For Better Or For Worse

The comic strip, For Better or for Worse has been written by Canadian Lynn Johnston for 29 years. Today, she has summarized it into the future for us to know what happens to all the characters.

Now, Lynn will go back to elaborate on some of the topics she took on over the years. She talks on her website about being happy with how her drawing has evolved over the years. I get the sense that she might like to fix a few things – how they were drawn – and perhaps elaborate on some of the story lines.

Ah, yes, how good it would be to be able to go back and do a few things a little differently! Since Lynn is doing a fictional story, loosely based on her own family, she will be able to do just that!

One thing I enjoyed over the years, of course, was that this strip was based in Canada, mostly in Ontario. It was nice to see the Toronto skyline with the CN Tower and Canadian flags. I loved reading it each day and seeing various references to Canada and Canadian ways.

You can go to fborfw.com to see details on this strip and right now, they have just posted a biography of Anthony who has finally married Elizabeth.

As a writer, it is hard to imagine trying to convey an entire story in just four frames a day. Longtime readers will recall the Pattersons’ dog, Farley and his heroic death, while rescuing April. (I have tried to explain to my American friends that Farley was probably named after the Canadian writer, Farley Mowat.) Lynn Johnston says she will be bringing Farley back. Gee, I’d like to bring back my dogs, particularly Red the Boxer and Harry the Shih Tzu! But, I am able to write stories about them and to look at their pictures whenever I want. And that is what Lynn Johnston intends to do.

There is much speculation now as to whether all papers currently carrying For Better or For Worse will keep it. Let’s give it some time to see how much people enjoyed this Canadian-spun, homey strip.

http://www.fborfw.com

Buddy - A Fine Dog for Us!

When I came to Texas, I brought my last two homebred Shih Tzu who joined Hubby’s two cats and they all lived harmoniously. They were all seniors and a little more than five years ago, the last one, Harry, the Shih Tzu, died. (I had been in the Dog Fancy in Canada since 1977 and had shown, bred and/or owned Scotties, Lhasa Apso, Boxer, and Shih Tzu.)

We only lasted five weeks without any animals!
So, our search for a “new” dog sent us to the next town where a fine, established breeder had some puppies and a 10-month-old Lhasa Apso.

After carefully going over one puppy and the 10-month-old, we picked the older one. His color was beautiful; his body was sturdy and although he was a little nervous, he seemed very loving.

It took two men to get our reluctant fellow to an old wire crate waiting on the back seat of the car. He was tucked in for the ride back to our home. As he had no name, we selected “Buddy” as we drove home on Hwy. 59 through the rain.

Lhasa Apsos (named after the capital of Tibet) were originally guard dogs inside Tibetan monasteries. (Tibetan Mastiffs were on guard outside.) In North America, they were originally in the Terrier Group. Later, they were moved to the Non-Sporting Group. Although the term “clown-like” has been used to describe them, the standard called for them to be “chary of strangers”.

After two long nights, Buddy settled in. At nights, he stays by our bedroom door and during the day, he is in and out, enjoying our large backyard. Originally, he was not very obedient to commands but that has improved somewhat over time. He was happy and soon became very loving toward Hubby and me. For us, having Buddy is a joy. He keeps us hopping, alive and happy! After a while, Buddy started to enjoy company and was in fact, over-zealous and had to be tethered with a lead.

When we learned Ava was on the way, we knew Buddy needed a beautiful crate where he could be when the baby visited. Even at age 4, Buddy was not the dog for youngsters! We took him to PetSmart where we found a spacious fiberglass crate. We put a sheepskin, toys and water in there and Buddy knows that is his special place when Ava visits.

Many of the Retrievers are excellent breed choices for households with children. The Labrador, number one in AKC registrations for the past 10 years, would probably be my first choice for families, followed by the Golden Retriever (currently No. 4 in popularity) and the Boxer (currently No. 6 in registrations).

When choosing a dog breed for children, do go the the American Kennel Club website. Look for a dog breed that has an easy going temperament and is known to get along with children. In general, when you ask around, you will find that most sources will lead you to a medium-large dog breed.

www.akc.org