An aspect I don't think most people are aware of, but there's a growing body of evidence that suggests quite that a number of insects are self aware.

A few interesting related papers
doi.org/10.1016/bs.a...

doi.org/10.1016/j.ap...

doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

Many other papers, but char limit...

It can be interesting seeing the projection that can happen. If an image conjures thoughts that aren't clearly there it might be time to reflect on the fact that those are your thoughts and if those thoughts are distressing, perhaps it is time to talk to a professional.

I think it's good to periodically reflect on ourselves, where we, as an individual are going in our lives and make sure it's where we want to be headed. I wish you well in your self discovery and I hope you find renewed vigor in your goals and ideals.

I can't tell them apart by scent, but there's no mistaking when someone's got a backlog and needs expressed.

Part of me is now wondering if I could learn and I am both amused and repulsed by that thought.

I'm certainly no expert on wasps, but is that a male Polistes dominula? My understanding is the number of segments on the antenna and the hooked ends suggests to me it may be male.

Yes, yes, "It's just a meme dude, don't read too much into it.", but I can't help it. :P

So long as nobody is harmed and everyone can nope out, I don't see a problem with it. I maintain veto for health and safety, but I try to give them autonomy. If they choose to play fetch or engage otherwise with someone else, no big deal. I do not require their entire being to revolve around me.

At it's core, CC/DS is very useful for a lot of things, including overcoming fears and phobias. A short and easy read, heavy on practical examples and not spending a lot of time on theory. It's good enough to be on my recommended reading list.

Now that I have read it, I can say it covers the counter conditioning and desensitization needed to not only get your companion to tolerate, but to even enjoy routine tasks such as nail trimming, grooming, and even being muzzled.

Probably not particularly helpful, but I used a Corona-style hand mill for a few years and found it functional, but it did not produce a particularly fine flour. If you're not after fancy and have a more utilitarian approach, they can be serviceable and inexpensive...if you get a decent casting.

For some context, I've read the following dealing either directly or more generally:

"Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs" (Riemer 2020)
"Resolving Fears, Phobias, and Anxieties: A Guide for Dog Guardians" (O'Heare 2018)

Tied on score for second were....
* Bettergoods Chick'n Nuggets
* Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Nuggets
* Impossible Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Nuggets

Unanimous for last was Beyond Chicken Nuggets, but while they came in last, everyone agreed they were decent.

Agreed. Ending things is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Our lives can change quite radically if we can see the problems more clearly and focus on them. Little changes accrue and can lead to bigger changes.

If the dog doesn't do what you expect, perhaps the dog doesn't understand what is desired of it or perhaps there's not enough value in cooperation to make it worth their while, but resorting to being a bully and threats of pain for non-compliance is not how a friend treats a friend.

If you and your dog are in sync, working as a team as I think you should, the dog cooperates and does what is desired, not because they fear your reprisal for failure, but because engaging with you is enjoyable and rewarding for them.

This is an incredibly frustrating way to learn and it can lead to desensitization to the nagging, which of course leads to an increase in the amplitude of the "correction" to get your attention again. This is what such is like for a dog and it is as shitty a way to learn for them as for us.