Neighbor's fundraiser grates on her

DEAR AMY: I read your column daily and I would like your take on this. I have a friend whose son was born with some medical problems. The child is now a young boy and he needs a medical procedure that, after insurance, will still cost them about $6,000. They want to host some fundraisers to pay their portion of the bill. They live a very comfortable life where she works only part-time. Since this child was born, they have bought a new boat and put a big addition onto their house. They also have extra new vehicles in their driveway. Do you think they should have fundraisers and still spent their money on luxuries? Many of us think they should sell some of their possessions instead of asking for handouts.Wondering

DEAR WONDERING: I can understand why a parent would work only part-time if she has a chronically ill young child at home.

If your friends weren't asking for financial help, none of their other financial choices would matter; but, because they are asking for help, they are inviting people to scan the driveway for clues to their needs.

Ultimately, it will be up to the people they solicit to decide whether to donate. If your friends also solicit your opinion, you should give it. Otherwise, you should assume you don't know the whole story.

DEAR AMY: "Missing the Pooch" was stung by the insensitive responses to the death of her dog. Our little dog came into our family sitting in my lap and left the same way, euthanized when he was 8. It took me three years to not tear up in certain situations. We still remember him as our best buddy.Been There

DEAR BEEN THERE: "Missing the Pooch" should be very gratified by the massive and very sensitive outpouring of support from fellow animal lovers.