According to video and pictures obtained by TMZ on Sunday, the actor was spotted packing on the PDA with a mystery woman at a bar on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Saturday night. The pair reportedly spent over 45 minutes at the establishment, and Shia could not keep his hands off her while hanging out at the upstairs balcony.
At one point, the woman leaned her head on his chest and smiled up at the Transformers alum before he whispered in her ear and planted a smooch on her lips. They reportedly shared multiple kisses and held hands throughout the night. Witnesses also claimed to TMZ that Shia — who struggled with mental health and addiction issues — was drinking and seemed a little bit tipsy, but was in a good mood during the evening. Take a look at him with the mystery lady (below):
Perezcious readers know the PDA with the unidentified brunette comes amid a tough time for Shia. He was arrested for two counts of simple battery after a fight outside a bar on Tuesday. Then news broke that he and Mia Goth, with whom he shares daughter, Isabel, separated nearly a year ago. The estranged couple reportedly “weren’t getting along and had a lot of drama last year,” resulting in their separation.
A source told People the Frankenstein actress “encouraged” Shia to move out of their marital home in Los Angeles, and he returned to NOLA to be close to his family. Now, it appears he is living it up, finding himself in trouble with the law, and getting cozy with another woman in New Orleans! Oof!
What are your reactions? Tell us in the comments (below)!
You can read the blog below or watch it on YouTube by clicking here.
He has such a cute face, doesn’t he?
His name is Levi and he loves to nap snuggled up next to me.
I absolutely love and adore Levi but for some, he could be a dating Deal Breaker.
What exactly is a dating Deal Breaker?
These are the qualities a man either has or comes with that you can’t tolerate in your life.
Men also have Deal Breakers when it comes to dating you.
But, the difference between the sexes ismen honor their Deal Breakers.
You’ll see this when a man is in a relationship with a woman for years and years, yet he won’t marry her.
In his mind, she has a Deal Breaker that isn’t suitable for marriage.
We as women have a tendency not to honor our Deal Breakers when it comes to men.
We think with a little work and a lot of love, we can change him and all will be well in our world.
This just isn’t true.
Men don’t changeunless they want to change.
But you might say, I love him so much.
If this is the case, and he has one of your Deal Breakers, you aren’t honoring yourself and you will be settling.
Many women choose to settle.
Why?
Because they’re afraid no one out there is as good as this man – a man who has one of their Deal Breakers going on in his life.
This is an illusion. Your mind is playing tricks on you. All it does is take you to a place of scarcity when it comes to men.
With our age group leading the pack with the highest divorce rate these days, there is actually an abundance of men out there for you to date.
All you have to do is go to a mainstream dating websites (click here for some of my favorites) and you’ll see thousands of men right in your area looking for a woman just like you if you’re willing to give him a chance.
Now, let’s take a moment and talk about some common Deal Breakers worth thinking about.
Pets – If you have a beloved Levi or Fluffy in your life, then you’ll want a man who’ll treasure your “baby” as you do.
Children – With adult children or minors, where will you fit in the family equation? And if they are minor children, are you willing to deal with the teenage years again, especially if your kids are now adults?
Smokers – I once had a boyfriend who’d take himself outside in all kinds of weather for a smoke.
He’d stand outside my garage door and puff away, then he’d come in and wash his face before getting near me.
That was love to him. For me, it became a major DEAL BREAKER for future relationships.
Religion – Do you need a man in your life who can share your religious beliefs, going to church or temple with you on a regular basis?
Alcohol use – Are members of Alcoholics Anonymous okay for you to date? Or do you want someone you can share a glass of wine with at the end of the day?
Differences in sexual behavior – Whether it’s a full-blown Fifty Shades of Grey relationship you desire, or sex once a year on your birthday.
Money issues and differences – Do you want him to pay for everything? Or can he be financially responsible for just his side?
Take some time to clear your head and really think about the specifics of your Deal Breakers and what each one really means to you.
