Classic Ann Landers

Ann Landers
Fri, 03 Mar 2023 21:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

Dear Ann Landers: Last night, I was driving in the city and hit a cat. "Just some stray animal," most people would say. I stopped my car and checked the poor creature, but it wasn't breathing. There was no identification, but I couldn't get over the guilt of thinking some child might be looking for "Fluffy" or "Tiger."

When I was growing up, my two cats were hit by cars. I begged my mother not to let them out, but she insisted that cats need "prowling" time. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. A pet is part of your family. Would you let a child out to play alone? Pets don't need to be out running around. Cats can be litter-trained. Dogs should be walked on a leash or kept in a fenced yard.
Updated: Sun Mar 12, 2023

Dear Ann Landers: Last night, I was driving in the city and hit a cat. "Just some stray animal," most people would say. I stopped my car and checked the poor creature, but it wasn't breathing. There was no identification, but I couldn't get over the guilt of thinking some child might be looking for "Fluffy" or "Tiger."

When I was growing up, my two cats were hit by cars. I begged my mother not to let them out, but she insisted that cats need "prowling" time. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. A pet is part of your family. Would you let a child out to play alone? Pets don't need to be out running around. Cats can be litter-trained. Dogs should be walked on a leash or kept in a fenced yard.

If one thing comes from this letter, I hope it is that people will take better care of their pets and give them the chance to grow old with the rest of the family. To the cat I hit last night: I'm sorry we couldn't have met under better circumstances. — E.M. in Lonoke, Ark.

Dear E.M.: The accident was not your fault, so please stop tormenting yourself. I have said several times that pet owners NEVER should let their pets roam free. Anyone who takes on the responsibility of caring for an animal should be willing to keep it safe from harm. Your letter may save a few of those nine lives.

Dear Ann Landers: I am engaged to a wonderful man I have known for four years.

"Dudley" and I plan to be married next summer. He is a kind soul and a perfect gentleman.

Everything was great until a few weeks ago, when Dudley started to hit me while he was asleep. The first time, he punched my rear end with his fist and then stopped suddenly. Last night, he hit me in the stomach twice. Both times, I woke him up and expressed astonishment.

He was completely unaware of what he had done. When I asked him why he was hitting me, he said he had no recollection of doing it and wondered whether I dreamed it. Well, Ann, I definitely was not dreaming. Dudley did indeed hit me. I asked whether he dreamed he was in a fight, and he said it was possible, but he never remembers his dreams. I find this hard to believe because I remember mine.

I am truly concerned that Dudley has a subconscious wish to hurt me. Please tell me how to handle this. — Bruised in Dallas

Dear Bruised: It sounds as if Dudley is a mighty restless sleeper. I doubt that he wants to hurt you. He could be dreaming about a schoolyard bully or a boss he hated years ago. You would, however, be safer in twin beds. The important thing is that he doesn't hit you while he is awake.