For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 16, 2024

Do not weep too much for Farley. He was 14 years old, a ripe old age for a dog. He loved, he played, he enjoyed life, he produced offspring. He went out a hero, exhibiting the fullest possible measure of devotion—saving the life of a little girl. Rest in peace, Farley. The family will miss you.

What in the world just happened here? In one panel we have a bright and alert Farley with John’s hands positioned around his head and neck and in the very next panel, Farley has collapsed on John’s leg. What did John to do Farley to make him collapse like that? Did he do what it looks like he did?

Also why is John saying all these things he does not know because he wasn’t there? It seems almost as if he is preparing a story to tell to other people and making sure everyone agrees, which Elly and Gramma Carrie readily do in the 3rd panel. Highly suspicious.

Now that I think about it, “He’s exhausted” sounds like the perfect alibi.

However, before I go too far, let’s consider the possibility that this is not what it looks like and Farley collapsed for some other reason, like he was so shocked that John complimented him, he passed out and he is actually alive and well. If that’s the case, we have a few things to look forward to.

We can look forward to seeing April taken to the hospital ER to be treated for scratches, cuts and hypothermia. Will they call in the paramedics or drive her themselves? Maybe they will have to answer some potentially embarrassing questions from the doctor in order to explain how April managed to get in the raging river water in the first place.

We can look forward to seeing Farley taken to the vet hospital emergency room with more questions. We will get to see how embarrassed John is when he recounts just how many minutes Farley was down there holding April before someone came down to help.

We can look forward to seeing the neighbours stop by to make sure April is okay and to tell them what a good dog Farley is when he is not in their trash or impregnating their dogs.

Of course, if we don’t see any of those things, then I am sticking with my original idea. It’s not April’s fault. It’s not Elly’s fault. It’s the fault of one John Patterson and he is trying to cover it up.

I know that we probably have a FBOFW expert or two here in this comments forum. I ask you a yes or no, up or down question- Are these the original panels being rerun, unedited?

HE IS DEAD

Good-bye, sweet Farley. I hope you are happy on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Why do people think that just because they’ve seen this story line before, everyone else has? Shame on all of you!

:-(’’’’’’’’’

I don’t understand why people get bent out of shape when there are spoilers. It just amps up the anticipation for me. It lets me know what to look for.

Make sure he’s warmed up and has some doggy treats.

All the attention on Farley, but what about April ?

Can dogs have adrenaline crashes too? (Yes, I know this is more dire than that, I just realized I didn’t know.)

We’re all exhausted. Just get it over with.

Do you keep your kids locked away like flowers in the attic? Kids make bad decisions, get hurt, and sometimes die. It is called growing up. Not sure what you call kids today that when they do go out, it must be supervisedbans heaven firbide someone keeps score and designates a losing team.. OMG..

I followed this strip and mourned Farley many years ago. When the strip started to rerun I almost couldn’t follow another time as I dreaded losing Farley a second time. But here I am… Farley will always be with us.

Get him to the vet and have him checked out!

I just want Farley to survive this arc. <3

Saying goodbye to Farley! You were a good and faithful servant. Good Boy!

It is unfortunate that several of the strips I enjoy have hate comment trolls. Their lives must be very shallow to want to vent on a comic strip.

April needs to go to the ER (and possibly therapy) just for the trauma alone. She’s been through a lot I’m the span of minutes if not hours, I’m worried about Farley too, but don’t neglect taking her to the hospital

Sheesh! Get a life!

Elizabeth take this collar off of me

I can’t use it anymore

It’s getting dark too dark to see

Feels like I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

John put my bones into the ground

I can’t gnaw them anymore

That cold black cloud is comin’ down

Feels like I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

“Edgar you better start sniffin’ round on your own

‘Cause now it’s just you in the Pattersons lives

The vet and death, forever man

And with any luck you will live a long happy life”

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Someone has a bit too much time on their hands and maybe needs to focus on other more real world issues.

Yes, Farley is exhausted, poor baby.

But what happened to the boat?

WTH are you on about?

I don’t remember Farley being shown such attention and affection at the end, I’m pleasantly surprised that he’s not just lying there forgotten as I’d originally thought he would be.

You overthink this strip too much. Quit reading it.

Bye Farley. :*(

They live by a stream, yet she was playing outside unsupervised by the three adults and an older sibling in the house. What could possibly go wrong?

Why is this comic in re-runds. Farley passed away in this strip several years ago.

Eyes are tearing up.

Panel #1, that look is pure love. I have lost a number of pets in my life, and have been with each of them at the end to see that look, as all good pet parents should want to be. To see that love, to tell them they were good and true pets, and to hold their head as they go to their rest. It’s the least we can do in gratitude.

Uh-oh

Unfortunately, after that rescue. Farley has passed away.

Ok, why do I remember this playing out differently 30 plus years ago?

Howtheduck: Any original reader of this comic knows exactly what has happened. It’s no one’s fault, except for the parents who were not keeping tabs on April.

Our first Ragdoll cat was named Farley. Farley Eliot Skellington Mouseripper.

I remember MANY years ago reading this for the first time. I cried then, and I’m crying now.

You have some serious issues. Get some banana pudding, sit in a corner and eat it while listening to something soothing (Enya, Yani etc) and call up for a therapy appointment

Let it go. It’s not real.