Family issues troubling

DEAR ELLIE: My boyfriend and I have been dating only weeks but have been close longer.

He was a foster child growing up, with parents who have addictions and long criminal involvements.

He started taking that path but with my help he’s been trying hard to help himself.

But he’s badly affected now because his brother (they’re close) just had a child, which children’s services are possibly taking.

Then, some issues happened with his family. We were on the phone and I heard his dad yelling. It wasn’t good.

He hung up, called back hours later, saying that there was fighting, but he didn’t want to talk about it.

I sent a text that he can talk to me about anything. He just said thanks but we haven’t talked since.

I’m worried about him and unsure what to do for him. Help! ANSWER: Your boyfriend is protecting you and likely himself, too. He knows how to deal with these people much more than you do.

Since there’s a criminal element within his family, you must also protect yourself.

If you heard directly from him that he’s in danger, ask if you should alert police. Even if he’s involved too, it may be better than facing severe injury or worse if there’s serious trouble.

Otherwise, wait this out till you learn what’s really happening.

Your relationship future is still unknown. If you’re to stay together, he must be able to leave that family environment and the two of you create a fresh start.

That’ll require hard work managing to support yourselves, and strong will to rise above the things that have dragged him down until now.

Meanwhile, be sure there’s more to the relationship than you feeling responsible for changing his life. DEAR ELLIE: My family lives in a townhouse complex across the street from an elementary school that our children attend.

The problem is that many of our neighbours let their dogs run around off leash.

They’re always running around the schoolyard, digging in the school playing field, and making holes that kids trip in.

Often, dog poop on their shoes gets dragged into the school after recess or lunch hour.

I’m on the school parent council. With the school board and city animal control, we’ve put up clear signs: “dogs on leash only.”

My townhouse neighbours ignore the signs. I send photos to animal control, which sometimes ask the owners to leave the school areas.

I know who the dog owners are and where they live. I could report them (possible fines up to $2,000). Should I report? — Frustrated Neighbour

ANSWER: Not if you intend to live there peacefully.

Let animal control spot and handle the thoughtless dog-owners.

TIP OF THE DAY You can only encourage troubled people to help themselves, not do it for them. Email ellie@thestar.ca. Follow @ellieadvice.