« Monday | Main | Wednesday »

Today's strip (11/16/09) was really bittersweet for me. Elly has been sick a few days now and was observing how she nurses everyone in her family when they are ill. Her final comment was that she wanted her mom! My Mother passed away in February at 89. I would call her when I was miserable with a cold and tell her I needed her. It made both of us feel a bit better! (And of course, made her feel needed.)

Nancy, Crystal Lake, IL, USA

Over the years I have taped comic strips that hit home inside my kitchen cabinet doors. One whole door is FBorFW. Today was the first rerun from my cabinet door. If I am correct, it was from August 7, 1980. The strip is yellowed and a bit curled, and it was moved when I had my cabinets re-faced in 1997. I don't get sick much anymore, but thank the Lord, my 90-year old mom is still available if I need her.

Melanie, Indianapolis (home of the Colts!), USA

I don't understand how a fever of 104F is considered impossible to many readers. I can openly admit that I have never had a single flu shot in my life, so when I do get the flu my fever easily jumps to 102-104F, and the most it does is drain my energy so I can't walk anymore and lasts nearly a week. I've noticed though that people who HAVE taken a flu shot in their life, and do get it renewed regularly, that they get smaller fevers of around 100-101, and their flu can last maybe a good 2-4 days.
I've discussed this with a few nurses and doctors at the clinic near my home, and they told me it's normal that I can get such a high fever since I've never had a flu shot, and that if ever it gets to 105F, I should go to the hospital since it at 105F that it starts to get dangerously high.
Of course, with a high fever it's always good to go and see a doctor just so they can confirm it's a flu and send you back to bed with flu medication and some good advice.

Tiia R, Rimouski, QC, Canada

I'm guessing that Sunday's strip is inspired by the account of Sir Walter Scott, who, as a school boy threw a rock at a dog, breaking its leg. The dog then crawled over and licked Scott's feet.

However, unlike Scott, Elly is simply amazed. We who've read the strip over the years know that Elly will continue to verbally abuse Farley.

The only thing Farley is guilty, of course, is being a dog. Because he's a dog, he doesn't understand a word she's screaming at him or know the difference between toys that are left lying around that all have the same taste and texture. He doesn't know about wiping his feet on the mat before he comes in the house and he leaves the yard when the gate is left open. If Elly feels any guilt about her treatment and/or neglect of Farley (or any humans),it is quickly forgotten.

Sir Walter Scott had remorse about what he had done to the dog, and he changed his life for the better. Elly will only grow old.

I have a question about the art: What are those little dots that appear over Elly's head from time to time, as in the fourth panel? Sweat, like in the Cathy cartoons?

Barb, OR, USA

Animal abuse??? She was just yelling at Farley and trying to correct his incorrect behavior. I guess though that any form of punishment other than saying, "Oh, aren't you cute when you do something very wrong," is just not an ok thing to do and will consequently be called "abuse." I am to guess then that, according to some readers here that it's ok to for an animal (and sometimes children) to just do whatever the heck they want and not deal with any of the ramifications for doing wrong.

I will say at least this much for Coffee Talk, it shows me some very interesting thought patterns that people live by.

Ryan, Seattle, WA, USA

Re the Sunday (11/15/09) strip: Where’s the animal abuse here? Elly doesn’t touch the dog, she even gives him a substitute toy. Sure she yelled at him, but he needed to know he had done something wrong. Her actions (remove unsuitable toy, substitute with dog toy, use a tone of voice that clearly indicates displeasure) were entirely appropriate. Whatever words she used don’t matter, he doesn’t understand them. He was reacting to her anger and tone of voice. When she finally did give him a command he understood he did as he was told. Farley (like most dogs) loves his family and above all wants to please them. He expresses his remorse in licking her feet, but I’ve seen dogs lay their head in a lap or use those oh-so-soulful eyes to beg forgiveness. So what’s the problem here?

Jan C, Victorville, CA, USA

dont lissen to those people who say bad thing about your strip Ellie because your right that dogs love people my dogs always lick my feet too after i yell bad words at them so your not wrong about that

Buford P, Little Rock, AK, USA

Most dogs --large or small -- descended from "working" breeds may actually feel more comfortable having a somewhat stern and assertive Owner...."My Leader won't take guff from me, or anyone else: I guess we're all pretty safe here!" An overly indulgent Owner, however, may actually make the animal feel nervous and insecure: "I guess I'll have to defend myself against any stranger who gets too close ...What a total Wimp I've got for a Leader!"

Anna M, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I just finished A Simple Wedding, and I want to cry. I won't, because I am a 59 year old man, and I wouldn't do such a thing, but... I have followed the Patterson's from the beginning. And like a million other people around the world, related my family, and my life to that of Elly and John. I can't believe it's over. It's like the death of a dear friend. I just had to say to Lynn, Thank You from the bottom of my heart. And to Elly, John, Michael, Elizabeth, April and the rest: see you in the funny papers.

Steve W, IN, USA