Category Archives for "Questions"

0 How to let go of caring for a sibling

musicgirl asks: My mom got diagnosed with cancer all the way back in 2006. I was 13 back then, and my sister was 12. Since her diagnosis I’ve taken care of a lot of the responsibilities that would normally be my mom’s, but she couldn’t do, especially taking care of my sister. Everything in our world changed within days. I went from being a 13-year-old to a responsible older sister. I had to learn how to take care of my sister and do house chores and everything while my parents worried about my mom and her health. Since we were young, my parents didn’t tell us everything, we just knew the generals, like when she was having surgery or chemo or whatever… To be honest, I was scared and I didn’t want to know more. We kept growing up and I kept taking care of my sister, and became more of a mother figure when necessary. I attended the parent/teacher conferences and all the meetings from her sports team, and I took her wherever she needed. Now I’m almost 20 and she’s 18. She goes to college now, and she’s grown more independent, but I keep trying to make sure she’s okay and stuff… how can I stop feeling so responsible for her?

Hi musicgirl –

Okay, before I say anything else, may I please bow down to you, in humble awe at what you’ve done.  Diseases are unfair anyway, but this one has not only robbed your mother of the life she planned, but took lots of your time as a teenager too.  I respect your responsibility, your honor, and your deep care for your sister enormously.

But your question points out a problem: you got so good at being such a great caretaker that you don’t know how to Continue reading

2 What’s special about wolves?

EnchantedWolf asks: What is the most important part of being a wolf? I need all the info.

Hi EnchantedWolf –
Well, as a dog, I have to just guess about the important parts, but I should confess first that all dogs are somewhat jealous of wolves.  So what I say will be the qualities I wish I had!

First, clearly, will be Independence.  Wolves don’t tend to be people’s pets, or walk on leashes, or stay locked in yards all day (though there are exceptions).  Wolves don’t usually get house-trained, or trained to heel, sit, stay, or roll over.  Wolves live in a deep sense of their frightening nobility and godlike connection to nature.  (On the other hand, I really enjoy being taken care of, fed, sheltered, and loved… so don’t cry for me too hard!)

Second is the strength of their Continue reading

0 How to handle the death of a loved one

daisymimi22 asks: My grandma had died yesterday. I am really sad about it, and think of her all the time. Can you please tell me how to turn back to life and be normal?

Hi daisymimi22 –

I’m awfully sorry to hear about your grandmother.  I know what it’s like to lose someone I dearly love, and it’s a devastating feeling.  When we dogs feel that way, we do something I think people should do more often – we howl.  We go outside and look up at the sky (especially if there’s a moon) and yell out a plaintive cry from the bottom of our soul.  It’s the saddest, loneliest sound in the world.  Which means that everyone who hears it instantly feels a part of the deep sadness and loss we’re feeling.  And that helps.  It really does.  Their feeling some of our sadness makes us feel a little less alone.

You might not like the answer I’m going to give to your question, daisymimi22, but here it is:  Why would you want to be Continue reading

3 How to get people to hire you for odd jobs

curiouscutie123 asks: I’m a teenager and want to earn money, but my country doesn’t allow people my age to have jobs, and I don’t know how to reach people who would hire a teen to babysit their children, or mow their lawn, or any other work. How can I find such people?

Hi curiouscutie123 –

The answer to your question is one word, and it’s a word that will probably mean more and more to you as you get older.  The word is “Marketing.”

Why have you ever heard of Coca Cola, and why do I know you have?  Because of marketing.  Why am I pretty sure that you know “Iron Man 3” is out?  Because of marketing.  And why in the world have you heard of a dog on the other side of the world from you, who is happy to offer suggestions to help out your life?  You got it, marketing.

Marketing is simply the first step in getting someone to know about, and hopefully be interested in, what you’re Continue reading

0 How to grow and take care of long hair

lovedino123lady asks: I am 13 years old, and have wavy curly hair. Can you give me advice on taking care of it?I am reaching for waist length. I would like to know how to grow it super long and fast.

Hi lovedino123lady –

Wow, we are so opposite!  I have straight hair that only grows to about an inch and a half (3 cms) at most.  So this is something I know almost nothing about!

I found what seem to be some good Continue reading

0 Why are exams necessary?

Pakshi asks: Can you tell me why are exams important?

Hi Pakshi –

I don’t like being tested!  When I get trained for sitting, coming, staying, heeling, and all that, I enjoy the learning, but then I feel ready to go play.  But every trainer (even Handsome) insists on testing me.  “Why?!” I think.  “Why do they have to do this?  I know whether I know it or not!”

But the truth is, Pakshi, they don’t know whether I Continue reading

0 Is it best to have a birthday party at school or home?

fatima asks: I want to celebrate my birthday, but I am confused whether it’s best to celebrate it at home or at school.

Hi fatima –

It sure makes sense to me that you’d want to have the best, most fun, party you can.  And that you’d wonder whether that party would most likely be at school or at home.

The first question I have is whether your school allows parties there.  Most schools don’t want to spend time on things like that, since the teachers need the time they have to get the kids all the education they need.

But if the school is okay with them, then my next question would be whether most Continue reading

0 Is it wrong for pre-teens to have sleepovers with friends of the opposite sex?

Chickenwing asks: When I was younger, I had a sleepover with my 3 best friends. I liked the idea of that, but now I have moved somewhere else. I asked to have a sleepover with my 3 best friends, but (I never thought of this!) my 3rd best friend is a girl! My mom will probably say no, but I don’t get what’s so wrong. We won’t do anything sexual because we’re all 10 years old. I have a bunk bed, a guest room, and a couch that turns into a bed. We could all sleep in different places. Please help – I really want the sleepover!

Hi Chickenwing –

My friend, you are dealing with something you’re going to face for the rest of your life – and especially in the next twelve years or so – called pre-judgment.  I won’t use the word “prejudice,” because that word has other connotations, but I mean the same thing.  I completely believe you that you, your two male friends, and your female friend, could have a really fun night together hanging out, and that you aren’t thinking about any hanky-panky in the least!

But that might not Continue reading

0 What to do if someone gets a crush on you

789decision789 asks: What do you do as a teenage facilitator, when your student is madly in love with you?

Hi 789decision789 –

I’m going to assume that the student you describe is younger than you.  My answer would be the same even if they weren’t, but it sure makes it easier if they are.

Given that I am about as adorable a dog as has ever sniffed a tree, I face this problem all the time.  And while it’s nice to be lovable to the world, and it’s great to be really attractive to someone you’re interested in, it really puts you in a tough position when someone you don’t want any romance with (or legally/morally can’t have one with!) lets you know they’re completely smitten with you.

But the reason it’s tough is that you don’t want to Continue reading

0 Is it wrong to be a “goody-goody” at school?

adriannaar asks: My friends are calling me a goody-goody and a teacher’s pet, just because I respect the teachers and help them and the office staff out. What should I do?

Hi adriannaar –

You know, we dogs get this all the time.  Other animals, whether the nobly independent wolves we’re descended from, or the snooty cats we like to chase, love to get on our cases.  “You do whatever your humans tell you!  You have no self-respect at all!  You hunt, pull sleds, find drugs, chase bad guys and foxes, protect homes, and then jump on your enslavers and give them kisses all the time!  You make us Continue reading