ASK THE DOCTORS
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling so lost and alone. My dog Georgie and I are inseparable, having grown up side by side and having created so many cherished memories together. Lately, he's been really sick, and the vet mentioned that it might be kinder to let him go peacefully to end his suffering. I just can't bring myself to make that heartbreaking choice. The guilt of possibly being selfish by clinging to him is tearing me apart inside. It's a real gutwrencher. — Fur Best Friend DEAR FUR BEST FRIEND: First, I want to acknowledge the pain you are feeling. Pets become part of the family, and you love them just as you would a sibling or child. When they live a long time, like Georgie, it is only natural that you would have grown so close to him that you cannot imagine life without him. And yet, dogs do not live anywhere near as long as people do. So for people with dogs in their lives, learning how to let them go when it is their time is part of being a responsible, kind pet parent.
In June of 1987, Ronald Reagan stood at the barrier dividing East and West Berlin and challenged the leader of the Soviet Union to free the captive nations under his control. 'Mr. Gorbachev,' thundered the American president, 'tear down this wall!'
The fact is, I am spoiled. I never get sick. I've never spent a night in a hospital since I was born (and then, my mother stayed with me). I've never broken a bone. I've never had a major operation. I am absurdly healthy, and I can take no credit for any of this. So, naturally, when I get sick, I am insufferable.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel stuck, and I am not sure what to do. I have worked on and off for a few years now after having had a good job for decades. After my work situation changed, I stopped doing everything, including my taxes. I know today is Tax Day, but I have done absolutely nothing to file. It's almost like I took myself off the grid, but I'm worried that what little money I am earning will be taken away — or worse — if I don't get it together and get up to date. As my mother used to say, 'You don't have to do anything in life other than pay taxes and die.' Why am I being so irresponsible? I can't seem to shake out of it. What do you recommend I do to turn this around? — No More Hiding DEAR NO MORE HIDING: Congratulations for looking your problem in the face. The only way to resolve this is to address it, and you are right: You must file your taxes. The government does not forget you if you neglect it!
After studying relevant police reports, Americans Against Antisemitism issued a 2023 document noting the obvious — that rising numbers of Orthodox Jews were being assaulted in New York City.
CLINTON DAILY NEWS EDITORIAL
Icried and cried on the night of Feb. 27, 2008. I'm not sure anyone ever did that while watching Charlie Rose on PBS before. But there I was.
There's been an ongoing political debate lately about crimes committed by migrants who entered the United States illegally. Actually, there's not much to debate about their first unlawful act — entering the United States without authorization — but much disagreement about how many illegal border crossers commit crimes after that.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm seeking guidance on how to handle a challenging situation with a close friend. Lately, I've noticed that my friend has become consistently negative and draining to be around.