Get a puppy, pet your husband

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This article was published 04/04/2016 (3821 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I love my dog with all my heart, but I love my husband quite a bit less. My dog is loving and accepting — he is my best friend who is willing to go anywhere and do anything. Unfortunately, he is old and will not live more then a few more years; my husband will go on for bloody ever.

Actually he won’t. He’s not that well.

Should I start lobbying for a new dog now? My husband wouldn’t want another dog around as he wants all my attention, yet he gives nothing back. He is a colossal bore. He never wants to go to town with me, go for a ride or go out hunting. (Yes, I am a female hunter.) I was thinking of getting a puppy so my old dog would be patient with it. He doesn’t mind other people’s puppies, but is jealous of older dogs around me.

My husband is jealous of my dog, but never hurts him. He just ignores him, even when he begs for attention, and I hate my husband for that. Don’t tell me to get rid of my useless husband as there’s too much money involved in this farm and I’d rather wait him out. But back to the dog issue, what if I just bring a puppy home?

— Dog Lover, Westman

Dear Dog Lover: Who can resist a puppy, especially if you let the puppy also get close to your husband? And since you’re planning to “wait out” your husband, why not try improving what’s left of your marriage? Think back to earlier days. What did you do together? Have you refused to go places with him and do any of the things he likes? Do you refuse to touch him, even to show him simple affection?

You only have one life to live, and you’re planning to live it on that farm with him as long as he lasts. If you really can’t stand being with him, wouldn’t you be better off to get a good lawyer and fair settlement, then get your own place with as many dogs as you want? You don’t say how old you are, but you might also want to find yourself a new guy who loves animals and is willing to share you. With online dating, it’s never too late to meet someone.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I can’t help but think about Potty Mouth Or Not? who was behind the lady that kept bumping her, then called her the C-word. I wonder: why didn’t she just move back and give the woman some space, even if she had to ask people behind her in line to also move back? Granted, the “bumper” could also have moved forward a bit. Relax people!

— Life’s Too Short, Winnipeg

Dear Life’s Too Short: Relax is right. It’s just a grocery line, there’s no need for bumping people and cursing. But some people are so stressed these days the last place they want to wait patiently is the lineup at the grocery store.

If I am truly in a hurry, I will hold onto my place in line and wait. If I’m not, I will offer people my place in line, especially if they look like they’re ready to burst, or they have kids in the cart. See the letter below for an alternate way to handle stress.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I heard something funny happen in the washroom. This lady in next stall to me didn’t look and sat down when the lid was up, and landed in the water. She was furious, but came out laughing about it. Soon everybody was laughing with her and exchanging stories about similar falls from grace. It turned out to be a fun experience and my daughter and I commented on how well she handled it.

— Splish-Splash, Fort Garry

Dear Splish-Splash: I agree with you. People can bond in silly accident situations, and why not take the funny route if you can?

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

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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