DEAR ABBY: I recently found my 6-month-old puppy prostrate, limp and glassy-eyed. She was barely able to lift her head and had difficulty breathing.
I rushed her to the vet, who treated her for shock due to multiple bee stings. She was so toxic that she developed severe hepatitis. Had it not been for the expert care of the veterinarian, my puppy would have died.She had been stung by a bee a month before, which sensitized her to bee stings. I later discovered that my next-door neighbor had been keeping beehives in her back yard! I had no idea how long, since she has a high fence.
This came as a surprise to her other neighbors, too, since according to our city's code, one must have the written permission of one's neighbors to keep bees in a residential area, and none of us had ever been asked. I informed the regulatory agency of my city government, and they promised to conduct an investigation.
Abby, I have no animosity against beekeepers, but they should respect the ordinances relating to keeping bees in a residential area.
I just spent $800 for dog care as the result of my neighbor's thoughtlessness. Abby, please remind your readers that animals can be just as allergic to insect stings as people - with just as dire consequences. - STUNG IN PHOENIX
DEAR STUNG: If it's any consolation, the honeybee stings only once and then it dies. I'm no lawyer, but I think you have a honey of a case against your bee-keeping neighbor.
DEAR ABBY: I would like to air a pet peeve, not only my own but for many friends who are also divorced single mothers.
"Daddy" just called to talk to Junior again. His calls are infrequent, and since he lives out of town, always long-distance. Rather than say, "Hi, Betty, this is Jim; may I talk with Junior?" He says, "Is Junior home?"
Daddy has been out of my life for a number of years, and I don't always recognize his voice. These calls always catch me off guard, and I'm left wondering who wants to talk to my son without identifying himself first.
Junior was the result of love at one time, and he is the product of the woman his father hasn't the common decency to say "Hello" to - never mind a courteous, "How are you?"
Junior loves and respects Mom, so why can't Daddy at least acknowledge her existence, and exercise the same good manners he presumably adopts when he calls his doctor's office for an appointment, or his girlfriend at her place of work, or his insurance agent?
It's such a small gesture in light of so many hurts after a divorce, and would show a modicum of maturity and promote good will where there is all too often no opportunity elsewhere for genuine communication.
If you print this, millions of single divorced moms will be grateful; in my own small circle, this complaint is universal. You may sign this "Betty," or . . . VISIBLE, STILL BREATHING AND RAISING YOUR CHILD
DEAR BETTY: Here's your letter, which may also apply to some Suzies, Jennifers and a whole flock of Lindas.
If only one daddy is jolted into saying "Hello" to his former wife when he calls to speak to their child, then your efforts, my time and this space will not have been wasted.
Everything you'll need to know about planning a wedding can be found in Abby's booklet, "How to Have a Lovely Wedding." To order, send a long, business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054. (Postage is included.)