I guarantee whatever Deal Breakers you skip over now… will become major conflicts in your relationship at a later date.
So it’s better to know what your Deal Breakers are and whether he has them before you get too far into a new relationship.
While you’re thinking about it, why don’t you take a few moments and write your own Deal Breaker list.
As you get to know a man, refer back to this list to see if he has the qualities it takes to be with you.
And remember, if a healthy long-term relationship is what you really desire in your life, then you’ll want to choose a man who doesn’t have the Deal Breakers you’ve put on your list.
Believing in you!
Believing in You!
P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are four ways I can help you find love after 50
#1: Get a copy of my book The Winning Dating Formula on Amazon
Where I will walk you through a step-by-step breakdown of the exact tools and strategies you need for attracting the right man into your life — Click here
#2: Join the Finding Love after 50 Facebook group
It’s our Facebook community where you can connect with me and a community of women ready to support you on your journey for finding love after 50 — Click here
If you are interested in learning more about how I can help, you can click here to answer a few quick questions and schedule a call.
I would love to learn more about your dating journey, understand where you might be stuck, and give you a personalized step-by-step blueprint to attract the right man. And maybe even talk about how we can work together.
You can read the blog below or watch it on YouTube by clicking here.
Healthy Step #1.Take the time you need to heal
When a relationship ends, you’ll need some time to process and reflect on what happened.
Sometimes you know why it ended and sometimes, you really don’t.
To get a clearer perspective of what happened, you’ll want to ask yourself a couple of questions that will help you to understand what went well and what went awry in the relationship so you can recognize it and not repeat it in the future.
1. What did I love about this man and the relationship?
2. What didn’t I love about both him and the relationship?
3. What do I wish could have been different?
4. What was my role in the relationship that contributed to the breakup?
5. What are the lessons I learned from being with this man?
6. What qualities from this man and this relationship would I like to take into my next one?
Healthy Step #2. Be really kind to yourself right now
Try these pampering, fun ways to lift your spirits while you’re in the healing process.
Treat yourself to a beautiful new journal and write down on paperall of the emotions you’re experiencing. This will bring clarity to your situation and will help you release a lot of the anger, sadness and grief you are feeling.
It’s nice during a sad time to have some one take care of you and make you feel momentarily better. Get a relaxing massage to release both the emotional and physical toxins from your body, or pet your dog, or ask a friend for a good hug. You could probably use lots of them right now.
Head out with a friend to your favorite restaurant and over lunch or dinner process the relationship and the breakup. You’ll feel loved and supported by someone who really cares about you.
Make or buy your favorite comfort food. Whether it’s macaroni and cheese or a certain cookie your mom used to make . . . it will momentarily take you back to warm and fuzzier times.
Watch old TV shows or movies that make you laugh. You know what they say . . . laughter is the best medicine.
If you are up to it, volunteer somewhere or offer to assist a friend with a project. Helping others can make you feel better and take your mind off your own troubles for a bit.
Everything can feel really blue after a breakup so consider starting a gratitude journal and write down 3 wonderful things you are grateful for today . . . even if it’s the sky is a beautiful blue or my dog loves me. It’s going to keep you grounded. And it will help you counter some of the sadness that can be overwhelming for you right now by reminding you that good things are still happening around you.
Healthy Step #3. Allow yourself to grieve and mourn the end of a relationship
Don’t hold back.
Let the tears flow.
It’s healthy, it’s a release and it will ultimately help you heal.
Should the sadness get too heavy, get support from a counselor or a trusted friend to help you cope.
Healthy Step #4. Wait to date until you’ve healed
It’s tempting to substitute one man for another but it rarely works.
When you don’t take the time you need to reflect and heal before dating again, you end up bringing open wounds – better known as baggage from your past – into a new relationship.
You’ll know when the time is right to date again because you don’t feel the same intensity of emotions like anger or sadness that you might be feeling now.
