Sister is appalled by what brother asks mom to do

Dear Abby: I’m a mom who raised three kids and now I help with the grandchildren. I had dogs all my life until my last one died of old age. I was enjoying life with no responsibilities and could walk out of my house without worry.

My friend, who lives in an apartment, asked me to keep her cat, “Fluffy,” while she was on vacation. I gladly helped her out and carefully took care of her cat. Now Fluffy loves being at my house and acts mean when she goes back to the apartment. The only answer was to keep Fluffy, but I don’t want a cat!

How do I get rid of a cat who loves being at my house? I’m miserable because I miss my carefree life after many years of caring for others. — Pet-free in Alabama

Dear Pet-free: You have done enough. If you can, figure out why Fluffy is happy with you so you can share that information with her owner as you return her. You deserve the carefree life you have earned. are going to take a memory picture. He does it because if a child is lost, he wants a photo show any responding police officers. His exact words to me were, “Mom, in an emergency, I might not remember what a child was wearing, what her backpack looked like or how tall she is.”

He never tells the children the real reason for taking the picture. Afterward, he just emails it to any child who wants a souvenir of the trip.

— Proud of My Son

Dear Proud: Congratulations for having raised a smart son. My readers will let us know if his idea is original, but it’s a good one, which is why I’m printing your letter. For anyone supervising a group of children, this could be a helpful suggestion.