A Shadow of Myself

Last week I said that Dear Abby, known by her penname Abigail Van Buren, happens to be my favorite nonfiction writer. She writes with a didactic tone, in a brief and concise style. Her writing must short because of newspaper space constrictions. Many of her sentences are imperative because she is instructing her readers about how to handle various situations. She answers conversationally to put people at ease, to make people trust her advice, and to be accessible to everyone who would want to read her column. Reading her advice is like talking to your own grandmother, who you can trust to always help you and to offer support. People often write to her for advice about the problems in their lives, or for an answer to a question (like “What is the proper way to fold a flag? Do I really have to store my father-in-law’s ashes on the mantle?). Abby replies and offers a solution with her common sense.

Dear Rae,
I have wanted a new puppy for years. I already have a cat and a dog, but I want another pet desperately! My dad is against the whole idea. How can I convince my parents to get me a puppy?
--Lacking Puppy Love in Lexington
Dear Puppy Love,
You need to show your parents that you are responsible enough to take care of a puppy by yourself. Your father is probably worried that he will end up being the one forced to feed the new addition and operate the pooper-scooper. Take initiative with the pets you already have to demonstrate that you can handle more responsibility. Feed your pets without being asked, and be sure to walk your dog every day, rain or shine. Wait a while to ask your parents again, and they probably will be willing to buy you a puppy.
However, if your parents still will not get you another dog, learn to be happy with the pets you already have. You are very blessed to have two pets already. Good luck!