Healthy Step #5. Discover yourself again and create a great relationship with you while you are waiting to date
When you’ve been with someone for a while, it’s hard to imagine creating a single life again.
Getting back in touch with yourself can be both exciting and a lot of fun while you’re going through the healing process.
Try signing up for classes you’ve always wanted to take or go see a fun chick flick by yourself or with a friend.
Sign up at MeetUp.com for fun activities that interest you.
You’ll get to meet new like-minded friends who love doing what you like to do plus you’ll get out and have fun.
Breakups are hard.
Yet, when you can see them as an opportunity to get clarity and to heal, you will find that new doors start opening again fairly quickly.
All you have to do is be willing to open that door when you’re ready . . . then walk through it to discover the magic that could be waiting for you on the other side.
How exciting!
So my question to you is how have you coped in the past with a breakup?
I’d love to hear about your healing process and how it worked for you.
Believing in you!
Believing in You!
Your Next Steps to Love after 50. . . .
💞 Feeling like you are on a merry-go-round of mismatched dates? Lets press pause and talk about how we can write a new love story for you. Click here to start our conversation. Tell me your story – I am here to listen and guide you towards meeting someone truly special.
If you are still gearing up for that step, I have plenty of insights and inspiration for you:
1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for heartfelt dating wisdom and uplifting success stories from women who have been just where you are. They found love, and so can you. Click here to watch and learn.
2. Discover a new chapter in your dating life with my book, “The Winning Dating Formula.” It is more than a book; it is your journey to love mapped out. And it is just a click away on Amazon. Click here and start attracting the love you deserve.
3. Join our Finding Love after 50 Facebook group to find camaraderie and connection. It is a warm and welcoming space to share your journey and receive support every step of the way. Click here to become part of our community.
4. On the lookout for a dating site that resonates with you? Browse through my personal selection of the best dating sites tailor-made for fabulous over 50s. Click here and say goodbye to guesswork.
Let these resources be your steppingstones to a love life filled with promise and joy. When you are ready, I am here to take that journey with you. Together, lets find your Mr. Right! 🌹
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Brittany Cartwright has had “enough” of everyone criticizing her 3-year-old son Cruz!
On Tuesday, the 35-year-old reality star took to Instagram Stories to defend her little guy after seeing a bunch of comments about his well-being amid her separation from Jax Taylor. And she went into full-on mama bear mode with this post! Brittany wrote:
“You guys can reel in the drama of my life I don’t care but leave my innocents [sic] sons name out of it!!! Dont act like you know anything about him watching 30 mins of a show recorded last summer. I do everything I possibly can for him so how dare some of you!? ENOUGH he is a perfect and innocent child and I will not have strangers acting like they know what’s going on in his life. Talk about me talk about his father I don’t care but enough is enough!!!!!!”
As you know, Brittany ended things with Jax in February after experiencing problems in their marriage, like constant fighting! The pair are no longer living together. They have taken no steps in trying to repair their relationship so far. And Jax seemingly moved on from Brittany, as he was seen with model Paige Woolen and another mystery woman. Ugh. So much for trying to win her back! That plan has gone out the window, apparently!
No matter what is going on between her and Jax amid their messy breakup, the former couple insisted their main priority is Cruz — always. They’ve made sure to co-parent amicably during this time. Which is why she was very hurt after reading what people said about Cruz on the internet! A source told People:
“It hurts Brittany to read comments about her son’s well-being. She is highly protective over her son as any caring mother would be. Despite what she is going through personally in her marriage, her and Jax have always and continue to put their son first.”
At the end of the day, the insider said, Cruz is “a happy child,” all thanks to both Jax and Brittany:
“He remains their number one priority and they have done a great job co-parenting during this rather turbulent time. They are both incredibly attentive and loving parents and give Cruz absolutely everything he needs. He is a happy child and that’s all that really matters.”
