Yep. There's a woman near us who does wildlife rehabilitation focusing on bats, so that's where my thoughts went too. Your actual situation is just as interesting in a different way!

I vote impressed. Hope she feels better soon!

Could Mom be persuaded, not to leave him permanently, but to go take a longish visit to friend? Friend is the one 600 miles from her parents, right? Then once friend is certain that Mom is away and on a plane, so no chance of turning around, friend can call police and explain the situation. Before starting this, I'd find out what the local laws are and how long he might be held, document everything, alert his doctor, and hope to goodness some medical reason can be found to prevent him from returning home. Or would mom refuse to leave even temporarily? Eta cross-posted with AmandaVt ?

Creekland, I'm sorry about your dad also, and sorry as well that you won't be back here for long. I was very glad you offered advice on our situation. I've appreciated your voice here over the years.

I'm beginning to think they are all about high-level competition, while we are focused on safe, competent riding, learning horse care, and companionship.

So, what they tell me is that this deal is typical for leasing. Not true? They did not mention the terms in connection with this horse, but in general. And adding that they don't own any horse we've considered. This is just the barn where dd rides, and my understanding was that it's usual to go through the barn when buying. They will earn a commission, but aren't the present owners.

Yep, this is pretty much what I've been saying. Dd basically agrees. I'd be willing to get him, anticipating that we get a year or two of use and then sell him, but dd is very concerned about what would come next for him: a valid concern, I think. And then our purchase money would be gone if he continues downhill. If we lease, they say we pay 1/3 of the purchase price annually, up front, and assume all vet bills. Ouch. Once we do that, there's not enough money left to buy.

Thanks very much, everyone. I appreciate the informed advice very much. I've asked for a written list of everything known now before we proceed with a vet check, so we can do some research. We may well back out of this, but I want dd to be able to look at the information and come to that conclusion herself, if possible. It's a pity she loves him so much.

Sorry your son had a rough experience, also! I know they have a good record. Our situation may be about dd as much as about the class. The fact that most people do well on the exam has translated into her fearing she'll be the only one who doesn't, in spite of a history of doing very well with Lukeion. A few weeks ago she was playing around with Latin-related stuff for fun. Now she's saying she wishes she could drop the class. Basically I guess it's test anxiety. I wish Mrs. Barr would quit talking about the exam and just teach Latin. But maybe this is how they get those success stories.

Dd loved Sue Fisher's Latin classes, but is having a hard time adjusting to Mrs. Barr's AP class. I get the feeling there's just a different vibe altogether: less humor and camaraderie, more test anxiety. Anyone else hearing this? The Lukeion classes have always been a bright spot in dd's days, even though the workload has been so heavy. I'm sad to see that shift.

Following up... A fearful dog who is roaming the neighborhood is dangerous. IMO, the owners lose the benefit of the doubt right there. If they want to control the dog's diet and behavior, he needs to be in their house. Failing that, neighbors have to figure out what to do. Many people would chose less benign remedies than feeding the dog and calling a rescue group.

I'd assume a fearful dog is the most likely to bite. You're right, I had taken for granted that the dog is not being fed by his family, as Scarlett believes. I do personally take a very dim view of people who let their dogs roam the neighbohood, especially if they're scared and hungry. But yes, dogs will overeat, and yes, some dogs are shy by nature. And I know cultural norms about dog care vary widely. Sounds like, if possible, communicating with the owners might be best. Of course that's always the ideal. This is why I like communities with functional animal control departments. This dog has already become a problem for the neighbors, and the issue is how to solve that problem in the best interest of everyone. If the neighbors were caring for the dog in their home, the problem would not have arisen.

She didn't list any specific questions, just said to print off a list from the internet. The horse is 17. And yes, I certainly took it as a big red flag.

Hmm. Not easily available. Our local horse acquaintances are all at this barn. That's a good idea, though, and I might be able to figure something out.

Yes, that is dd's exact concern. Right now the horse seems like a perfect match for her. But in a couple of years, who knows. Is it really bad manners in the horse world to say no when we've already asked for a vet check? Or should we go through with the check, hoping for more specific information and a better idea of how long he might have at his current level? Maybe it's just impossible to predict?

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Thanks so much, everyone. I appreciate all the advice. Taking some information down now for privacy.

I noticed something like that shortly before my mother was diagnosed with anemia. Treatment was quick and effective for her.

Poor dog. Scarlett, I'm so glad you're trying to help him. I understand why you are reluctant to antagonize these neighbors. But if at some point you want to remove the dog, I would not think of it as stealing. If they are not providing food, water, shelter or affection, they've abandoned him. Do be careful about any interactions that could leave him feeling trapped and frightened. If I thought I might someday need to transport him in my car, for example, I'd get him used to going in and out, and sitting in there with me, before I closed the door and drove. It's good that he used to ride to training. A rescue group sounds like a great idea. And if the neighbors leave without the dog, so much the better. No more need to worry about them.

She is lovely! Congratulations!

Yes, homeschooled, and I think tests have been taken. Listing things by subject sounds doable, thanks.

Asking for a friend... If a good student needs to take five years to complete high school because of mental or physical health issues, will that handicap them in admissions to competitive colleges? Will they need to discuss or explain the issues? If so, does that happen during the admission process, or only later in sorting out any accommodations?

The professor did get back to dd by email, and his response actually encouraged me a lot: he took some time to answer her thoughtfully, which seemed much better than the impression she had received of him in person as being impatient and annoyed about teaching this class. She, unfortunately, retains her first impression. This particular CC only offers precalc as a two semester course, so that's what this is. It meets twice a week. This is exactly what dd is accustomed to from her online classes. Also, the instructor was apparently referring to an overall 30% pass rate in math classes at this cc. He said in his email that he thinks that's true in many institutions. Dd is not the best mathematician, but she is a diligent and responsible student. We've found a tutor. No final decisions yet, but she may stay in the class.

I haven't, but maybe someone else has...? I hope you can get some help!