Should She Give Up Her Cat?

from USA Weekend
Q: “Charlie, my boyfriend of nine months, despises cats. I don’t really know why – he doesn’t give me a straight answer. He says he won’t visit anymore as long as I have Bella. I really do like Charlie, but Bella has been my friend for 11 years. I’ve had her since she was a kitten. Do you think his request is fair?”

My answer: I guarantee that Bella will be devoted to you for the rest of your life. I’m not sure the same is true about Charlie. if it were true, we he be asking you to relinquish your friend? Sorry Charlie.

Lots of people wrote about this one…it’s about 50/50 as to who agreed with me, or not.

Among all the comments – this is my favorite, a ‘snail mail’ letter. Nick offered a David Letterman-like list about why he hates pets, then in his note, “Terrible advice. Dump an otherwise good guy just because he hates cats?!? You make an awful marriage counselor. Hey, maybe you should have told this women to marry her dumb cat. BTW: The only reason pets are ‘devoted’ to owners is because they see you as walking can openers. your friend, Nick.”

Nick also included a card (a little late for Christmas – but that’s ok), a note about why he hates pets, a scribbling about ‘pet kooks,’ (apparently I am one of those) and cartoons that insult pets. A nice package, though. Thank you Nick.