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.
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