CROSSWORD PUZZLE

“EEKOLOGY 101” By JOE SCHEWE

1 Golfer’s

concern 5 Spanish

appetizers 10 Bill entry 16 Golf scorecard number Southern cuisine staple __ Coast Above-ground, as a ski lift Before, to Byron Ghosts’ car safety devices? Witches living together? Retreats Warty amphibians Pacific relative of the Canada goose Muffin man Evening reception “Just to See You Smile” country singer Tool with a blade More sick Saharan Messed up Firstborn Spanish noble One of five inhabited U.S. entities Seed covering Retreat Buzz Iconic WWII island, familiarly Dracula’s least favorite lunch? Lennon’s lady State of rest Lumps __ tape Transpose, say Daycare banes Anniversary celebration Donald, to Dewey Top-rated World __ U.N. workers’ gp. Monster’s favorite cereal? French vineyard Unit in a gym Prickle Viscount’s superior 19

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Troubles Place for afternoon refreshment Saunters Reason Failure Emulated Paul Bunyan More spicy Help with money, perhaps Road hog? Most lucid “Ben-Hur,” e.g. Common teen phase Mosaic artist Dracula’s favorite fruit? 102 Where werewolves seek stardom? 107 Choler 108 Futuristic 2009 James Cameron film 109 Conjure up 110 Real estate

sale 111 Equinox mo. 80 81

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97 98 112 Negligent 113 Like 62-Across 114 Story

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Officejet Pro printers “__ la la!” Till bill Faint Shin-related Declares D.C. bigwigs Works at a gallery Ventricular contraction Minnelli movie musical One on a drive Sprang up Kia model Whale group Slippery __ Pan in the air Quicken Loans, for one Adjust, as a faulty stitch Taught to submit “Heaven Can Wait” character Many Manets Meant to lose Monster’s daily newspaper reading? 33 Move obliquely Front man? Wall Street debacle UFO-tracking org. Spanish ayes Clear Similar to Relatives of hems Monsters’ cookie-selling group? Smidgen Perched on Chances Speck of dust Mole, maybe Curtain fabric Budget competitor 26

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80 82 83 __ this world LAX info One usually has six sides The Sierra Nevada’s Mount __ Bay, say Fiber source Catcalls River through Orsk Smidgen Salon job One-horse carriage Pompous gait Stopped waffling Origin Overrun with crabgrass Odometer control One with an instruction manual Port feature Unawares Wall Street headlines Symbols of wisdom Boils __ Island Animator Bill and others Eponymous comet tracker Casual jacket fabric Art form with singing More pleasant Part of Hispaniola Outfit at the track Ark units Carwash challenge 100 Blvd. cousin 101 Butter from a

farm 103 In vitro cells 104 Andean stew

veggie 105 ’60s-’70s teammate of Esposito 106 Binge-watching

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I can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to my love life. I’m a serial monogamist; I began dating at 18, and I haven’t spent so much as a month single since. But it seems as if just about every guy I’ve dated ends up being a cheater or a deadbeat.

Prior to my current relationship, I was with “Ray,” who was underemployed. I had just received an inheritance (he didn’t know about that when we started dating), so I had no problem being generous — at first. Gradually, I found myself paying for all his expenses. He didn’t have a car, so I let him use mine. He never filled up the tank. I started to find his laziness and lack of ambition unattractive.

That’s when I started spending time with “Derek,” who is a chef at the restaurant where I work, in a different light. Long story short, I broke things off with Ray and started seeing Derek.

I thought things were going great. But a few weeks ago, I went to use my laptop and noticed he was still logged on to Facebook. In general, I try not to snoop, but I couldn’t help it this time. I saw the most recent message, which was from a girl, and they’d been talking regularly for the previous two months — flirting, sending each other selfies. I confronted Derek, and he insisted that they’re just friends.

I don’t really believe him, but I can’t bring myself to leave him. I don’t know whether there’s anyone better out there. What is it with guys today?

— Serially Disappointed Dear Annie

You’re jumping from relationship to relationship as a kid hops between couch cushions in a game of hot lava. What is so perilous about being single that you rush into shoddy relationships with men you don’t much care for? That’s not just a rhetorical question. I mean for you to really look inward and do some reflecting.

Instead of searching for your next boyfriend, you should be finding yourself. Break up with Derek. Don’t date anyone for six months. Until you learn how to be happy with yourself, you won’t be happy with a partner.

I just read in today’s newspaper that pigs, dogs, cats and other pets will now be allowed on airplanes as “therapy” animals.

I do not like animals in places where people live, such as inside homes or in other confined places. As a child, I was severely traumatized by a dog, and ever since, I haven’t wanted to be in confined spaces with animals. I travel on airplanes several times a year. What are my rights to not have to be subjected to this added stress?

— Petless in New York

Victims of dog attacks suffer psychological scars long after the physical wounds have healed, and you have my sympathy in that regard. But let’s not disparage therapy animals — the loving, furry heroes who have been helping people with disabilities for years.

In terms of what your “rights” are: I know that airlines accommodate allergic passengers by reseating them when necessary or, when that’s not an option, by placing them on the next available flight free of charge. If you’re at all allergic to dogs, you might consider pursuing that angle.

But more generally speaking, you should try to work past your fears. Do you have any friends who have dogs you feel more comfortable around than most? If so, spend time with them. Exposure therapy can work wonders.

Service animals have been in use for decades and are not going anywhere any time soon.