DEAR ABBY: My husband and I just found out we are to become grandparents in seven months. We are very excited, and I can't wait to spend time with my new grandchild. The plan is for me to spend two to three weeks with my daughter after the baby comes, to help them rest and settle into a daily routine.

The problem is, I am scared to death of one of her dogs. "Bruno" is large, unpredictable and not well-trained, and I believe he would bite me if given a chance. My daughter loves Bruno and is "sure" he would never hurt me. How do we deal with this potentially disastrous situation?

I want everything to be special when meeting and bonding with our grandbaby, but I'm not sure how to approach my fear of her dog. Our daughter's feelings get hurt easily, and I don't want to jeopardize our relationship or one with the new baby. What should I do? -- AFRAID IN COLORADO

DEAR AFRAID: Tell your daughter (again) how much you are looking forward to helping her at this special time and getting to know your grandchild. Then ask if it would be possible for her to confine Bruno during your visit. It would be terrible if her dog jumped on you and caused you to fall, and disastrous if it should happen while you are holding the baby. Then hope she sees the wisdom, or you will have to decline her request for help when they bring the baby home from the hospital.

DEAR ABBY: I am 85 and dating a man, "Larry," who is 62. For the last 25 years we have become good platonic friends doing community charity and church volunteer work. During this time, I also took care of my husband, who was suffering from Alzheimer's for 12 years. Five years ago, my husband died, which left me totally alone. Two years ago, Larry, a lifelong bachelor, asked me out. We get along wonderfully and eventually fell in love.

I'm a young 85, and Larry is quiet and reserved. My problem is, I can't get over the age difference. I feel like everyone is judging us because of it, and we have never actually discussed it. Truthfully, I'm frightened to death of the subject.

We are both financially secure. We look the same age and are both Christians. We are involved with community activities and help charities meet financial goals, feed the poor, etc. We trust one another and have similar core values and integrity. So, Abby, please give me your advice. There isn't anyone I can ask who would be impartial. -- JUST A NUMBER? IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR 'JUST': I'm glad you asked. If you and Larry love each other and share similar values, you would have to be crazy to permit what "people might say" to destroy what you have together. You haven't said he has proposed marriage. If he does, more the better. No one has a contract with God. You are 85 years young. Please enjoy the years you have left to the fullest, and don't be ashamed of doing it.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are in our 50s. For several months, I have been struggling with an issue I have with my mom. She constantly asks me how much my annual income is and how much my husband makes. In the 20-plus years we have been married, we have never asked to borrow money from my parents (or anyone, for that matter). We have always worked hard and managed our finances to ensure the needs of our family are met.

Dad is gone now, and for some reason, Mom has become overly invested in knowing our finances. She says she wants to be close to me, but that involves sharing what I deem to be something private between my husband and me. I strongly feel this is none of her business. In order to shut her up (for lack of a better term), and because she will not accept that it's not for her to know, I give her a number I make up. Our financial status should not be what determines Mom's relationship with us.

Am I wrong to feel this is a private matter between my husband and me and none of her business? I feel Mom is crossing a line. I wonder if she asks close friends how much they and their husbands earn in a month in order to feel close to them. Your thoughts? -- IT'S MY BUSINESS

DEAR 'BUSINESS': My goodness, talk about emotional blackmail! You made a big mistake by lying to your mother about your financial status. I will assume that you have discussed the problem you are having with her with your husband. The next time she pressures you to give her private financial information, tell her this is a conversation she should have with you AND him. Then, when Mama says she needs to know about your financial situation, let him ask her why before assuring her that you are secure, and the rest is none of her business.

DEAR ABBY: A couple of days a week, when I have no plans and no place to go, I stay in my pajamas. They are comfy, and I figure why dirty clean clothes just to make more laundry and waste soap and water? Well, older people tell me I should dress every day. I don't see the problem. I shower regularly, wash my pajamas and other clothes, and keep my house and yard clean. I'm not lazy -- I just don't see the value in getting dressed for the sake of getting dressed. I really wish people would quit telling me how to live my life. What do you think? -- COMFORTABLE IN WISCONSIN

DEAR COMFORTABLE: My late mother used to say that when people look their best, it gives them confidence, which makes them feel better about themselves. She wasn't wrong. She also told me that if I didn't make the effort, invariably I would run into someone I wished I had looked better for. (Alas, also true.) This may be the message these folks are trying to communicate. However, because you are comfortable wearing pajamas at home a couple days a week, you'll get no argument from me.

DEAR ABBY: Recently, my neighbor, who has always been eccentric, has embarked on an unusual gardening project. Instead of traditional plants, he's turned his backyard into a sprawling sanctuary for rescued wild animals. At first, it seemed harmless, but the situation has escalated. His yard now attracts wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote. While I appreciate his intent, I'm worried about safety -- especially for my two small children and our dog, who are terrified when they encounter these creatures.

If that isn't enough, my beloved pet cat has developed strange behaviors. She's been staring intently at the wall, as if she senses something I can't see. This may seem silly, but it unsettles me, especially since I've read articles about pets reacting to shifts in their environment. My mother says I'm overreacting to the neighbor's project and should just let things be, which only deepens my anxiety.

Should I confront my neighbor about the animal situation, or let it go? Am I overreacting about my cat's behavior? I worry that others will think I'm losing my grip on reality. How can I find a balance between addressing these concerns and maintaining peace in my neighborhood and family? -- OVERWHELMED IN OHIO

DEAR OVERWHELMED: Your mother may think you are overreacting, but how do the other neighbors feel about this? Are they troubled as well? Is what this neighbor is doing legal in your community? In some communities, there are ordinances against feeding wild animals, let alone "collecting" them. Go online and start doing some research. If your increased level of anxiety persists, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional to help you deal with it.

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my girlfriend, "Ivy," for eight years. We see each other mainly on the weekends, as she lives and works out of town. She says she is tied down to her house and daughter and can't move here, even though she works only three days a week.

A few years ago, Ivy's ex-husband moved back in with her as he transferred jobs. She knows I'm not happy about it and that I want her to spend more time with me, but she says she needs to coddle her daughter and take care of the dog. She rarely initiates anything, and I'm tired of being the one to do the extra things for our relationship.

I want to break up and move on, but she has ingratiated herself with my family, and this would make it difficult. She knows all my issues with her, but she either can't or won't make the change. -- WEEKENDS-ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR WEEKENDS-ONLY: You stated that the ex-husband moved back in with your girlfriend a few years ago!? They have reconciled! Ivy has shown you where her priorities lie, and you are not high on that list. By all means, move on, and tell your family why. It will be up to them to decide whether they want to maintain a relationship with her once they see the entire picture.