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Angry energy? Brushing too hard? Called girls instead of women? Holy cow people! Have you heard of a thing called lighten and just enjoy! Can anyone explain why in the world with a financial crisis, wars, people killing animals for sport, world drug problems, and people dying for no apparent reason...people on this website have nothing better to do than complain and sevearly and overly criticize a comic strip? I thought I have learned that life is about perspective...maybe some people here need to put some perspective to life and realize that it exists outside of a comic page where the people ARE NOT REAL!

Ryan

ok i have to aggee with noel in michigan, lighten up people its just a comic strip.keep up the good work lynn..

Connie V, Plaquemine, LA

Here's something that's always bothered me; I've noticed that every time I or anyone else get a letter published that shows the least bit of disapproval of the things the Pattersons do, the next day, I and the others wind up getting told to lighten up and not be such a picky-face because it's simply ink on paper. I wouldn't mind that as such because these people have as much right to their opinion as I do. What really bothers me is that these same people turn around and tell us that when something that impresses them happens, the same strip that's just thirty seconds of fluff when someone questions it magically becomes more real than reality. What gives?

Paul J, Saint John, NB

I am with Paul S. 100% regarding his reaction to the Sunday, August 2, 2009 strip. Elly looks enraged at Farley for daring to get dirty, Farley looks terrified, and not for one second is there any evidence that he enjoys his brushing. He does not roll over to expose more fur for brushing; rather, if you look closely, you will see that Elly has him pinned down as she brushes him. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to inform Paul or any other reader that FBorFW is "just a comic strip." Presumably, most readers are aware of what medium that happen to be reading. Not only that, but I am guessing that people who cried over Farley or Marian or Mr. B don't want to be told they should lighten up because it's "just a comic strip." Only those who offer a critical reading ever get that particular smackdown.

Katje B, Albany, NY

I don't typically read Coffee Talk because many of the comments upset me. The one on dog abuse just floors me. Obviously this person has never owned a dog. When you are a dog guardian, you have to do what is best for the dog, and that includes brushing. Anyone who has seen horrible matting of a dogs fur, which leads to painful sores and misery.

Theresa M, St. Louis, Missouri

Regarding some of the comments on John being a jerk, male chauvinist, etc... Perhaps we should look at it from another angle. John and Elly are still newly married (granted, with kids, but I would guess about eight years). He's building his practice, she's a stay-at-home-mom wanting more from life, he's trying to provide for the family, she's wanting to contribute more...

Just as with the "pet abuse" comment, we're seeing snipets of life. Sure, John made a bad joke, but do we all really think he meant it? As we know, the Pattersons stay married forever, and evolve into a better couple than two individuals. John is still learning what to say to Elly, and Elly will not stand for everything he says.

My parents were married 31 years before my dad passed away. Even in the hospital, he joked to my mom "You still want to be married to me" and my mom replied "Hmmm, I'll have to think about it." Sometimes the inappropriate humor is what keeps the sparks popping.

Here's a grain of salt, everyone... just enjoy the strip.

Jim I, Bloomington, IN

COLORING PAGE TIME!!! Which should be more obvious (To Elly's dismay) The Blue or the orange on the plaid??? I'm still enjoying the strips :)

Lara, Santa Ana, CA

I would like to know when the Farley stuffed toy is coming? Can you add a name to a waiting list?

Janie F, Charleston, SC

We are still working on the prototype. The plush fabric I wanted and approved became unavailable. When the last sample with new fabric came,it was the right color, but a different texture.The look was close. I liked everything but the muzzle, so I took a pair of thinning shears to it and the result was good. I have asked the factory to try and duplicate the look I came up with and am now waiting again for a sample. When we finally have an approved article, it's then up to the factory to create a system that can successfully reproduce the approved prototype, which will take a few days.

Thanks for asking. LJ