DEAR ABBY: Lately, my neighbor, who has all the time been eccentric, has launched into an uncommon gardening mission. As an alternative of conventional crops, he’s turned his yard right into a sprawling sanctuary for rescued wild animals.
At first, it appeared innocent, however the scenario has escalated. His yard now attracts wildlife, together with raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote.
Whereas I recognize his intent, I’m fearful about security — particularly for my two babies and our canine, who’re terrified after they encounter these creatures.
If that isn’t sufficient, my beloved pet cat has developed unusual behaviors. She’s been staring intently on the wall, as if she senses one thing I can’t see. This will likely appear foolish, however it unsettles me, particularly since I’ve learn articles about pets reacting to shifts of their surroundings.
My mom says I’m overreacting to the neighbor’s mission and will simply let issues be, which solely deepens my nervousness.
Ought to I confront my neighbor concerning the animal scenario, or let it go? Am I overreacting about my cat’s habits?
I fear that others will assume I’m dropping my grip on actuality. How can I discover a stability between addressing these considerations and sustaining peace in my neighborhood and household?
— OVERWHELMED IN OHIO
DEAR OVERWHELMED: Your mom might imagine you might be overreacting, however how do the opposite neighbors really feel about this? Are they troubled as nicely? Is what this neighbor is doing authorized in your neighborhood? In some communities, there are ordinances in opposition to feeding wild animals, not to mention “collecting” them.
Go surfing and begin performing some analysis. In case your elevated degree of hysteria persists, ask your physician to refer you to a psychological well being skilled that can assist you cope with it.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with my girlfriend, “Ivy,” for eight years. We see one another primarily on the weekends, as she lives and works in one other city.
She says she is tied all the way down to her home and daughter and might’t transfer right here, regardless that she works solely three days every week.
A number of years in the past, Ivy’s ex-husband moved again in together with her as he transferred jobs. She is aware of I’m not pleased about it and that I need her to spend extra time with me, however she says she must coddle her daughter and handle the canine.
She hardly ever initiates something, and I’m uninterested in being the one to do the additional issues for our relationship.
I need to break up and transfer on, however she has ingratiated herself with my household, and this might make it troublesome. She is aware of all my points together with her, however she both can’t or received’t make the change.
— WEEKENDS-ONLY IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR WEEKENDS-ONLY: You said that the ex-husband moved again in together with your girlfriend a number of years in the past!? They’ve reconciled!
Ivy has proven you the place her priorities lie, and you aren’t excessive on that listing.
By all means, transfer on, and inform your loved ones why. Will probably be as much as them to determine whether or not they need to keep a relationship together with her as soon as they see your complete image.
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
