My neighbor started a wildlife refuge — now our…
DEAR ABBY: Recently, my neighbor, who has always been eccentric, has embarked on an uncommon gardening project. Instead of conventional plants, he’s turned his yard into a sprawling sanctuary for rescued wild animals.
At first, it appeared innocent, but the scenario has escalated. His yard now attracts wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote.
While I admire his intent, I’m fearful about security — particularly for my two small youngsters and our canine, who are terrified when they encounter these creatures.
If that isn’t enough, my beloved pet cat has developed unusual behaviors. She’s been staring intently at the wall, as if she senses one thing I can’t see.
This could seem foolish, but it unsettles me, particularly since I’ve read articles about pets reacting to shifts in their surroundings.
My mom says I’m overreacting to the neighbor’s project and ought to just let issues be, which only deepens my anxiety.
Should I confront my neighbor about the animal scenario, or let it go? Am I overreacting about my cat’s habits?
I fear that others will suppose I’m shedding my grip on actuality. How can I discover a stability between addressing these issues and sustaining peace in my neighborhood and household? — OVERWHELMED IN OHIO
DEAR OVERWHELMED: Your mom might imagine you might be overreacting, but how do the other neighbors really feel about this? Are they troubled as properly? Is what this neighbor is doing legal in your neighborhood?
In some communities, there are ordinances against feeding wild animals, let alone “collecting” them.
Go online and start doing some research. If your elevated stage of anxiety persists, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health skilled to help you deal with it.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with my girlfriend, “Ivy,” for eight years. We see each other mainly on the weekends, as she lives and works out of city.
She says she is tied down to her home and daughter and can’t transfer right here, even though she works only three days a week.
A few years in the past, Ivy’s ex-husband moved back in with her as he transferred jobs. She is aware of I’m not blissful about it and that I would like her to spend more time with me, but she says she wants to coddle her daughter and take care of the canine.
She not often initiates something, and I’m drained of being the one to do the additional issues for our relationship.
I would like to break up and transfer on, but she has ingratiated herself with my household, and this would make it tough. She is aware of all my points with her, but she either can’t or gained’t make the change. — WEEKENDS-ONLY IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR WEEKENDS-ONLY: You said that the ex-husband moved back in with your girlfriend a few years in the past!?
They have reconciled! Ivy has shown you where her priorities lie, and you aren’t high on that listing.
By all means, transfer on, and inform your loved ones why. It might be up to them to determine whether or not they need to keep a relationship with her once they see the whole image.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also identified as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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