Dear Annie: I am worried about my 79-year-old father. My mother died two years ago, and my brother and I regularly see Dad and invite him for dinner and to other events. But he’s still lonely for female companionship.

Six months ago, Dad began a relationship with “Corina,” a 33-year-old ex-prostitute with a toddler. Dad says they are in love. We want him to be happy, but we’re worried. Last week, Corina got drunk and hit my father. She’s already been in jail for other reasons in the past, and Dad didn’t want to turn her in.

Dad bought Corina a car and let her move in with him. She doesn’t have a job. She’s home with her child all day. Meanwhile, my parents’ house is a mess, and we’ve found cigarette ashes and wine bottles all over.

We have spoken to law enforcement and Dad’s doctor. No one can do anything because Dad is in sound mental health, and he refuses to press charges, so no laws are being broken. He’s already given her most of his savings, and now we’re worried he’ll lose his home. What can we do?

— Panicked Siblings

Dear Siblings: Draining someone’s bank account can qualify as elder abuse. Try the National Center on Elder Abuse at ncea.aoa.gov or the Eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov) at 1-800-677-1116 for assistance and suggestions. You and your brother may also want to talk to a lawyer to see if there is a way to transfer ownership of the house and any remaining money to a trust in order to prevent Corina from getting her hands on it.

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Dear Annie: I recently buried my best friend — my dog, “Lucky.” But I was the lucky one who was blessed to have this wonderful animal in my life.

More than 10 years ago, I saved Lucky from an abusive household, and he never forgot it. This perfect mutt loved and dedicated his life to me. All that he asked in return were rigorous belly rubs, the occasional treat and the ability to cuddle between my wife and me on the couch.

Lucky and I were inseparable, and now that he is gone, I feel as if a part of me has died, too. I miss him terribly, and I can’t imagine this hole in my heart ever being filled. Please tell your readers to give their pets an extra hug when they get home from work this evening and every evening, because one day, it might be too late.

— Missing My Best Friend

Dear Missing: Our condolences on the loss of Lucky. You have a lot of love to give, and we hope you will consider adopting another dog. It not only can help fill that hole in your heart, but will also provide a stable home for an animal that surely needs one.

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Dear Annie: This is in response to the letter from Erik D. Olson advocating healthier meals in school. I thought your readers might enjoy a student’s perspective.

I go to a suburban high school and am disgusted by our cafeteria food. I try to eat healthy, but it’s hard because our choices don’t include much in the way of fruits or vegetables, and many students pick fries over an apple. My school offers main dishes that I don’t think qualify — like nachos, cheese fries and mozzarella cheese sticks. Also, there is the ever-popular chicken patty, slathered in mayonnaise or ranch dressing and accompanied, of course, by French fries. When I brought blackberries to school, several friends asked, “What are those?”

I hope our lunches improve, but I cannot accomplish it on my own. Tell your readers to make sure to educate their children and teach them that certain foods are better for their bodies than others. Maybe if we work together, we can improve school lunches across the nation.

— Megan

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Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

— Creators Syndicate Inc.

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