DEAR ABBY: My cousin "Linda" loves her cats. Last year one of them, "Wookie," got very sick and she had to take him to the animal hospital. She sent a mass text message to all our family members indicating she would be unable to afford Christmas gifts because she had to pay a couple of thousand dollars on Wookie's vet bills. She continues to send updates on his health and treatment.
Last week, I received an email from Linda about a website she has established soliciting donations to cover her cat's medical expenses. Every day since then I have received a text or email from her or her mother asking me to donate and to tell my friends as well.
I'm sorry Linda's cat is dying, but I don't feel comfortable soliciting friends to donate money for a cat who will not get better. Besides, they don't even know Linda or Wookie. How do I politely ask her to stop bombarding me with these requests? (I think what she's doing is a little tacky.) -- CAT GOT MY TONGUE
DEAR CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE: Don't ask. Your cousin is trying desperately to save the pet she loves, and it would hurt her already sensitive feelings. Send her a donation for Wookie, about the same amount you would spend on a Christmas gift for her. And when you see her request for soliciting your friends, hit "delete" and let it go.