NO HEADLINE

Sat., Nov. 27, 2004

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: My brother has a beautiful black Lab who is gentle and loving, yet fast and athletic. Her favorite activity is playing fetch, and she is constantly picking up twigs and broken tree limbs to play with.

One afternoon, a neighbor was playing fetch with the dog, and as she jumped in midair to catch the stick, the pointed end went into her mouth and pierced through her esophagus. My brother couldn’t afford the surgery and opted to take her home and let her heal naturally with some antibiotics. She’s now doing better and is alert.

Please remind readers that they should play fetch with dog toys designed specifically for this purpose. Sticks and branches are just too dangerous! – A reader, via e-mail

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