For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for March 14, 2022

remind me of this one bit: John and Elly had Farley before they had Michael, right?

Have you tried feeding the kid something she actually likes?

Well it is sensible, my God.

Elly, just BUTT OUT!!

Connie’s buying a puppy is none of your business!!

BTW, I agree with John in the last panel.

Is it me or is April always a mess maker? Not sure if she is “at that age” or just drawn as a walking chore.

Kids are the best birth control

Well, Elly, what’s your problem? A puppy is a good substitute for a human child. Connie now has a living creature to take care of and love. Something for her to get up and look forward to a new day with her dog on their walks and cuddling on the sofa. The dog will be loyal to Connie and give her all of its attention to her. Dogs are like that. Elly only sees dogs as a nuisance because Farley, while lovable, is like having a 4th child as far as Elly is concerned. She will understand when all of the children are gone and she faces an empty house. And perhaps learn to train the dog properly as she apparently did not with Farley.

Considering what it cost to have a child today in medical costs alone, the ASPCA is looking more attractive every day. ;-)

The Dog will probably be better behaved than the kids.

I’ve always found it interesting how Lynn is unafraid to write Elly, ostensibly her self-insert, as a fussy busybody who is quick to gossip and talk about others behind their backs like this. Lynn can be self-unaware at times, but I think here she realizes that Elly’s just being a buzzkill. I mean, what’s wrong with Connie wanting a puppy instead of a kid? She (and her husband especially) is probably way too old to be having a new baby anyways.

The puppy is a substitute for a child she doesn’t have, nurturing is in a woman’s DNA.

“Good idea” – Ootek in “Never Cry Wolf.” He said that in response to Tyler’s ways of doing odd things like making mouse stew or searching through wolf droppings.

It’s definitely a better idea than having another child just becauze you’re lonely.

So?

TRADE HER!!

At least, the four legged baby won’t need a high chair.

Connie will probably be more mindful of the responsibilities. Elly is the most out-to-lunch pet owner I have ever seen. There was the time Farley got picked up by the animal control officer, then Elly was fined for not getting a pet license for the dog. Her attitude “Duh, I didn’t know!” Come to think about it, she is probably also irresponsible in not having Farley neutered. Then again, it would be like Elly to run a puppy mill.

Puppy will eat food and not play with it.

Why is this such an issue for Elly? At this stage of life, with Lawrence nearly grown, she would be crazy to have another baby. A dog is a great idea.

See if you can trade Ape Face for a puppy…

plink..plink…plink…plink….Beethoven.

Dogs are better than kids, they never grow up, they are your babies forever.

This is an ongoing gag with this strip, as well as other strips, such as Hi and Lois. I raised 3 kids, and I don’t ever remember any of them throwing a bowl of food down on the floor.

I have known many people who have acquired a pet pal to fill the void left by the departure of their children. For the vast majority of them, it has worked out very well. The same can be said for retirees and persons who have experienced the loss of their loved ones.

Some of my very best furry friends and sometimes the most challenging, have been the animals I have rescued – either from shelters or abusive situations.

Ellie is a bit of a nutter in this one.

https://www.fborfw.com/features/hybridwho/index.php?id=Thelma%20Baird

Common practice nowadays.

They want SO bad to say it. But the P.C. police will be on them like a hippie on a business owner.