Lonely Times
Dear Frankie,
My life is so dreary compared to my friends. Most of them come from a two-parent family and have several siblings. They have one another; there’s always someone to talk to, play with, or go for a walk.
I live with a single dad who is a computer game designer. His idea of socializing is chatting online with his geek friends who, like him, live, eat, and breathe computer games.
My dad isn’t a bad guy or mean to me; he’s just clueless about my social needs. When he’s onto a new game design, he barely notices me. If it weren’t for Cindy, the dog walker who takes me to the dog park to see my friends a couple of times a week, I would probably crack up.
It’s really tough being an only dog.
Clancy
Dear Clancy,
Being an only dog in a home like yours does sound lonely. It makes me wonder why people like your father chose to adopt a dog in the first place.
What do they get out of having a dog they ignore? Perhaps having a warm body around is enough.
Loneliness is a significant issue for many canines and, for that matter, humans. Some humans keep their TV on all day to hear another human voice. It’s so sad.
I often think about the dogs who spend 10 to 12 hours in a crate, week in and week out, when their owners are at work.
As for your situation, would your dad be willing to have you invite a friend or two over for a play date? How about talking to your friends at the park and letting them know you are open to invitations? Have you thought about learning to text as a way to keep in touch with your friends? Your dad probably has an iPad or iPhone you could use.
It might amuse your ole man to see you take a page out of his book. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Best, Frankie
© 2023 Geneva Woodruff
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