Could lawn service sprays hurt pets?

Updated: December 15, 2012 6:05AM

Q. Living on a cul de sac with a lot of dogs, I started wondering: In the last two to three years, several dogs have died of cancer and most homeowners have various lawn care services, ours included.

We lost our own golden retriever to cancer last spring. We had the lawn sprayed yesterday in preparation for winter and the lawn guy said it would be safe after two hours for our new golden puppy. He also said he has never heard of people having a problem, but I wonder and wonder what you think.

Press your lawn care company about what, exactly, is in the stuff they spray on your grass. Make the decision about using toxins or not. As pet people, we have a responsibility to keep our animals safe.

Q. Mike, my (maybe) man, seems more smitten by Sprinkle, my Cairn terrier, than me. I’m caught in an odd love triangle.

Mike strokes and pets her while I sit across the room on a single chair. I am touched by Mike’s attentions toward Sprinkle, but I do feel slighted.

Mike has not introduced me to his children but Sprinkle has met them because Mike “borrowed” my dog to take to a family gathering. Does this seem weird?

Mike might use Sprinkle as a stalking horse to introduce his family to the idea he is dating. Perhaps Mike is still cautious about giving you the unrestrained affection he bestows on the dog. If he continues to shower Sprinkle with more devotion than he shows you, you will have to gather your wits and ask him about the state of your (maybe) affair. If he bolts toward the door, you will know he wasn’t the man for you.

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