Basically, Brittany wants everyone to keep her son’s name out of their mouths! Unless you want her to unleash her wrath again! Reactions to her message, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments.
First off, a transfer of assets between spouses is by default done on a tax-deferred basis at the original purchase price. So, whether the properties are held individually or jointly, either person can transfer their share of the ownership of a house and/or cottage to the other spouse without triggering an immediate tax implication.
They can elect for the transfer to occur at any value between the adjusted cost base and the fair market value. We will come back to this point.
Watch for spousal attribution
When married or common-law couples transfer assets between each other, there’s always the risk of spousal attribution. This may apply if one spouse owns an asset or contributes primarily or exclusively to its purchase and transfers the asset to the other spouse. If the receiving spouse then earns income from it or sells it for a profit, there may be attribution of the income back to the transferring spouse. The income, or capital gain, would be taxable to the transferor.
Spousal attribution does not apply after separation or divorce. So, you can transfer assets and not have to worry about future income being allocated to you down the road. However, there could be lingering tax implications for one or both individuals.
How the principal residence exemption applies in separation or divorce
A couple can only have one principal residence in any given tax year. Your principal residence is not necessarily the place where you primarily live. You can claim your cottage, for example, as your principal residence.
When a separation is amicable, the couple should determine together which property, when treated as the principal residence, would result in the least amount of tax. Specifically, they should consider the annual capital appreciation of each property, calculated as the total appreciation divided by the years of ownership.
Let’s say ex-spouses named Jo and Chris owned a cottage for a short period of time, and it appreciated significantly. They might agree to treat the cottage as their principal residence for the years they owned it. Jo could transfer full ownership to Chris, and they could jointly elect to have the transfer take place at the fair market value. Jo could claim the principal residence exemption to avoid tax in the year of transfer. Chris may be able to claim the cottage as their principal residence for all years of ownership given it will be the only property they own after the separation, and it will qualify for the principal residence exemption in subsequent years as well.
That means Jo will have to pay tax for some years of house ownership, because the cottage was claimed as the couple’s principal residence during the years it was owned. Jo may have some years of ownership before the cottage purchase, as well as more years after the separation, where the house can be their principal residence. But they will have to pay some capital gains tax eventually when they sell the house. It will be based on the total appreciation when they sell it, or die, and the pro-rated years where the couple claimed the cottage relative to the total years of ownership.
Did Jax Taylor lie about Brittany Cartwright living with him again?
After fan speculation over the past few weeks, Brittany finally confirmed it on their When Reality Hits podcast on Thursday — the Vanderpump alums are separated. While the former couple are “taking time apart,” Brittany told listeners she decided to no longer live under the same roof as him for the sake of her mental health. But in a surprise twist hours later, Jax revealed she was already living with him again! He said:
“We’re together. We’re living in our home right now. She was in a house for a while, but yeah, she’s back now.”
Whaaat?! Things changed fast… or did they? Did Jax LIE about their current situation? The answer should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen an episode of Vanderpump Rules! Yes, yes, he did!
A source close to Brittany insisted to Page Six on Friday she has moved out of her home with Jax — indefinitely. And we got some insight into the timeline of their separation drama. The outlet explained that the 35-year-old mom moved out of their house “about a month” ago — around late January or early February – when she decided to separate from Jax. She then moved into a rental home. And get this, the source agreed the couple are “taking time apart” — but are “not on a path to reconciliation”!
Uh oh…
So why would he fib about their living situation? Is he embarrassed about his marriage crumbling? Well, there apparently was some slight truth to what Jax said. Brittany did visit their shared home on Thursday — emphasis on visit. The insider for Page Six explained her husband misconstrued her recent stop at their place! According to the outlet, she went to “pack up her stuff” since she moved into a “new rental” this week after the lease on her previous rental ended:
“She was back there yesterday to pack up her stuff to go to another rental. Maybe that’s why he said, ‘Oh, she’s back home now,’ because there was a day in between her rentals.”
