Son, 8, who beats dog needs counseling

Dear Abby: I have an 8-yearold son I love to watch sports with. He has trouble accepting a loss and expresses his dismay by beating the dog.

My son says he’ll hate me if I send him to counseling. I’m afraid if the problem isn’t controlled, it will harm his future. What can I do? Dear “Good Dad”: Stop trying to be your son’s sports buddy and be a parent. At his age, he should be able to control his anger. Children who hurt animals often go on to hurt other children. Take your son to a mental-health professional as soon as possible. Dear Abby: I told my mother I have been considering donating my eggs because I don’t plan to have children. Mom simply stared at me in shock.

Now she brings up how she loves babysitting for my niece. I have never particularly liked children and prefer to live alone. Mom has always wanted lots of grandchildren, but being a wife and mother is not a goal of mine. I almost feel guilty about my decision. How do I explain this to her? Dear Childless: Whether to have children is a personal choice. It should not be dictated because a parent wants lots of grandchildren. Children deserve to be wanted. And women who do not want to be mothers usually make lessthan-terrific ones. If your mother raises the subject, answer her honestly, but don’t apologize. And when she mentions how much she enjoys babysitting your cousins and niece, say, “That’s nice!” Dear Abby: My cousin “Linda’s” beloved cat “Wookie” is dying. She sent an e-mail to our family saying she could not afford Christmas gifts because she had huge vet bills. Last week, she set up a website soliciting donations to cover her cat’s expenses. Every day since then, I have received an e-mail asking me to donate — and to ask my friends, too!

How do I politely ask her to stop bombarding me with requests? (I think it’s tacky.) Dear Cat Got Your Tongue: Don’t ask. Your cousin is trying desperately to save the pet she loves, and it would hurt her already sensitive feelings. Send her a donation for Wookie, about the amount you would spend on a Christmas gift for her. And when you see her request for soliciting your friends, hit “delete” and let it go.

A