DEAR DR. FOX: I just read your article regarding lawn chemicals. I'm sure my neighbors hate us, because they all have lovely green lawns, whereas ours has some dandelions. One neighbor regularly tells me how inexpensive it is to treat the dandelions -- hint, hint -- but our local PBS gardening program recently pointed out how many critters are fed by the dandelion leaves and flowers, so I just smile and ignore him.

We bought this house because it has a fenced backyard for the dogs and lots of trees. We also feed the birds. This year, I have noticed that only a resident robin has been visiting my feeding area. I've been putting out apple slices and bread for her. I told my sister about it. Her retired husband works part-time at a wild bird supply store, and he told her that because so many people are poisoning their grass, there aren't enough bugs left for the birds to eat. My sister said her robins have begun eating the peanut butter cakes they put out.

When we retired, we moved from California back to Nebraska. During a three-day drive through all kinds of country, one bug hit the windshield. I remarked to my husband, when we were kids and traveled around with Dad, he'd have to stop and clear all the bugs off the radiator. In three days, we hit one bug. That's pretty scary. As a family, we've started planting milkweeds. My mom's yard is full of them. I finally got some started, and I am seeing them in a few of my neighbors' yards and at the nurseries.

I guess we've got to keep hoping. We, too, remember growing up surrounded by fields of wildflowers, birds and bugs. If we don't stop, it's going to be a pretty lonely place. -- P.S., Lincoln, Nebraska

DEAR P.S.: Many readers will appreciate your observations, and yes indeed, the dramatic decline in the insect populations in most communities, with the exception of disease-transmitting mosquitoes and ticks, is a serious issue.

Young people have no memory of our bug-, butterfly- and bird-rich seasons and plethora of reptiles and frogs and other amphibians in our nature playgrounds. We must add light pollution as a factor in the insects' demise, in addition to habitat destruction and pesticides, the complex consequences of which we are not immune from -- yet wholly responsible for.

DEAR DR. FOX: My 8-year-old beagle has "cherry eye." The vet suggests we do surgery. This would cost $2,000, which we do not have.

Do you have any suggestions of what could be done with home remedies, or at least nothing so expensive? It appears very mild to me. Our vet has given eye drops, which seem to keep it contained. Your advice would be appreciated. -- C.J., Fairfax, Virginia

DEAR C.J.: Veterinary services, especially those involving preparation for and administration of general anesthesia and doing the micro-surgery required for the safe removal of this gland in the corner of your dog's eye, are not inexpensive. You might seek a second opinion and quote from another veterinarian who does relatively minor, yet delicate, eye surgery.

I see no alternative if the gland gets larger. But if it remains relatively small, with appropriate eye drops to reduce inflammation and infection, and dry-eye does not develop with possible risk of corneal ulceration, which some eye medications may trigger, surgery could be postponed. The veterinarian should examine the eye every four to six months, and immediately if the dog starts to wipe at it or blink a lot.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: There is at least one coyote in our suburban neighborhood, and we blame it for our cat disappearing from our property. What can we do? We worry about our small dog being out there. -- H.M.T., Fargo, North Dakota

DEAR H.M.T.: First, never let any companion animal outdoors unsupervised, just like with a child.

The coyote, the "singing dog" of the Southwest -- though it has spread across most of the United States -- is a messenger of life out of balance. Some wildlife biologists interpret this message as a result of the endless war against coyote-competing and controlling wolves and cougars. Once prevalent across America, these animals are being killed by hunters and trappers, and the last of their habitats have been destroyed (by logging, mining, etc.) as state and federal agencies ignore the pleas of wildlife and habitat protectors, sound science and bioethics. Now coyotes are being persecuted as well.

I support efforts to "re-wild" public lands and wilderness areas devoid of wolves and cougars by managed, protective reintroduction, and I deplore the sale of permits to kill these endangered species by trappers and "sporting" trophy hunters. Ecologically illiterate deer and other "game" hunters see these predators as competitors to be exterminated rather than protected and respected as the best managers of wild habitat and deer herd health.

It is absurd that the livestock industry continues to receive public tax dollar-supported "predator control" -- shooting, trapping, snaring and poisoning -- rather than using non-lethal deterrents, such as guard dogs. And ranchers enjoy subsidized grazing rights on public lands that rightfully belong to these indigenous species. The indigenous Native American Indians share a similar history of displacement and extermination, with genocide and ecocide being coins of the same currency of the dominant culture.

For more details, see William Stolzenburg's book "The Heart of a Lion," and visit willstolzenburg.com. Biologicaldiversity.org and coyoteproject.org support those who care about our national wildlife heritage and justice for all.

