Ask Amy: New mate struggles to join pack
Still Grieving
Dear Grieving: I’m so sorry you have suffered this heartbreaking loss. I can’t tell you definitively what you should do, but you and your husband might be able to handle this challenge by agreeing on a response – and then practicing it together.
A simple statement might be: “Our only child, Ian, died 10 years ago when he was 24.” A sensitive person will respond with a simple expression of condolence. In terms of consoling others, you need only respond with an expression reflecting what you would feel comfortable hearing. Making eye contact and saying, “I’m so sorry” is usually enough.
Dear Amy: “Confused Husband” described some tension with his wife when he asked “Have you fed the dog, yet?”
I have had the same issue with my kids and feeding the dog.
We have a label on the dry dog food that says: "My next meal is breakfast" on one side and "My next meal is dinner" on the other. That way, the humans know the dogs status without asking.
Caring for Canine
Dear Caring: One thing is guaranteed: If you ask the dog, he is always going to scam an extra meal.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
