Reunion ruckus – Dog Abby

Dog Abby,

My high school sweetheart “Mary” and I were forced to break up by my parents because we were of different races. I never really got over it. My 20-year high school reunion is just around the corner, and I heard through a mutual friend that Mary was planning to go and was asking about me. She is still single. My heart is racing at the prospect of seeing her again, but I also recently went through a bitter divorce and I’m not sure I’m even ready to deal with my feelings at all. Should I go to this reunion?

Nervous in Nashville

 

Dear Doormat in Denial,

There is a lot for me to chew on here.  I am a Golden Retriever, but my mom encourages me to be nice to everyone – even dogs that are mean to me. If she was mad at me for hanging around with different breeds, I would not let that stop me from being friendly and nice and making friends. I guess I am lucky. My best friend is a cat, and mom never said anything. If she did, I would have to wonder if something were wrong with HER. Max and I would still be friends. Just saying.

What did you tell your friend when you stopped seeing her because her coat was a different color? Did you swat her on the nose and tell her to “shoo!” or did you nicely tell her that you were only interested in others with the same pedigree? If you barked or growled at her, I can see why you may be nervous. But that was a long time ago, and most people cannot even remember if they gave you your “fetch-the-paper” treat, much less exactly what happened 145 years ago.

So, go.  What is the worst thing that could happen?

If I worried about the people I may or may not see or the things that may or may not happen every time mom said we were going for a carcar ride, I would never go anywhere! I would never meet new kids or get a pupachino at the drivethrough! Once, I even got a whole slice of ham. When an opportunity comes to go somewhere and meet people, always take it! Your friend remembers you, so you already have a place to start.