Readers take a bite out of dog hater

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/12/2015 (3957 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I just had to express my disgust with that hateful, selfish woman who put her boyfriend’s “stupid dog” outside in the cold all day (she signed her letter Not Appreciated). Your reply was right on the money; in fact, I thought she deserved a much harsher response. Thank-you to the neighbour who intervened, and congratulations to the boyfriend who dumped this hateful woman. He had a lucky escape!

— Animal Lover, Winnipeg

Dear Animal Lover: It was amusing his girlfriend was so self-involved she actually thought he would call again after he told her off, told her to pack up all her gear and drove her home. She should have been on the bus. His anger and disgust, plus his “pack up your stuff” statement, should have been her first three clues.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: As an animal lover and dog owner, I know I’d pick my dog over a spouse any day of the week!

This woman (Not Appreciated) apparently can’t comprehend that this dog is not just a pet, but also a family member. The dog is no doubt much more loyal than any girlfriend her guy has had, especially her. I don’t feel bad at all that this woman got dumped. The boyfriend who doesn’t call isn’t sulking, he is happy without her since she put her own selfish needs first when staying over at his house. Even if she called, I bet he wouldn’t take her back. She needs to find someone who doesn’t have a dog, or learn quickly to tolerate other people’s pets/family members.

— Feeling No Sympathy For Her, Winnipeg

Dear Feeling: It would be interesting to know how many people would pick their pet over their human partner if it came down to choosing, particularly if the spouse were negligent or abusive to their animal. You should know, I also get letters from people who are neglected by enthusiastic pet lovers, and all the attention and affection goes to the animals. In one case, the writer told me his wife kissed dog the dog good night on the lips every night, but not him.

Readers, what do you think is a dog’s place in the family? Where do they come on the scale of importance, considering partners, children, cats, birds, etc.?

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

   Read full biography