interview. I got the job.

It can happen.

on edit: And here's another alternative I did once when I moved to a new place and had nowhere to live. I looked in the classified ads for someone who might need someone as a live-in companion in return for room and board. Found an elderly woman who needed someone around mornings and nights because she had a home health aide during the day but could not be alone in her house anymore the rest of the time; she needed a "live-in" to help her then. If you are alone except for Sheridan, this might be an alternative for you. You might even find someone who loves dogs, has the room and is willing to accept him as part of the deal. In fact, having Sheridan around to pet could actually be good for such a person--good and comforting. If you found a situation like this, you'd still be free to search for a day job to bring in some money so you could eventually afford to live on your own again.

It sounds like a cliche, but sometimes thinking out of the box really does work.

[WolverineDG]

6. Hey Greylyn!

:hug: for you & sheridan.

the parents of one of my co-workers live in NC. i don't know where they are in relation to charlotte, but i asked her to check w/them to see if they know of anyone who would be willing to foster sheridan while you get back on your feet. :) hopefully, they will. :)

:hug:

dg

[WolverineDG]

11. I'm an idiot

delete :(


dg

[Catchawave]

7. Oh honey {{{hugs}}}

Some thoughts....

Would your parents be willing to try living with Sheridan, with possibly one of those air filters? If you'll have your own room, can he stay in there and not have the run of the house?

Check with your state employment office and ask if FEMA is hiring yet? You might have to relocate, but those jobs pay very well. A friend of ours, who was on unemployment and had no administrative skills, found a FEMA job in Florida last year through that state's unemployment agency. I think it lasted about a year because of all the paperwork involved helping those hurricane victims file claims.

Also, check with your local social services agency! Surely, when one benefit runs out, another should kick in.

Don't give up hope yet! I'm going to contact my friend who runs a local human services office to see what your options are at this point. Also, contact the closest Golden Rescue, who could possibly help you with Sheridan expenses for food, vacs and meds ?

[Catchawave]

9. Update:

Spoke with my friend who's a director in our city's human services, locally, you have to work at least 20 hours a week to qualify for supplemental assistance (food stamps, public housing?). They also have contracts with job placement people, which may mean a stint at McDonald's ? That is if you're on the A-List (able bodied). Should you have a disability, that's a whole 'nother list :)

Good luck and keep your knees loose <wink>

[Muffstser]

8. Oh, sweetie...my heart is breaking for you!

Another idea is to blanket every vet's office in town with flyers asking for a foster home for Sheridan. Also, call the ASPCA, Humane Society, and other animal charities. Our animal control here in Seattle offers foster care for pets that are temporarily displaced.

You can bet when I go to Mass today, I'll light a candle for you two. (crap, gotta stop. I'm bawling here.)

[WolverineDG]

10. Update

my friend's parents live several hours away, but she has a friend in Charlotte & will be contacting her to see if she or someone she knows can help you with Sheridan. :)

:hug:
dg

[gkhouston]

12. oh, grey...

sending many hugs and prayers and positive thoughts your way. I hope you find a job and a temporary home for your sweet furbaby. I know he means the world to you. :hug:

[Gogi]

13. Don't be shy about telling us how you're doing.

Woke up this morning and thought about you. I'd be one of those people who refused to evacuate without my cat. My cat goes with me!

[CC]

14. Oh Grey I know how

much you love Sheridan and I know your heart is breaking. (Mine is for you and Sher) Lean on us. I am praying for a miracle for you and Sheridan. Big :hug:

[SharonRB]

15. I'm so sorry to hear this, Grey

Everyone else seems to already have given you the advice I would have, so I won't bother repeating it. My thoughts are with you and I hope you can find someone to look after Sheridan until you can get back on your feet.