Lifestyle

Dear Abby: I have a girlfriend, “Dawn,” who is one of my oldest friends. I married a man who I think is the love of my life.

As winter winds down, gardeners collectively look for signs of life, whether from the green sprouts of fall-planted bulbs or the return of foliage as deciduous trees leaf out. But our gardens could retain interest year-round.

Members of my Two Acre Paradise/Three Dog Circus consists of two outside and one inside German shepherds—unless temps dip much below freezing. Then the outside two spend nights (and part of their days) inside. This winter has been quite confusing for them all. In warmer weather, the inside girl has her choice of three nice crates to choose from. When freezing temps arrive, I just go into our bedroom and say, “Sophie, get in your own bed.” She promptly moves. I know it is confusing for them; sometimes they don’t know whether they are coming or going.

Dear Abby: My longtime boyfriend passed away after an extended illness, and I’d like to offer a suggestion to your readers. I wish I had thought of before his passing.

STILLWATER, Okla. – For many people, staying fit and active is a part of their lifestyle. They carve time out of their weekly routine to exercise and eat right. Humans need to do the same for their pets.

Bath time is usually a stressful occasion for both pets and their owners, leading many to wonder—is bathing cats really necessary? To the relief of many a cat owner, the answer is typically “no,” according to Dr. Alison Diesel, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – This is the story of a mischievous mutt who turned out to be a very good girl.

Dear Abby: My wife and I share a common driveway with our neighbors. These neighbors are keenly aware that my wife and I do not share their political views. After the election, one of them quit speaking to us or even acknowledging our presence.

1. “Booth” by Karen Joy Fowler (G.P.

Several Master Gardeners were slaving away in the Pottawatomie County Extension gardens last Saturday, digging up border plants like gophers. A gigantic oak leaf hydrangea was lifted from the ground, roots and all, and split apart. Sections of the robust hydrangea will be available at this year’s May plant sale.