DEAR HARRIETTE: A number of weeks in the past, my cat went lacking. I put up flyers across the neighborhood, posted on native social media pages and walked round calling her identify.
Then, a couple of days in the past, I noticed her sitting in my neighbor’s window simply two homes down.
I’m completely sure it’s her: identical markings, identical collar, and when she noticed me, she perked up and tried to get my consideration.
I knocked on their door to ask about it, however they acted confused and mentioned it was a stray they lately took in. I do know my cat, and I’m 100% certain she didn’t simply wander in and resolve to dwell with another person.
I’m torn as a result of I need to confront them, however I’m afraid of inflicting rigidity or making issues worse. I dwell right here, too, and don’t need ongoing hostility.
How do I’m going about asking for my cat again with out beginning a neighborhood feud? Ought to I contain the authorities or attempt to resolve it peacefully? I simply need my pet dwelling the place she belongs.
— My Cat
DEAR MY CAT: If you’re sure that’s your cat, it’s time to go to the police.
Clearly, your neighbors have determined that your cat now belongs to them. Slightly than trying to cause with people who find themselves unwilling to just accept that the “stray” cat they discovered wasn’t truly a stray, get the native authorities concerned to deal with the scenario. Should you had your cat chipped whenever you adopted it, that will likely be all of the proof you want.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I acquired myself right into a little bit of a pickle.
I’m a single dad, and now that my daughter’s a bit older and I’ve gotten a greater cling of the entire dad factor, I’ve began relationship once more.
Prior to now 12 months or so, I’ve met a couple of ladies, and alongside the best way I made a decision that I’d not talk about my daughter till I knew I used to be focused on pursuing one thing severe.
The newest lady I used to be seeing is nice, and as issues started to choose up, I made a decision that I needed to inform her about my daughter and my function as her main caretaker.
I referred to as to ask her out, and he or she instantly requested me why I had by no means talked about my daughter. Apparently, she came upon from my social media, which I by no means shared along with her.
I attempted to clarify that I don’t convey up my daughter till I’m severe, however that appeared to pour salt within the wound. She thinks I’m a liar or that I’m not a proud father, which isn’t the case!
This can be a lady I actually related with. How can I present her that I’m being real? Ought to I simply lower my losses and transfer on?
— Courting Dad
DEAR DATING DAD: There is no such thing as a rule about what to inform your dates about your self and your loved ones. You aren’t unsuitable to need to defend your baby’s identification and privateness till you get to know somebody.
That mentioned, should you submit about your baby on social media, you should assume others already know she exists. It’s comprehensible that your date would query why you stored this a secret from her.
State your case about wanting to guard your baby from any new individual. Add that you’re telling her now since you do care about her.
She may be indignant or select to develop in a relationship with you. It’s her alternative now. Let her know what you need so your message is obvious.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist individuals entry and activate their desires. You may ship inquiries to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
