Trash shredding

[Heather & Brinkley]

 

So, I'm back living in my parent's house until my new place opens up in April/May.  Unfortunately, five weeks after my husband returned from being away at med school, he told me he wanted a divorce.

 

My dad's not a dog person.  He tolerates Brinkley well and he even takes him on walks.  He tries-- he really does.  But add the stress of my current situation + a 4 1/2 month old + my doodle and me back in their house, to say tension is on an all time high would be an understatement. 

 

Brinkley shreds paper like mad.  He goes into the trash and pulls out Kleenex and shreds to his heart’s content.  Aside from getting cans with lids, how can I train him to stop the shredding?  It's not my house; they won't get trash cans with lids.  There's nothing dangerous in these small cans.  Just a Kleenex or two. Luckily he never eats anything-- just shreds and shreds and shreds.  He does it when he wants attention. This will all end when I'm in my own place in a month or so... but last night my parents had cleaned and two minutes later the living room was a disaster because Brinkley pulled everything out that he possibly could and shredded it.  He has chew toys; he had three LONG walks; ball throwing and a play date yesterday.  Exercise is not the problem.  When I'm with the baby, he shreds. 

 

Any training advice?

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I'll be fine.  I'll get through everything.  I'm pretty strong.  I just hate putting unneeded stress on my parents. They don't need it at their age.  Things will fall into place when I move into my new place.  Much appreicated. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Heather, You have gotten some great advice and I have nothing to add to that, but I do want to say I am sorry you are having to go through all of this and wish you all the best. Sometimes out of the worst situations comes the best and most unexpected, wonderful surprises. Take care of yourself!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Tissues are a favorite around here, as well.  I keep the door to our BR closed and the basket in the hall BR on the back of the commode, out of reach.  the downstairs powder room is frequently raided, so we try to limit what's in there at all times.  An ongoing challenge and I am sure not an easy one in another's home. 

as for your husband, please make sure you have your legal rights in place sooner rather than later.  His timing is appalling.  I hope you can get through all of this as painlessly as possible.  

How nice it will be for you in your new home with your baby and Brinkley -so I hope you can keep that thought as you work through all of this.  

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks.  My best friend is a family law attorney and my dad is an attorney.  :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

:) :) :) 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

This stinks.  I am sorry you are going through it. Thankfully you've got good legal counsel. 

When will husband have that income increase again?  After all, you've been with him during the medical school and should be entitled to those future earnings :) Keep your head up and if you need to vent, vent away!

Hate you are dealing with this. 

And I hope the bitter apple spray helps.

Poor Brinkley is likely picking up on your stress, is jealous of baby, in a new place, etc....  BTW Peri is a shredder too.

[Heather & Brinkley]

I don't want to go into too much detail on a site that is searchable by Google since we don't have a signed seperation agreement yet. :)  But he's waiting on his license to be approved and then he'll begin work.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Understood.  Best wishes. You should go to Joanne's!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Heather,
My door is open. Bring Brinkley to my home for a few months. He and Spud can drag some boxes out to the garage and hang out.
shred shred shred! When you're settled, come get him!
Yes, I know I live a day's drive, but it's worth months of Peace!
I'm serious. Let me know

[Heather & Brinkley]

That's so sweet.  If things get out of hand, I"ll let you know.  :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Heather, I am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through this stressful time. The only thing I can suggest and it's probably not all that helpful, is to keep Brinkley with you as much as possible to give him less time to get into trouble. 

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yes, I try but with a baby attached to me, boy does that make it harder!