Introducing Chapelboro’s pessimistic pussycat! Can’t choose what color to paint your house? Or what to get your wife for her birthday? Just need some life advice? Write in to Sourpuss to hear his thoughts. Fair warning, he’s not a spoon-full-of-sugar kind of kitty. (Sorry in advance.)

Comment your questions or send us a message to see what Sourpuss might have to say, and keep up with all of the new pet-friendly content on the Bark Report, only on Chapelboro.com!


 

How do I get over imposter syndrome?

We’ve seen the phrase “imposter syndrome” floating around quite a bit, lately, and I don’t think it’s for no reason. With as wild and crowded as the world can be, it’s all too easy to not only question your role in everything – but also how you got here and whether or not “here” is where you should be. If I understand correctly, one of the main parts of imposter syndrome is a feeling of being undeserving, underqualified. For starters, the concept of “deserve” doesn’t work when you try to apply it to the simple act of living.

Overcoming imposter syndrome – beating back the feeling that you don’t belong, deserve or are worth where you are in life – is a tall order. It’s also not something that gets done in a day. Working through why you feel the way you feel and subsequently understanding more about who and what you truly are, is an ongoing process. When it comes to imposter syndrome, my sincere advice is to trust in yourself and those you’re close to – and to put that trust to good use by establishing clear and open communication that can help you better understand yourself, the world around you, and what you’d like to do within both of those contexts. There’s nothing wrong with seeking reassurance and comfort, assistance finding purpose and satisfaction, in your immediate circle. That said, if imposter-type feelings persist, I would highly recommend seeking out a mental health professional if you’re able.

How can I make my dog comfortable in his crate?

May I suggest a crate-less animal, instead? Perhaps some sort of feline that wouldn’t require the training and instinctual comfort a crate can provide, instead a companion that makes your house their own? If you must own a dog, and that dog must be in a crate, I would recommend soft blankets, familiar toys, easy access to food+water, and as much square footage as your allotted crate space will allow. Start slow, slip the good boy (or girl) some treats now and then, put one some sort of quiet white noise, it’ll be fine. Probably.

What is the perfect #dogmom or #catmom Mother’s Day gift?

If pet owners love one thing, it’s vague images of their pets. Dish towels with dogs faintly resembling their dogs if you squint. Throw pillows emblazoned with cats that are also gray. Keychains, fridge magnets, books tangentially related to their preferred animal. With Mother’s Day coming up – which, don’t forget, call your mother, set an alarm, put on a calendar, all of the above – it’s important to call a little extra attention to the folks who might need or want it. If I was spending time cleaning up after a little furball, I sure wouldn’t mind a gift of some sort. Maybe even a way to relax. Which, speaking of, there’s a certain local business that is offering a special Mother’s Day package-deal type of potential gift. You know, if you’re low in inspiration and high on need. Tell ’em I sent you. Or don’t. I’m not your mother.

 

 


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