Healthy Food
Dear Frankie,
My parents are health nuts. Everything they eat and wear is organic. They have always cooked my food and prepared me a lunch box for doggie daycare. They think commercial dog food is poisonous and the cause of many canine illnesses.
At a recent play date, Skipper’s mom called us into the kitchen for a snack she made of kibble and doggie liver paste from a can. When I saw what it was, I panicked. I knew I needed time to think about how to handle the situation. So, I went to the door to indicate I wanted to go out, and thankfully, Skipper’s mom understood and opened the door. I had no cell phone so I couldn’t call home for advice. So, I decided to act sick when I returned to the house.
As soon as Skipper’s mom opened the door for me to come in, I started gagging and retching. She tried to help me, but when she couldn’t, she called my mom. On the ride home, I told my mom I had pretended I was sick to avoid eating the poisoned food. She complimented me for my quick thinking and said in the future, I should say I was highly allergic and on a restricted diet when offered food.
Since the playdate, Skipper hasn’t talked to me. A mutual friend told me Skipper thinks I pretended to be sick because I thought his food wasn’t fancy enough. Should I tell him the truth about the food he is eating?
Tick
Dear Tick,
I don’t think he would believe you if you told him his food was unhealthy and poisonous, just as you wouldn’t believe him if he told you his food was healthy and nutritious.
I don’t condone lying, but feigning an allergy might be the most diplomatic way to handle such a situation. Doing so would avoid what Skipper might perceive as judgmental comments about the food he eats.
Give Skipper a little time to cool down. Then tell him you don’t want your friendship to end. Emphasize how much you enjoy his company and suggest you spend time playing rather than eating together.
Best, Frankie
© 2025 Geneva Woodruff
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