Brittany was even seen on Thursday in pictures obtained by Page Six moving her a lot of her belongings from the house into a white Jeep. Check it out (below):
Despite what he said earlier, the insider says Jax knows where his relationship stands with Brittany. And it’s not looking good, FYI! The source added:
“I don’t know why he said that — I think he was just caught off guard.”
Hmm. Whelp, the point of the matter is Brittany and Jax are not living under the same roof at this current time! And Brittany doesn’t appear to have any regrets about moving out! She took to Instagram Stories shortly afterward to post a cryptic message that read:
“If a woman holds the power to create life, she also holds the power to create the life she wants.”
Yes, girl! See the post (below):
(c) Brittany Cartwright/Instagram
Only time will tell whether “the life she wants” will include Jax as her partner moving forward! Reactions, Perezcious readers? Do you think Brittany will end up divorcing Jax? Let us know in the comments below.
When it comes to life insurance, specifically, reviewing and potentially updating policy and beneficiary information should be the first step post-divorce. Most people who are married name their spouse as their primary beneficiary. Whether or not the divorce is contentious, they will likely want to update this to a new beneficiary. However, depending on the divorce agreement, there may be circumstances where the former spouse remains a beneficiary, as a way to provide financial support on the expenses they agreed to contribute towards.
Canadians can also name their children or other dependents as the primary beneficiary or beneficiaries. If the beneficiary is a minor, you will need to appoint a trustee, who would manage the funds of the trust until the child is old enough to do so.
You might also need to make further adjustments to the policy. It’s helpful to consult the professionals who are supporting you through your divorce, whether that’s your licensed life insurance advisor, estate planning specialist, accountant or lawyer. Some things to consider include:
1. Who will pay for the policy going forward?
To ensure your family’s insurance coverage stays intact, set clear expectations on who will pay for the policy. It’s worth noting that the owner of the life insurance policy does not need to be the same individual as the payor.
2. Is your insurance coverage sufficient?
After reviewing your financial obligations and identifying expenses that your former spouse is covering (partially or completely), does your life insurance policy provide enough coverage for your family? You may need to discuss purchasing additional temporary coverage if your debt load has increased. This applies to your critical illness and disability insurance policies, as well.
3. Is there cash value in the policy?
Some permanent policies accumulate cash value over time. The owner of the life insurance policy may decide to leverage the policy’s cash value as a loan for emergency cash-flow purposes or to fund a planned expense. The caveat is that the death benefit of the policy is generally reduced by that policy loan until the money is paid back. Whole life insurance policies typically have consistent premiums and generally guaranteed cash value accumulation, while universal life insurance offers flexible premiums and death benefits but with fewer guarantees. Universal life policies allocate a portion of your premiums towards the life insurance itself, while the remainder is divided between savings and investment components, which must be regularly monitored to ensure they are performing. Depending on the policy and its duration, the cash value of a life insurance policy may need to be considered as an asset in the divorce agreement.
In addition, reviewing your policy is important to keep track of payment cycles or any other conditions that may prevent your policy from coming into effect when needed.
Get personalized quotes from Canada’s top life insurance providers.All for free with ratehub.ca. Let’s get started.*This will open a new tab. Just close the tab to return to MoneySense.
Step 3: Turn your focus to your future
Once you’ve sorted out your financial obligations and reviewed your insurance policies, it’s time to look forward. Here are a few steps that can help protect your future as well as the future of your beneficiaries in the case of a divorce:
A policy that insures your ex-spouse can be kept in force voluntarily, or you can get new policies to help provide financial protection for your dependents. This is especially important if you’re counting on your ex-spouse’s support payments for living expenses.
Recent divorcé(e)s may also want to consider disability and critical illness insurance. Life takes lots of unexpected turns, and these types of insurance can help ease your mind so you can focus on your family and/or recovery.
If a court orders it or if it’s integrated into your divorce agreement, a policy can be required to remain in effect as part of a divorce settlement or as part of a spousal or child support agreement.
