Fear not, your dog has plenty of love to go around

Opinion

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This article was published 16/10/2024 (360 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My dog keeps trying to get through the fence to my attractive new neighbour next door. He thinks he’s in love and has even started crying for her.

I started watching out my kitchen window more closely and it turns out she has fancy dog treats she’s been throwing over the fence to him when he’s in my backyard.

Finally, I went over and knocked on her door to tell her to please stop feeding him; she looked guilty.

She said she would stop, but then asked nicely if she could meet him. She looked so cute and sorry, so I said OK.

I went back and got him, and came over with him on a leash. She patted him and he rolled right over on his back. Traitor.

Then she sweetly asked if she could take him for a walk and I said she could go for a short one, but I couldn’t go with them because I was working at home.

She said that wouldn’t be a problem, and then she and my disloyal dog left and came back about an hour later.

She asked if she could take him out again following day, and I heard myself reply too loudly, “Not for a week or so.”

Why am I dragging my heels for no reason? Am I jealous? I’m single and a bit lonely, and my dog is all over her. He doesn’t get that enthusiastic with me.

What if she wants to walk him every day, and he gets so bonded to her he wants to be with her all the time?”

— Jealous Dog Owner, Fort Rouge

Dear Jealous: Not to worry. Fido knows who his owner is, but it’s only natural he’s excited about getting additional treats and walks, especially when you’re too busy working to take him.

This woman’s enthusiasm for dog walking is not likely going to repeat on a daily basis over the long haul, so just ride it out a little and set a limit if she asks too often, but confess as to why. She’ll probably understand your fears.

By the way, did you know some people living in different houses actually do share dogs? They’re often friends or relatives living in the same neighbourhood who work different shifts and also like to take regular holidays without guilt.

It can work out very well once the doubly loved dog gets used to changing households.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I had been dating a girl since the summer, and we were starting to say “I love you” to each other.

The thing is, she has a lot of male friends at her workplace, but she told me a few times not to worry about them.

Well, guess what? I found out from one of her co-workers at a party last weekend that my girlfriend had been bragging about having three guys she’s seeing and that none of them know about one another. Like it was her little joke.

I was so upset she and I ended up having an embarrassing fight on the front lawn of the house where the party was.

She didn’t deny the accusations and even had a little smirk on her face. My heart and my pride were both badly hurt and I told her I wanted her to leave me alone forever.

But since she sobered up, she’s phoned and messaged me about 100 times — begging me to take her back.

Not happening. I think I need to totally cut her off, but I need to keep my phone number, as it’s well-known for my home-based business.

Last but not least, I’m also pretty worried about sexually transmitted infections. Please advise.

— Gutted, downtown Winnipeg

Dear Gutted: The fact this woman has called you “100 times” since you broke up means she has bigger problems than just cheating and bragging about it.

To be safe on the STI front, get tested ASAP and hopefully you can relax on that score.

As for the phone harassment, block her number or call your service provider to make a serious complaint, as they have ways to address it.

The bottom line is you don’t need the disrespect and the heartache a woman like this can dish out.

She needs professional help, but that’s not your problem. Your issue is gaining significant distance from this woman and keeping it.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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