DEAR DR. FOX: We have an 8-year-old rescued cockapoo-type dog, who we've had for six years. All of a sudden, he's decided to play games when it's time to eat. We have to sit and hand-feed him little bits of his dry food at a time; eventually he starts eating out of the bowl. What is going on with this dog? He's a sweet, wonderful dog, but why is he playing this game? -- J.H., Fairfax, Virginia

DEAR J.H.: Is your dog really playing a game, or has he trained you to hand-feed him? Some companion animals are clever trainers of their human caregivers. However, there could be a physical reason for this behavior, such as poor appetite because of nausea associated with kidney disease or pain from a dental issue.

When was your dog's last full wellness examination? He needs a clean bill of health before concluding this is a new game or ritual. Consider the brand and quality of dog food you are providing; he may do better on a moist, canned dog food or the home-prepared diet posted on my website.

DEAR DR. FOX: I think we've found the problem: We changed dog food, and with less coaching, he ate it all up. I guess he knows what's best for him. We were feeding him buffalo, and we switched to lamb. We usually switch around so he gets a variety of tastes. Thanks for your help. -- J.H., Fairfax, Virginia

NEW BOOK: "India's Animals: Helping the Sacred and the Suffering" by Deanna L. Krantz and Dr. Michael W. Fox.

This richly illustrated book details the trials and tribulations of setting up an animal shelter and free veterinary services in the heart of a unique wildlife region in South India, the UNESCO-designated Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve.

Deanna Krantz founded and directed India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) to indirectly help the indigenous village and tribal peoples by improving the health and well-being of their farmed animals and of the dogs and cats in these communities. Against local and national opposition, disinformation and death threats, Krantz investigated and documented the long-distance "death march" of cattle to slaughter, wildlife poaching, land encroachment and the tragic plight of elephants.

Putting compassion into action and seeking justice for all, she became the voice for animals' rights and for the indigenous peoples who cared but were silenced by the authorities. This book shatters the myth that animals regarded as "sacred," especially cows and elephants, are treated humanely, and paves the way for greater transparency and progress in addressing the tragic plight of the animals and all who depend upon them, and the fate of the last of the wild.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I wonder if you have changed your views about animal rights over the years? You once said that the life of an ant or a mouse and the life of your own child should be given equal consideration. That did seem extreme a few years ago, but is there more acceptance today? -- J.M., Washington, D.C.

DEAR J.M.: Back in the 1980s, I joined many voices from academia calling for the acknowledgement of animals' rights to equal and fair consideration and for their humane treatment and liberation from all forms of cruel exploitation. My critique of misapplied science and technology adding to the social ills of humanity put me in the same league of anti-science and anti-society environmental extremists in the eyes of at least one reporter writing for U.S. News and World Report, who linked me to Theodore Kaczynski, the Unabomber!

Now, 20 years later, I see the business world and aligned industries seeking to change their public image to appear more animal- and environment-friendly. This is ultimately enlightened self-interest: When we harm the Earth, we harm ourselves, and when we demean animals, we do no less to our own humanity. All lives matter.

I regard humans as animals, too; we all share a will to live and a telos -- intrinsic nature and purpose -- that we should respect and not thwart. Nor should we harm animals' ethos or spirit by not enabling them to develop, express, experience and satisfy their inherent natures and basic needs. This is a continuing ethical and welfare issue for caged and live-alone "pets"; caged animals in laboratories; chained and puppy-mill dogs; and especially factory-farmed animals. For more details, see my book "Animals and Nature First."

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a rescue hound who had to be crated when I went to work, or else she would destroy my house. Two days ago, I forgot to secure the side of the crate. When I pulled into the driveway, she met me inside the backyard -- I have a pet door and fenced-in backyard. When I walked inside the house, nothing had been touched! I praised her immensely. The next day, I purposely left the door unlocked to the crate again, to the same results -- no damage in the house! Hopefully, I'm onto a lasting cure. -- L.B., Glen Carbon, Illinois

DEAR L.B.: I hope your experience will help others with dogs like yours who are destructive when left alone to give them a chance to be free from the cage or crate -- at least on a trial basis. Having access to the outdoors is not essential. The main issue is feeling secure; the crate or cage, left open, serves as a "den," which can contain hidden treats and toys. Be sure to hide a few treats in the open room where the dog is allowed, and leave on a TV or radio to help the dog feel less alone and to act as a sound barrier to external noises.

It is advisable to reward the dog with a walk or outside play activity when you come home. If anything has been chewed that shouldn't have, blame yourself for leaving the item within reach of the dog, and do not reprimand, since that will only serve to increase the dog's anxiety -- ditto for accidental house-soiling, which can be an issue when the dog is left inside for several hours. Have a dog-walker come over and take the dog out to evacuate and have a break. People should not have a dog if it means keeping the poor animal caged all day.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)