A new policy may be issued to replace an existing policy because it better meets the needs of both parties.
Secure your own separate life insurance policy to ensure your children or other dependents are financially protected, especially if your ex-spouse’s financial situation isn’t stable. Life insurance coverage generally lapses when payments are missed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
You don’t have to do all of this alone. If you need help to organize your finances, divide up assets (including intangible ones like a life insurance policy) or explore new options, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. They can provide guidance and ensure you have proper protection for your family.
Perezcious readers know Mauricio Umansky has been turning heads this week as he’s been spotted hanging out with multiple younger women in Aspen, including influencer Lele Pons, 30-year-old Brazilian singer Anitta. And at one point the two ladies were in nothing but a towel while the trio went skiing together!
During adventures in Aspen, he was even caught cozying up to 33-year-old fashion designerAlexandria Wolfe! According to People, a source claimed he and Alexandria have been “getting to know” each other and enjoying each other’s company upon meeting in Aspen.” Oof. No wonder his estranged wife, Kyle Richards, needed to “escape reality for a bit” in Mexico!
He’s been living it up like a college guy! But now, Mauricio has to face the music (and wrath) following his week of partying! Because TMZ reported that Kyle left her mini-vacation to join the 53-year-old real estate agent and the rest of their family in Aspen!
The outlet reported the former couple were spotted with their children and what appeared to be a private instructor on Saturday walking around the ski resort. Kyle and Mauricio appeared to flash smiles during their outing. However, they were caught in some tense moments! In one picture posted by TMZ, they did not have pleasant looks on their faces while talking with each other! Yikes. You can ch-ch-check out some of the photos (below):
Kyle Richards & Mauricio Umansky Reunite in Aspen for Family Skiing | Click to read more ???? https://t.co/2pKSskP2up
We cannot help but wonder if Kyle had a little chat with him about his partying ways this week! Someone give us the deets on their reunion conversation STAT! LOLz! Reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments (below)!
The couple made the announcement in a pair of statements on each of their Instagram accounts.
Both wrote that “after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate.”
“As always, we remained close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build,” they added.
Finally, they said, “For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”
The Trudeaus share three children: 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien.
The Prime Minister’s Office also released a statement confirming that the couple have “signed a legal separation agreement.”
“They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward,” Trudeau’s office added.
The PM’s office also noted, “They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together. The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.”
Trudeau and Grégoire first met as children growing up in Montreal, where Grégoire was a classmate and friend of the future PM’s youngest brother, Michel.
They eventually reconnected as adults, in 2003, when Grégoire, who had become a television personality in Quebec, was given the job as Trudeau’s co-host for a charity ball.
Months afterward, they began dating, and in October 2004 they became engaged.
The couple tied the knot on May 28, 2005 at Montreal’s Sainte-Madeleine d’Outremont Church.
Trudeau was elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in 2008, going on to become party leader and assuming the office of Prime Minister on November 4, 2015.
Dogs are social animals. Typically they love the company of other dogs, are comfortable around people, adapt readily to various situations and eagerly await at the door to welcome us home.
These social skills are learned and dogs benefit from practicing them. Unlike people, pups only have body language and barking to communicate how they are feeling and misreading these cues can lead to serious misunderstandings of what the animal is trying to tell us, often resulting in pups being deemed “Behavior Dogs.”
Austin Pets Alive! Is leading the charge to save this vulnerable subset of the shelter population from euthanasia by providing behavioral modification training, dog socialization playgroups, and adoption follow-up services to help place these pups in loving homes.
Understanding a dog’s body language is paramount to supporting their behaviors — whether, correcting a behavior, enhancing a behavior or simply letting the dog know that you’re on their side. Reading these behavioral cues are critical to understanding a pet’s needs and in the shelter environment, can be the difference between life and death.
