DEAR ABBY: I have known my best friend, “Carl,” and his wife for 30 years. We do everything together — cruises, holidays, birthdays, etc. They allow (and enable) their boxer dog to go after innocent cats and squirrels. It’s like it’s a game. The dog does not know any different.
I recently adopted two indoor cats. I live in the country, and I also have a 5-year-old Lab that would not hurt a bunny. I can no longer allow Carl and his wife to visit because they (mainly she) have allowed their dog to terrorize the kittens and squirrels in their neighborhood. I know she will make me out to be a villain and refuse to come if the dog cannot. Carl and I keep avoiding the conversation. Any advice? — APPALLED IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR APPALLED: As I see it you have two choices. Either HAVE the conversation you have been avoiding or visit your friend only at their home or on neutral territory. Frankly, I’m surprised the owners of some of those innocent cats haven’t informed the authorities that a vicious dog harmed or killed their pet. If you witnessed such a thing, recognizing Carl’s wife is sadistic, you should have made the call.
P.S. Why are you still friends with creeps like this?
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