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Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar work together on "Annie's Mailbox," a unique advice column written for the modern reader. The two began their ...
Read more about Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar.
Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar work together on "Annie's Mailbox," a unique advice column written for the modern reader. The two began their ...
Read more about Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar.
Annie's Mailbox
Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar
Dear Annie: We have great friends who will be staying with us next
month. The problem is, they want to bring their little dog, "Darling."
The dog is old, cantankerous, longhaired and given a bath only three
times a year. She is incontinent and needs to be watched.
In past visits, these friends left Darling with us during the day so they could meet up with old buddies, and it became our job to deal with their dog. They were extremely unhappy when we put Darling in a crate in their guest room and closed the door when we had to leave. They said it was unfair to their precious little dog. They apparently didn't mind being unfair to us.
The last time they were due for a visit, we asked that they not bring Darling since we had new carpet laid throughout the house. I also told them one of our dogs was feeling ill in the hope that it would keep Darling away. My pleas went in one ear and out the other. They brought her anyway, and we had to have the carpet cleaned when they left. They thought it was funny that Darling made a mess all over our family room. I was fuming.
Darling is not up to date with her vaccinations and she is a possible health risk to our pets. We assume this is why they can't get Darling boarded at a kennel. When we visit them, we leave our pets at home, hoping they'll get the message. They don't. Why can't they understand Darling is not welcome? -- Not Our Darling
Dear Not Our Darling: They don't want to understand, so they ignore your hints and pleas. You need to be more direct and firm. Tell them you are so sorry, but you cannot accommodate Darling. Period. If the dog shows up anyway, inform your guests that Darling will have to be kept crated since she is incontinent. We know they love their dog, but it is a huge imposition to bring her where she is not welcome and where she will make a mess of the carpets. (And you should have sent them the bill for the cleaning.)
Dear Annie: I know summer is over, but the weather is still warm where I live, and I'd like to pass along a suggestion: Please, ladies, buy some longer shorts.
We've all seen too many unattractive legs lately. If the inseam rides up into your crotch, your shorts are too short. If there are two half moons of your backside slipping out, they are too short. Doesn't anyone remember when modesty was a virtue? Please tell them, Annie. Thanks. -- Gloria in the Southeast
Dear Gloria: OK, you told 'em. Hopefully, anyone wearing shorts will take a look in a full-length mirror before leaving home.
Dear Annie: I read the letter from "Help Needed in Upstate N.Y.," who sent his daughter money for college necessities and she used it to take a vacation and ended up rooming with a guy. Dad was so angry he told her he will no longer pay for college and she can't live at home anymore.
I think he's right on target. I told my three sons what I expected from them when they started college (no drinking, good grades, being gentlemen with the ladies) and said if they didn't like the rules, they were on their own.
Our children held up their part of the deal and so did we. They are all adults now and respected professionals in their chosen fields. Parents need to stand up and give their children the information needed to make their own choices and then stick to them. We are all happier for the decisions made. -- Proud Dad
Dear Dad: It helps to lay out the rules in advance, as you did. Punishment after the fact, with no recourse, is a harsh way to go. We hope Dad doesn't regret it.
Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
Copyright 2008 Creators Syndicate Inc.
This news arrived on: 09/26/2008
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Posted Comments:
09-26-2008 14:59
leni wrote:
houseguests with dog
The solution is so simple. You don't invite guests that have no respect for your home.
I understand not wanting to leave your pet when you go out of town, our pug goes everyplace we go but I don't expect to stay in family or friend's homes when I visit. That's what dog friendly hotels are for. Our dog has not yet reached an age where she can't control herself but even so I would never take her into someone's home leaving a trail of dog hair behind.
The problem is basic respect and consideration not the poor pet. I've known people who let their kids run wild, destroying everything in their path and I don't invite them for extended stays either.
I understand not wanting to leave your pet when you go out of town, our pug goes everyplace we go but I don't expect to stay in family or friend's homes when I visit. That's what dog friendly hotels are for. Our dog has not yet reached an age where she can't control herself but even so I would never take her into someone's home leaving a trail of dog hair behind.
The problem is basic respect and consideration not the poor pet. I've known people who let their kids run wild, destroying everything in their path and I don't invite them for extended stays either.
09-26-2008 11:20
Sandra wrote:
I'll Take The Dog!
First of all, a dog getting a bath only three times a year is CRUELTY. CRUELTY to animals is against the law and punishable by fines and imprisonment. These people need to be reported to the local Humane Society. Any dog that is NOT taken to the vet on a regular basis, is NOT bathed and groomed on a REGULAR basis, is being NEGLECTED and these people need to be warned to take care of their dog properly, or LOSE her. She does NOT deserve this b u l l s h i t. Caring more about a STUPID CARPET tells me that THOSE people shouldn't have a dog EITHER. I just had new w/w carpeting installed throughout two rooms; I have dogs that will have an accident if they are NOT taken outside regularly. BLAMING THE DOG for a soiled carpet is WRONG. IF THE DOG IS NOT TAKEN OUTSIDE TO GO, IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT IF THEY GO IN THE HOUSE! Putting them in a crate for short periods when you are not going to be home is ok..but to make them LIVE in a crate is CRUEL and PUNISHABLE BY LAW. THINK OF THE POOR DOG....NOT YOUR STINKING MATERIAL POSSESSIONS.
09-26-2008 10:50
JD wrote:
Not Our Darling
Why do people let others walk all over them? They don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by flat out saying the dog is not welcome? Yet they will "fume" after their "friends" leave because they had to clean their brand new carpet. Personally I think it serves them right for having no spine.
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09-26-2008 06:03
Petra wrote:
Proud Dad
If you get money from someone under false pretenses, it is a crime. But when our children do it, we are supposed to just turn a blind eye? While, hopefully, none of us would prosecute our children, there should still be consequences attached. When they enter the workforce and use company money budgeted for a new laptop for a trip to Vegas instead, do you think the boss is going to comfort them, "There, there now. All your friends were going and you just couldn't be the only one who hadn't seen Vegas"? Of course not. They'll be lucky if canned is all they get! How do the Annies expect youth to understand morals, scruples, etc. if Mom and Dad have never demanded these from them?
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