Ruthie is a great example of a life saved thanks to APA!’s Behaviorteam taking a moment to read between the lines. The 5-year-old black mouth cur mix, originally came to APA! as a puppy, ill with parvovirus. She was treated and adopted, but four years later she was returned to APA! due to some developed behavioral quirks such as displaying some pretty severe separation anxiety and resource guarding.
That’s when former Dog Behavior Team member and current APA! Data Engineer, Ellis Avallone took her on as their “special project.” Initially, staff members had trouble determining if Ruthie was showing signs of aggression. She can be a tough “read” in her kennel — throwing “very large and jarring tantrums. She is a big dog with a big bark,” Ellis recalls “She doesn’t have a bite history (but when she doesn’t get what she wants), she’ll bark, show teeth, and lunge.”
Putting their dog language know how to use, Ellis leaned in to “hear” what Ruthie was trying to communicate.“The biggest misunderstanding about her behavior is that she isn’t trying to hurt anyone when she throws her tantrums. She’s just upset and doesn’t know how to express it.” Taking Ruthie to their home for a sleepover allowed Ruthie’s BFF the opportunity to get a better understanding of exactly what her separation anxiety looked like. While working on separation anxiety can be a bit difficult while a dog is in shelter, this first hand experience allows our team the ability to have more productive and knowledgeable conversations with future fosters or potential adopters on what to expect and ways they can begin addressing the behavior.
With the support of the dog behavior team, APA!’s Flight Path Program, a program that utilizes volunteers to support a pet’s mental wellness and behavioral progress, and Ellis’ faithful friendship, Ruthie continues to show great improvement, such as a displaying reduced resource guarding. She primarily guards “high-value” treats such as bully sticks or peanut butter. Ellis has worked to lessen this behavior of Ruthie’s with a specialized feeding program in which Ruthie is receiving positive reinforcement as food is being tossed to her bowl and conditioned to feel calm built through respectful trust.
“Being friends with Ruthie has been the best part of working and volunteering at APA!. I love how excited she gets when she sees me and how she instantly turns into a wiggle machine when we leave for campus field trips. If you need a dog to pick up on emotions, she’s your girl.”
Our staff is keenly aware that each dog is an individual and that some pups may not be ready for placement initially but through training, behavior modification, and taking the time to understand what an animal is communicating, we can help a misunderstood dog like Ruthie, realize their full potential!
Dogs are social animals. Typically they love the company of other dogs, are comfortable around people, adapt readily to various situations and eagerly await at the door to welcome us home.
These social skills are learned and dogs benefit from practicing them. Unlike people, pups only have body language and barking to communicate how they are feeling and misreading these cues can lead to serious misunderstandings of what the animal is trying to tell us, often resulting in pups being deemed “Behavior Dogs.”
Austin Pets Alive! Is leading the charge to save this vulnerable subset of the shelter population from euthanasia by providing behavioral modification training, dog socialization playgroups, and adoption follow-up services to help place these pups in loving homes.
Understanding a dog’s body language is paramount to supporting their behaviors — whether, correcting a behavior, enhancing a behavior or simply letting the dog know that you’re on their side. Reading these behavioral cues are critical to understanding a pet’s needs and in the shelter environment, can be the difference between life and death.
Ruthie is a great example of a life saved thanks to APA!’s Behaviorteam taking a moment to read between the lines. The 5-year-old black mouth cur mix, originally came to APA! as a puppy, ill with parvovirus. She was treated and adopted, but four years later she was returned to APA! due to some developed behavioral quirks such as displaying some pretty severe separation anxiety and resource guarding.
That’s when former Dog Behavior Team member and current APA! Data Engineer, Ellis Avallone took her on as their “special project.” Initially, staff members had trouble determining if Ruthie was showing signs of aggression. She can be a tough “read” in her kennel — throwing “very large and jarring tantrums. She is a big dog with a big bark,” Ellis recalls “She doesn’t have a bite history (but when she doesn’t get what she wants), she’ll bark, show teeth, and lunge.”
