Pets Seek Wisdom Through The Mail

Tue., Aug. 8, 2000

By Paul Turner srpaulturner@gmail.com

t’s time again to reach into the mailbag. As always, you wouldn’t believe the letters Furry Talk receives from Inland Northwest pets seeking advice.

To FT: “My doghouse has uninspiring feng shui. What should I do?” - South Hill Purebred

Dear SHP: Try to cope.

To FT: “Why do some humans take pleasure in hurting animals?” - Mead Mutt

Dear M&M: Because they are broken people, spiritually and emotionally deformed. Often, they themselves have been wounded in unspeakable ways.

To FT: “I’m a 12-year-old North Side tabby who joined the family about the same time the dog did, long ago. We haven’t always gotten along. But in recent years, we’ve settled into a tolerance that borders on friendship. Once, he even stood up to a German shepherd intending to do me harm.

“Now I’m worried that the dog is nearing the day when he’ll go to sleep and never wake up. How, before he’s gone, can I show him that I value his companionship?” - Dog Lover

Dear DL: Chances are, he already knows. But a few gentle head-butts and a face-lick wouldn’t hurt.

To FT: “As a mixed-breed male spaniel living on the streets of Spokane, I’ve got a question. I’ve heard that if you get caught and taken to the pound, the bigger dogs there will, you know, do things to you. Things I’d rather not mention. Is this true?” - Afraid To Do Time

Dear Fraidy: You’ve watched too many prison movies.

To FT: “My mother is a resourceful if stern barn cat. But I’ve never met my father. My sisters say he’s a rambler and a gambler. Should I worry about being scarred because of not having a relationship with him?” - Palouse Kitten

Dear Pal: No. You’re a feline. It’s normal. You’ll be fine.

To FT: “I’m a North Idaho golden retriever helping to raise two little girls. This fall, the older one will go to school. Will she no longer need me?” - Curious in CdA

Dear Curious: No, she’ll need you more than ever. Schools are good at certain kinds of lessons. And lots of teachers are terrific people. But kids learn about loyalty and devotion from observing role models at home.

To FT: “When my owner, Sandy, is out of earshot, Brad, the guy she’s dating, tries to get me to say dirty words. What should I do?” - Pullman Parrot

Dear PP: Try saying this: “Sandy, Brad is a loser. Dump him.”

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.