Dear Abby: My family is so obsessed with our animals – I can’t take it anymore

Dear ABBY: My best friend of 60 years lost her husband 13 years ago. She has a son who is successful and busy with his new family. They try to include her in various family gatherings, but she always has an excuse as to why she can’t attend – she doesn’t drive at night, doesn’t like their friends, etc.

The truth is she starts drinking at 2pm, and from 4pm she starts sending me rude and hurtful messages. I have tried to ignore them, not answer, turn off the phone, etc. I know she is lonely, but she blames everyone else and takes no responsibility for her actions.

I love him but I can’t take it anymore. I’ve talked to her about it, and she just laughs. Then that same afternoon, after a few glasses of wine, she throws it in my face again. Please advise. – OVER IT IN ARIZONA

DEAR TO: You should have realized by now that no matter how much you want to, you can’t fix what’s wrong with your “best friend”. Only she can do this by finally admitting that she has become an alcoholic and deciding to do something about it. The longer you tolerate her abuse, the longer she will continue to abuse you and herself.

Tell him once and for all that you will not let him hurt you again and until he shows that he is dealing with his drinking problem, you want nothing to do with him. Then back off and block her calls and all other communications. Friends don’t treat their best friends the way you are treated, and you don’t have to put up with it.

Dear ABBY: I love cats and dogs. We have one of each. Both are pets. My problem is that my wife and daughter have filled our house with cat and dog paraphernalia of all shapes and sizes. There are seven dog and cat beds in the master bedroom, five in the spare bedroom, four in our daughter’s bedroom, three in the living room, and one in the kitchen (because our cat likes to watch my wife cook ).

There are also cat trees scattered around, a four-story cat cage, and cat and dog toys scattered across the floor. There are packages of cat and dog food everywhere. I just love stepping on them while I’m barefoot at night. Am I unreasonable to suggest that our cat and dog should not be treated like royalty? I suspect they’d be fine with a bed each – you know, like us humans. – CRASHED IN CALIFORNIA

HONORABLE FALLEN: It seems your wife and daughter have gone overboard trying to make sure the furry family members are comfortable. A compromise is definitely in order, especially regarding the areas where you spend the most time – like your bedroom, living room and kitchen. It would also be prudent if someone makes sure the floors are cleared of toys and treats before bed so you don’t get hurt on the way to the bathroom.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.