Mange and Money

So, we were finally able to take Rasta to the vet yesterday and it turns out he has demodectic mange, otherwise known as "puppy mange." Fortunately, this is NOT sarcoptic mange, which is contagious to humans and other animals and is hard to treat.

"Puppy mange" occurs when a puppy's immune system is underdeveloped, which gives the demodectic mites on his skin a chance to overpopulate, causing his hair to fall out and his skin to become itchy and sensitive. Apparently, all living animals--including humans--have demodectic mites on their skin, but most animals have a strong immune system that keeps the mites from overpopulating and causing problems.

However, the vet says that in rare occurrences, it becomes nearly impossible to keep the mange under control, resulting in complete hair loss and horrible discomfort. In these cases, the dog has to be put down. I pray and hope that this will not happen to Rasta! He is my furry child!


In other news, Aaron and I move to our new apartment in about a month. I am really excited but nervous at the same time. We are really struggling financially right now, and with this move we are going to be paying even higher rent since we won't have roommates. Plus, we have to pay a crazy-high pet deposit since Rasta is not a year old yet. I really wish I could find a full-time job. I'm not even asking to be paid insane amounts of money; I would just really like to be comfortable--as in, not constantly freaking out about how we're going to pay our bills from month to month. I mean, what is a damn college degree FOR if I can't even find a job?! I guess the lesson is to go into a field that will ultimately lead to a job, not a stupid liberal arts degree that leads to, apparently, NOTHING.

Hopefully something will come up soon, because if not...well, I guess we'll figure something out...