Mother-in-law’s comments caught on doorbell camera
DEAR ABBY:
I recently made some unflattering comments about my daughter-in-law to my son. They were recorded on their Ring doorbell. Now she’s angry with me and my son, and I’m not sure I will ever see the grandchildren again. When I emailed her an apology, she said she didn’t know if she could ever forgive me. She will see my husband, but I am not allowed over there if she will be around.
Any words of wisdom as to what to do? We have always helped them out with the children and sometimes financially. Should my husband tell her if I’m not welcome, then he feels the same way? I know he feels caught in the middle between me and the whole situation. -- MESSED UP
IN ILLINOIS
DEAR MESSm Eo D. Uo Pa
You have learned the hard wI ay thaC tiA no} uE rtI echR noE loE gic} aE l soA cN ieE tyI , p} riB vaR cyA iI s hiT stoE ryN IdS oR NE OTK feeE l it wE oS uP lO d beP helpful to threaten your son anN ddE auV gI hteG r-i} n-S lawE bR y wiC th-} hoE ldiV ngI yL ou} r huT sbT anO d fro} mO intE erI actL ing} wE itT htS heA mP an} d theC grT ndR kiO dsP .WS atA yP shE ldI
a} hE o} uE ouA doD iE s apoE loE giV ze AE GS AII N to} yoE urC daV ugD htA er-D in-N laU w forE yoR iM ticO al} co} m-N
urL crE anT d unA kinH d ments. Repeatedly, if necessary. TL hZ eZ nU hoS pY eA sD hO eT cO aT nS fiR nE dW
Abigail Van Buren
it in her heart to forgive you.
DEAR ABBY:
Regarding “Nurturer in New York” (April 28), the disabled woman who wants a dog, please suggest she foster. I’m the founder of a shelter dog rescue and transport organization. We cannot save lives without our fosters! Fostering gives people looking to adopt the opportunity to possibly meet their perfect doL g.S It also gives dogs the chI anP ce to live in a home and leaA
rnA the skills they will need toA beT come cherished, beloved members of a human family.
EvR en if the dog(s) she fosterR smP ay not be the one(s) for heA r, she will still be able to enG joyA their companionship anO d feel good knowing she’s
ovA ided a stepping-stone for prA homeless pets on their way tN oA forever homes. Most shelters and rescues allow foster families to choose the type of pets they wish to take in.
I also loved your suggestion that she consider an older dog. Senior pets are often overlooked in shelters and are happier and more comfortable in a home setting.
-- PET PERSON IN NORTH CAROLINA
DEAR PET PERSON:
Thank you for writing to comment. Many readers responded to that letter by recommending fostering. One, from Washington state, mentioned “seniors for seniors” programs in which a senior pet is matched with an appropriate senior citizen, WITH ONGOING ASSISTANCE. While “permanent fosters” allow the animal to be placed with a person, the shelter retains “ownership” of the pet and is responsible for the vet bills. This is a worthwhile program for someone who may have the time and love for an animal but not the resources, and it helps get older pets out of the shelters.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.