u/GrandHeron6329

Hi everyone! Looking for non-fiction recs.

I first learned media literacy in high school. Our librarian gave us a short course on how to use research databases, how to spot bias in a news article, etc. In my master's program, I learned about research methods and critical thinking.

Now that I'm not in school and working a 9-5, I can feel these skills leaving me, or at least not "keeping up" with political and technological changes to our digital landscape. I feel strongly that media literacy is as important as ever, yet maybe as devalued as ever?

What books do you reccomend for continuing to improve my literacy of news, research, or general media? Hoping for recs of books which have personally helped you. Niche is fine!

Hello everyone. I am FRUSTRATED and seeking advice from anyone with similar experience.

I have a 7 year old Great Pyrenees/ Anatolian Shepherd mix (adopted 1 year ago) who is reactive to other dogs. He jumps, lunges, pulls, spins, and barks. He is very independent, not particularly driven by pleasing me, and territorial of me and our apartment- all of which are standard for his breeds. We recently found a trainer who is a great fit and had us start by managing his health and stress, avoiding triggers, and using treats at home and on walks to build calming routines. I was feeling optimistic!!

A few weeks ago, he was diagnosed with bladder stones needed emergency surgery as one had traveled to his urethra. Testing found he had Struvite stones, meaning prevention will require a we stick to his RX food and, according to the vet, no treats.

For background, he has been on Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein for the past year in response to diarrhea. The vet suspects he has an allergy, but they haven't been helpful in exploring this allergy or other food options. He eats his food as a last resort and is similarly disinterested in HP treats. They have now suggested we switch to the urinary variety of the same food. I don't expect him to like it much more. When I talked to the vet about the importance of treats and training for his reactivity, they suggested I use his regular food as treats.

I'm okay with missing out on dog parks or patios with him. I understand that may never be in the cards for my guy. However, this reactivity means I can't take him to my parents or boyfriend's place. I can't keep boarding him for every holiday, or every time my partner and I want to stay the night together. I don't know how I can keep compartmentalizing my life like this for the next 6+ years I have him. I can't keep pulling him away from freak outs or having both of our anxity spike every time we turn a corner or open a door. Any advice?

TLDR: My great pyrenees/ anatolian is reactive to other dogs and we were using treats to desensitize. Now the vet says we need to stay on a strict diet (no treats) to prevent reoccurance of bladder stones and therefore more surgeries. The reactivity is really hard on me socially and financially. Will we make it through?