Annie’s Mailbox: Don’t sign for dog on sympathy card

Dear Annie: I have owned all kinds of pets and have always loved them dearly and considered them “family.” I can understand signing their name on birthday cards, holiday cards, etc. But I was surprised when I received a sympathy card with the signatures of the husband and wife along with the pet’s name and paw print. Do you think this is appropriate? – Still Grieving

Dear Still: The dog’s paw print changes the tone of the card from sympathetic to “cute.” It is not appropriate, but some folks simply don’t consider how that type of card is going to be received by someone in mourning. We don’t believe they meant to treat your grief lightly. Please forgive them. Our condolences on your loss.

Dear Annie: I can’t believe you told “Mom” that her arriving college freshman daughter should tolerate her new roommate’s boyfriend staying overnight in their dorm room.

Obviously, the mom should get in touch with the roommate’s parents and tell them she vetoes this plan. The young couple can then be angry with the mom, not the new roomie. Or if need be, call the university and request a new roommate ASAP.

This is where the sexual revolution has led us. The most shameless behavior is supposed to be tolerated by everyone for fear of “rocking the boat”! – Mother of Two College Students

Dear Mother of Two: We didn’t tell her to “tolerate” it. We told her to talk to her roommate and ask that the boyfriend spend his evenings elsewhere and also to request a new roommate as soon as it can be arranged. But here’s where we disagree: We don’t believe the parents should be working this out. This girl is now an adult, and part of the college experience is learning how to manage these types of situations without parental assistance. She needs to deal with this roommate on her own. We hope she will assert herself.