DEAR ABBY: I have lost my copy of the "Letter From Your Pet," the essay that is written from the pet's viewpoint to his master, assuring him it is the right thing to do when it is time to put the pet down. Is it included in your "Keepers" booklet? If so, how can I order a copy? -- RUTH IN THE VILLAGES, FLA.

DEAR RUTH: "A Dog's Prayer" by Beth Norman Harris is one of the most requested items that have ever appeared in my column. It addresses not only the pet's end of life, but also how to respectfully treat the animal during its days on earth.

My "Keepers" booklet includes "A Dog's Prayer," as well as amusing and thought-provoking poems and essays on a variety of subjects, ranging from children and parenting, to human nature, houseguests and more. It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 in U.S. funds, to: Dear Abby Keepers, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. Many people have told me that "Keepers" makes a welcome gift for newlyweds, new parents, animal lovers, or anyone who is recovering from an illness. Filled with humor and wisdom, it's an inspiring, positive, quick and easy read for anyone who could use a lift.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend has worn panties since he was 12. We are both 20 and have been together for a year. I know it's odd, but I've always thought it was cute and, admittedly, sexy. We will graduate from college next year and are thinking about our futures.

I've been doing some reading and am concerned that he may have some repressed tendencies. He says he does not, and gets quiet and stubborn and won't discuss it. He always dresses as a female character for Halloween, wearing my undies. This year he went as Lady Gaga.

Are these good-enough reasons to be worried? And if so, what should I do? -- TESTED IN TAMPA

DEAR TESTED: Whether or not you should worry depends upon what you are worried about. I am more concerned that your boyfriend is unwilling to discuss this than what he's wearing under his Levis.

If you're afraid he may not be 100 percent heterosexual, you should know that some straight men wear ladies' panties because they like the way they feel. Also, some men who enjoy cross-dressing have successful marriages to women who aren't threatened by it and who help them do it.

DEAR ABBY: I would like to suggest that some wives be a little less traditional and inhibited. Lighten up! Be just a little bit more adventurous, open-minded and forward -- nothing excessive, mind you. Variety, after all, is the spice of life. What husband wouldn't enjoy an exceptionally nice surprise every once in awhile? -- WISHFUL THINKING IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR WISHFUL THINKING: Inhibitions can be hard to overcome. However, if YOUR wife is among those you are suggesting loosen up (etc.), you should definitely mention it to her and include your "wish list." But don't be shocked if she gives you one, too.

DEAR ABBY: I'm a single mom in my 40s and my daughter is 12. After my last relationship, 10 years ago (not with her father), I took a leave of absence from the dating world to concentrate on myself and being the best mother I could.

Fast-forward: When I attempt to talk to anyone of the opposite sex, my daughter has a fit. She has hidden my car keys and my phone, pouts if I go out and behaves like an all-out brat.

I have reassured her that I love her and always will. Also, I would never allow someone around her if I had any suspicion that he might not be good for her. Nothing works. I have spoken with only one person I would even think of introducing her to, but I am afraid of her attitude.

Abby, what's the best way to enter into the dating world without hurting my child? I want to date, but my child won't let me. -- ENTERING THE DATING WORLD AGAIN

DEAR ENTERING: Your daughter likes things just the way they are and views any disruption as a threat to her lifestyle. The best way to enter into the dating world would be to do it without consulting her. IF and when you meet someone and things become serious, introduce them then -- in a casual way. If she acts up, remember that YOU are the parent.

Your daughter doesn't have to "love" someone because you do. She does, however, have to treat that person with the same respect with which you treat her friends -- and you should insist upon it. You are the parent, and it's up to you to enforce the rules for as long as she lives with you.

DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend and I are getting ready to move to a new city in six months (each of us for our own careers) and plan to move in together. Some issues still need to be ironed out before we make that commitment, and my biggest concern is the anger and resentment she carries toward her semi-estranged father.

I understand where it comes from and why, but it worries me to see how quickly and completely it can overwhelm her personality. I lack comparable experience, so I struggle to have constructive conversations with her about it. But I can't accept this poisonous volatility as a feature of our life together. I believe that speaking to someone would help her deal with these feelings in a healthier, more constructive way, but she rejects that idea.

I don't want to bully her into counseling, but I feel like I have to do something before we take this next step, for both our sakes. Would it be wrong to tell her she has to start seeing someone before I commit to moving in together? -- HESITATING IN FLORIDA

DEAR HESITATING: No, it would not be wrong. If your girlfriend's problems with her father bleed over into her relationship with you -- and it appears they have -- it would be a mistake for you to move in together because it won't last.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 14 years. My wife is a liar and lies about small things. I realized it about 10 years ago and have tried to reason with her. We have two daughters, and the older one is like her mom and also has a habit of lying.

Over the last few years I have started calling my wife on it whenever she lies to me. For the last eight months, we have not talked and we sleep in different rooms. She has never made an effort to fix our relationship. I want a divorce, but for the kids' sake I am not talking about it or forcing the issue.

I'm very depressed and don't know what to do. I have started drinking a lot late at night when everybody in the house is asleep. Please advise. -- HAD IT IN GEORGIA

DEAR HAD IT: It's time to take a step back and review what's happened in your marriage in the sober light of day. Neither you nor your wife is communicating on a meaningful level. Drowning your sorrows in alcohol won't fix what's wrong in your relationship with a compulsive liar -- and neither will tolerating the status quo.

You say you want a divorce, but haven't mentioned it for your children's sake; however, the silent anger and hostility in your home isn't a healthy environment for them. Do you really want them to grow up thinking this is normal?

If you or your wife is concerned about how your behavior is affecting your daughters, start talking with a licensed marriage counselor to see if your marriage can be revived. If it can't be, then it might be healthier to consult an attorney and make the split as amicable as possible for everyone's emotional and financial sake.

DEAR ABBY: When my boyfriend, "Alec," proposed, I happily accepted. But a few months later he came up with the idea to bring his 9-year-old brother, "Shane," to live with him, so Alec can look after him. Alec thinks the boy will get a better education and improve his behavior if he lives in the city.

Currently, Shane lives with their mom, and she agreed to send her son to live here. The problem is, we plan to get married in two years, and I do not see myself living with an adolescent boy. I want to start out fresh only with Alec. His family can visit, but the prospect of his brother living with us does not appeal to me, especially because he has a mom who can look after him. I am unsure now whether to proceed with the wedding, knowing what this will mean. -- PLANS DERAILED IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR PLANS DERAILED: Does your fiance intend to bring Shane to stay immediately? At the beginning of the next school year? Is Shane having social problems at his present school? Academic difficulties? Has he become difficult for their mother to control? Who will be expected to supervise the boy when he is not in school?

You and Alec need to have a lot more conversation about what the realities of this situation will be once the boy arrives. If Alec plans to have responsibility for his brother fall on you, you need to be honest and let him know you are neither willing nor able to do that, so he can make other arrangements.