Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day – "I Feel Like I Live in a Zoo"
Episode Overview In the episode titled "I Feel Like I Live in a Zoo," Dr. Laura Schlessinger tackles the challenges of adapting to rural life and managing household responsibilities after a significant lifestyle change. Released on June 1, 2025, this episode explores themes of adaptation, responsibility, and effective communication within a blended family dynamic.
Introduction Dr. Laura welcomes her long-time listeners and introduces the day's caller, Jenny, who has been a dedicated follower for 26 years. Jenny credits Dr. Laura’s advice for her decision to become a stay-at-home mom, setting the stage for a heartfelt and personal discussion.
Caller’s Background and Dilemma Jenny explains her recent life changes, having remarried four years ago after a 20-year marriage to her children's father. The family relocated from a bustling city to a large ranch during the COVID pandemic, seeking tranquility away from urban chaos such as fires, riots, and lockdowns.
Jenny (01:01): "We moved during COVID to a large ranch... I think it was a little bit of a chance to get away from the city and do something new during the COVID time."
Despite her husband being kind and sweet, Jenny faces difficulties adjusting to the rural lifestyle, particularly with the responsibilities that come with ranch life.
Financial Arrangements and Property Ownership A significant aspect of Jenny’s dilemma revolves around the financial arrangements of their new home. Jenny funded the purchase of the ranch herself, placing it in her adult children's names through a trust to secure their future.
Jenny (05:08): "I put the ranch in my adult children's name. So it's in a trust so if anything ever happened, it would go to them."
Dr. Laura probes into the financial dynamics, confirming that the ranch was a personal investment by Jenny, with her husband contributing through work on the property rather than direct financial input.
Household Management and Growing Resentment The core of Jenny’s frustration stems from the increasing number of pets and the added household chores. Initially, the couple decided to limit their pets, but decisions by her husband have led to an unexpected increase in animals, particularly dogs.
Jenny (06:24): "We had one dog... he decided to keep two of them because he fell in love with them. So now we have four dogs."
The unplanned expansion of their pet family has translated into more chores and a sense of living in chaos, contrasting with Jenny's desire for order and a peaceful home environment.
Dr. Laura’s Advice and Solutions Dr. Laura addresses Jenny’s concerns by first understanding the specific sources of her distress, distinguishing between issues related to the chickens versus the dogs.
Dr. Laura (08:05): "Are the chickens the problem or the dogs?"
Upon identifying that the main issue is with the dogs, Dr. Laura recommends seeking professional training to manage and control the animals, thus reducing household chaos.
Dr. Laura (08:25): "Tell you what, I'm sure somewhere near where you live, there is a dog trainer who can train you to get control over the animals so it's less chaos for you. That's a simple fix."
She emphasizes the effectiveness of training, sharing her observations of well-behaved dogs under professional guidance.
Dr. Laura (08:40): "I've seen trainers have... and they don't move until you call their specific name. Dogs are very readily trainable."
Jenny appreciates the suggestion, acknowledging it as a feasible and positive solution to her predicament.
Closing Remarks The episode concludes with Jenny expressing gratitude for Dr. Laura’s guidance and mentioning her continued support through purchasing Dr. Laura’s books for newly married couples. Dr. Laura reaffirms her confidence in Jenny’s ability to improve her household dynamics with the proposed solutions.
Jenny (09:26): "You are the best... that's always what I send them when I get them."
Dr. Laura (09:30): "Well, you are the best... you're going to love it when these dogs are trained."
Key Takeaways
- Adaptation to Change: Transitioning from city life to a rural setting can introduce unforeseen challenges, requiring flexibility and effective problem-solving.
- Financial Independence: Managing property and financial responsibilities independently can empower individuals but may also lead to complex family dynamics.
- Importance of Professional Help: Seeking professional assistance, such as dog training, can alleviate household stress and restore harmony.
- Effective Communication: Open dialogue between partners about expectations and responsibilities is crucial in maintaining a balanced and peaceful home environment.
Notable Quotes
- Jenny (01:01): "I think it was a little bit of a chance to get away from the city and do something new during the COVID time."
- Dr. Laura (08:25): "Tell you what, I'm sure somewhere near where you live, there is a dog trainer who can train you to get control over the animals so it's less chaos for you."
- Dr. Laura (09:30): "You're going to love it when these dogs are trained. You're going to love having that control, I promise you."
This episode provides valuable insights into managing significant life changes, the importance of maintaining personal responsibilities, and the benefits of professional guidance in overcoming household challenges. Dr. Laura’s compassionate and pragmatic approach offers listeners actionable solutions to similar dilemmas.