Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/593313
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamatmy wits' end. There are two beautiful little girls in my family and their mother lets them adopt a kitten every six months. After a couple of months, she de- cides she can't take care of them anymore, so she takes them back to the shelter. This has hap- pened three times in the last two years. The last straw was this week when the 9-year-old told me through tears that she never got to say goodbye to her kitten. The parents are divorced but the dad has custody every other week and is great, but he doesn't know what to do about this. His ex got rid of him just like she did the animals when the girls were very young. We need help to know how to handle this, as it is harmful to these girls. —Heartbroken DEAR HEARTBROKEN » In addition to the pain caused to these children, who are forced to sepa- rate from pets they have become attached to, this is the very definition of unethical animal stew- ardship. I know that in order to protect pets from being abandoned, shelters will accept returned pets, but no shelter should continue to let someone adopt who has a history of relinquishing animals. Perhaps the father could adopt a pet to keep at his home so the girls can enjoy an ongoing attachment to an animal. There are so many ben- efits to children caring for and loving an animal. In this case, the girls would learn through time the joys and challenges of this extremely important commitment. If they don't learn this from their father, they could end up repeating their mother's pattern. My own pitch is to adopt an older cat — my own experience adopting older animals has been extremely positive. DEAR AMY » I think my mom is emotionally abu- sive. She calls me names, but swears she's joking and "ac tuall y lov es me." She puts me down. I've never felt like I could talk to her for fear of making her angry. I haven't hugged her in years. Is she actually abusive or am I just extrapolating stuff that hurts me? I don't know how to deal with her. When I was younger it was easier, but it's gotten worse. (I'm almost 18.) I feel worthless when- ever she talks to me. And I have younger sisters I need to protect, but if I go to college they'll be alone and I don't know how to help them. Any advice? — Hurt DEAR HURT » Don't let your mother's tyranny keep you from living out your dreams. You can be supportive by showing your younger sisters that your mother's treatment does not define you. The best thing you can do for them is to be a trium- phant survivor, go to colleg e and succeed . While you are still living at home, I hope you can find a supportive adult to talk to. Young daughters have tough time separating from pets You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov. 22) — Boredom will set in. Get involved in an organization that supports environmental or conservation issues and make a difference. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make sure the people you share your secrets with have your best interests at heart. Someone will make you look bad. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Follow your own path. Pick up some pointers from experienced individuals, but in the end, add a personal touch. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You have much to lose and little to gain if you end up in an emotional tug-of-war with a family member. Admit that you don't have all the answers. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You are more talented than you think. The possibility of turning one of your skills into a moneymaking venture should be investigated. Ask someone who has experienced success doing so. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't back down. Put your heart and soul into whatever you do and you will achieve success. You will gain self-satisfaction once you begin to see the prog- ress you make. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Love and romance are in the picture. You'll attract a poten- tial partner if you don't try to be something you are not. Honesty is always the best policy. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Financial matters are high- lighted. A change in location will be the key to potential gains. Check out real estate and prop- erty deals and determine what your current assets are worth. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Positivity is contagious. The more you do to help others, the better you will feel about your- self. The time and dedication you invest in a worthy cause will be rewarded. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Update your resume, set up an interview or ask for a raise or promotion. Valuable opportuni- ties are apparent. Minor health issues should be dealt with. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — An interesting offer will be awarded to you. Don't dwell on personal setbacks or disap- pointments. A self-improvement regimen will give you more energy and the confidence to excel. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A poor financial decision is likely if you act in haste. Refer to professionals regarding invest- ments, inheritances or savings plans. A well-meaning friend will inadvertently cost you money. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, OCT. 29 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B