Putting their dog language know how to use, Ellis leaned in to “hear” what Ruthie was trying to communicate.“The biggest misunderstanding about her behavior is that she isn’t trying to hurt anyone when she throws her tantrums. She’s just upset and doesn’t know how to express it.” Taking Ruthie to their home for a sleepover allowed Ruthie’s BFF the opportunity to get a better understanding of exactly what her separation anxiety looked like. While working on separation anxiety can be a bit difficult while a dog is in shelter, this first hand experience allows our team the ability to have more productive and knowledgeable conversations with future fosters or potential adopters on what to expect and ways they can begin addressing the behavior.
With the support of the dog behavior team, APA!’s Flight Path Program, a program that utilizes volunteers to support a pet’s mental wellness and behavioral progress, and Ellis’ faithful friendship, Ruthie continues to show great improvement, such as a displaying reduced resource guarding. She primarily guards “high-value” treats such as bully sticks or peanut butter. Ellis has worked to lessen this behavior of Ruthie’s with a specialized feeding program in which Ruthie is receiving positive reinforcement as food is being tossed to her bowl and conditioned to feel calm built through respectful trust.
“Being friends with Ruthie has been the best part of working and volunteering at APA!. I love how excited she gets when she sees me and how she instantly turns into a wiggle machine when we leave for campus field trips. If you need a dog to pick up on emotions, she’s your girl.”
Our staff is keenly aware that each dog is an individual and that some pups may not be ready for placement initially but through training, behavior modification, and taking the time to understand what an animal is communicating, we can help a misunderstood dog like Ruthie, realize their full potential!
The premier divorce and relationship coaching agency expands its service offerings to provide a holistic approach to divorce
Press Release –
updated: Mar 13, 2018
NEW YORK, March 13, 2018 (Newswire.com)
– Journey Beyond Divorce, or JBD as they are more commonly known, is launching a new divorce support community Wednesday, March 14, 2018, that includes three distinct features – the most innovative of which combines the ubiquity of Facebook with the personalized advice of certified divorce counselors. The resulting amalgamation is a private peer community with daily interaction with other divorcees and JBD coaches. Ask questions and receive answers, or just vent and decompress with people that can understand and relate. Journey Beyond Divorce takes full advantage of Facebook Live, providing monthly sessions around member requested topics, away from the prying eyes of kids, friends, family, and ex-spouses.
Karen McMahon, Journey Beyond Divorce founder and IPEC divorce coach states, “We’ve always had a ‘clients over-compensation’ approach, and that is as true now as it was in the beginning. To prove it, we are offering 60 percent off annual subscriptions plus a free trial month! We know how hard divorce is for both men and women, and we want you to know how honored we are that you have chosen us to help you during this life-changing process.”
My Journey Beyond coach was ready to meet me where I was every time we spoke. But she always pushed me a little bit further — whether it was to consider something I hadn’t thought of or give me concrete steps to make the change. She kept our work focused on progress. I’m so grateful for her warmth and clear-eyed guidance.
Patricia S. , Journey Beyond Divorce client
While most life coaching agencies focus only on the emotional aspects of going through a divorce, JBD looks toward the future. JBD developed comprehensive resources such as ebooks, audio and video series and flash guides that help users process the legal, financial and emotional facets, before during and after divorce. Whether individuals are unsure of the difference between mediation and arbitration, concerned that divorce means the end of their financial security, or are worried about reentering the dating pool at 55; Journey Beyond Divorce’s team of coaches and expert guest advisers provide curated advice tailored to specific situations.
About Journey Beyond Divorce: Journey Beyond Divorce was created after witnessing firsthand how ineffectual and limited traditional divorce therapy can be. Founded in 2010 by IPEC & ICF certified divorce coach Karen McMahon; JBD currently offers separation, divorce, and relationship coaching services in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, as well as remote locations across the U.S.
