Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others rather...

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Checking In

Naynee
Naynee
I have been bad about not posting, but a lot of sadness in my life lately. Had I not had some time under my belt, I probably would have run to the casino for my comfort factor. Fortunately I am approaching 4 months and I feel stronger. With my recent visit to see my family and my niece, who is fighting for her life (at 4 months old), I haven't really been in the cheeriest of moods. I went kayaking with some friends after I got back (on a Saturday) and that Sunday had a bad swim out of my kayak on Sunday. But I thought, let's get back on the horse and go again. We set off to go to N. CA and camp out for one night. I was skeptical about leaving my elderly dog who has been ill for quite some time, with my dog sitter, but she has cared for her and it was just one night. We came home to her collapsed on the floor in her own mess and had to rush her to emergency vet at 10pm Sunday night. Dog sitter checked on her in the morning and didn't come back since she knew we would be back late that afternoon. We didn't get good news and after 4 hours of tests and deliberating, we had to make the horrible decision to put her down. It was a rough night and rough Monday and I am still crying about it....3 months after putting her buddy, Cloey down. They were raised together since they were pups and both were 14 years old. My home and heart are empty. I don't have the urge to go to the casino, but I am not dealing well with this at all. My husband is just as sad. We aren't sleeping well with our our "children." Anyway, just checking in and letting my DS friends know I am still here and staying strong. Life throws us curve balls and we just have to know how to dodge them! Love to all my friends!
jayd03
jayd03
Sorry to hear about your pup and your niece, we had to put our dog to sleep in May and it still hurts, he was a big part of the family, too.
Just don't give up and keep the strength you've built.
Jay
stopat56
stopat56
glad you checked in naynee.....................and I'm more glad that you did not give into our 'regular' coping method............

keep in touch, and don't give up your grip on recovery. seems like you've had several tests, and you seem to be passing with flying colors.

take care. and continue to stay strong!
Leapyear22
Leapyear22
I'm so sorry for what you have been going through, but my heart just breaks about your baby. I have a 15 year old maltese, child, so I completely understand the heartache. Hang in there, please keep posting, I am so proud of you and your recovery. You are an inspiration to me, I may not be posting a lot, but I look forward to seeing your posts.
Cherbear2012
Cherbear2012
Hi Naynee, So sorry to hear about your little niece. Hopefully she will get better soon. I am a big old dog lover too. They are the best friends to have in life in many ways. Unconditional love is a wonderful thing. My little doxie girl Aber Daber is 12 and completely blind but hey, who else will lick your toes! Well anyway you should be very proud of yourself for sticking with your program. It's hard but we all know things are much worse if we fall back to our old habits. Keep up the good work! Hugs and Love! Cher
Naynee
Naynee
Thank you so much for the support. With Cloey, it was hard back in June and we came home to Misty every day. Coming home to no pups is super hard. My husband and I decided not to get any more doggies because this has been hard - he lost his Shamrock right when we started dating in 2002 and then he has been with my two dogs since then and we have been through thick and thin with their illnesses. I found myself on the SPCA website to see what they would take for donations and I glanced over at the adoptable pets and only looked at the 5 years and older and of course had to read the sad stories. Of course it broke my heart......then I was thinking of all these little Facebook posts/pics I see about how dogs in heaven might wish their dog owners take on another pooch who doesn't have a good home. But my husband says no - too much heartache and we are gone to much to give the doggie a good life. I am still crying about what we should do or not do, but I figure the right dog will find us at the right time ;-))

And my niece does seem to be getting stronger - the docs just can't get her off the vent. Once that happens, I think things will start looking brighter. She has a long road ahead, but she is a fighter!
newstarttoday
newstarttoday
Sorry about your loss. Sending you peace and love.
sglt71
sglt71
I am so sorry to hear about your tough times. I am so impressed by your strength. Keep it up!!! Great job!!! Cherish all of the wonderful memories with your pups. I am also a dog lover!