“DEAR ABBY: Plans for ailing wife’s pets put man in doghouse - The Keene Sentinel” plus 1 more |
| DEAR ABBY: Plans for ailing wife’s pets put man in doghouse - The Keene Sentinel Posted: 19 Dec 2010 04:48 AM PST u DEAR ABBY: Since being diagnosed with two types of cancer I have been unable to work. I have two wonderful dogs, and all my time is invested in them. I show them in obedience and agility exhibitions and love them dearly. While talking with my husband of 25 years, I casually asked him about the dogs' care if I should pass away. His answer was shocking. He said he is prepared to give the dogs away — to a good home, of course — because he doesn't have the time and doesn't want to be bothered with them. What does this say about how he truly feels about me? — DOGGIE BLUES IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR DOGGIE BLUES: What it says is your husband does not regard your dogs as extensions of you. It also says he is completely honest. Now that you know how he feels about your dogs, if you're smart, you will contact some of your friends on the dog show circuit and ensure that your dogs will be placed in homes where they are loved and appreciated — preferably together — should they outlive you. It will give you peace of mind, and your husband will have two less things to be "bothered" about in the event that you predecease him. u DEAR ABBY: My sister, who is six years younger, married for the first time at 42. Until she met her husband, who is overweight, she was never heavy. She always tried to watch her weight and exercised to a moderate degree. Once she met him, they found fine dining to be a favorite pleasure. She also has discovered that she loves to cook and watch the food channels on TV. When we visit, talk or write, food dominates the topics. My sister has gained 70 or 80 pounds in six years. She doesn't exercise and won't buy a scale. My husband and I mention exercise or calories every time they discuss food. She does not appreciate "Big Sis" giving her advice, but I'm concerned about her. She doesn't read or watch the news, so I feel if I'm not telling her the risks, I'm just standing by watching her kill herself. What can I do? — BATTLING A WEIGHTY ISSUE DEAR BATTLING: First, stop lecturing your sister about her weight problem. Until she wants to address it, you will only alienate her. When she and her husband experience the health problems that may occur because of their obesity and sedentary lifestyle, be supportive and offer suggestions only if they are requested. The most unwelcome advice in the world is that which is unasked for. She will deal with her weight only when she's ready, and nothing you can do, however well-intentioned, will change that. u DEAR ABBY: I own a consignment shop and have an idea I would like to pass along to readers who need to do something with their wedding gowns, formals or other clothing. While donating to charity is a great idea, any community or school theater group would also greatly benefit from these donations. It might open up an entirely new world if the person then attended the performance to see his or her clothing put to such good use. What do you think? — JIM IN ILLINOIS DEAR JIM: What a great idea. The more people who involve themselves with cultural activities in their communities, the better for all concerned. You're right — it could open up new worlds (and opportunities) for those who choose to become involved. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles 90069. The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of sentinelsource.com. We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site. Please read our Posting Rules This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
| Auto insurers take on pets - Boston Herald Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:52 AM PST Many pet lovers consider their cats and dogs to be family members, and now they can even "insure" they're covered in case of a car accident. Since Massachusetts deregulated the auto insurance industry in 2008, five companies have added pet injury coverage as an option for their policies. Just as auto insurance will cover the medical costs of drivers and passengers injured in accidents, some policies now will cover $500 to $1,000 for veterinarian bills - with no deductible. "I think it's a good idea to offer that because a pet is part of the family, you know?" said Dianne Autenzio, owner of Wilmington Pet Shop. "The vet bills can run very high, especially if it's an emergency call. It's like going to an emergency room at a hospital. It's very expensive." Quincy-based Arbella Mutual Insurance added a "Pet Lover's Endorsement" in May, and hundreds of policy holders have added the optional coverage. For $20 a year, they can get up to $500 to treat injuries sustained by their cat or dog in an accident or for burial or disposal costs should the pet die. "We saw a recent trend in the number of our competitors beginning to offer this," said Mark Teller, Arbella's manager of personal lines product management. "There's a demand. Our customers really like it, and I think it gives our agents a competitive edge against some of the other carriers that might not offer it." Cats and dogs are susceptible to the same injuries suffered by their human companions in car crashes. The Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston sees an average of two to three animals a month hurt in accidents. It treats pets for whiplash, fractured bones and injuries from the impact of airbags opening and, in severe cases, when an animal is projected into a windshield, according to MSPCA-Angell spokesman Brian Adams. "(Pet injury coverage) can only be a good thing in the long run because that means the animal would be provided care when he or she may not otherwise if a person didn't have insurance," Adams said. Ohio-based Progressive was the first U.S. insurance company to add pet injury coverage to its auto policies in 2007, introducing it locally the following year when it started doing business in Massachusetts. Free and automatically included for drivers who have comprehensive and collision coverage, Progressive's policy pays up to $1,000 for vet costs. Policy holders also are covered in the case of a car theft or fire. Progressive extended its pet injury coverage to RVs last year and to boats in September. "Restraining your pet isn't required for our coverage to apply," spokeswoman Brittany Senary said. "However, for the safety of you and your pet, we encourage you to secure your dog or cat inside your vehicle when it's moving." This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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