Annie's Mailbox 'Moira's' strange behavior alarms friend

Dear Annie: I have a friend, "Moira," who lives in a very small house. Moira isn't married and has no children, but she does have 12 cats. Moira hasn't let anyone inside her house in the last 10 years. She says the house is too dirty. Her heater broke several years ago, and she won't let anyone in to fix it.
Here's what is bothering me: When Moira goes on vacation, she leaves the cats in the house and won't let anyone in to check on them. She says she leaves food and water out, but sometimes she is gone for two weeks at a time. This summer, Moira left the cats in the house when the weather in our area was over 100 degrees. Since the house is old, there was no air conditioning or fans left on for her pets.
Some of our friends say this is animal cruelty. Others say it's Moira's business and we should stay out of it. Tell me, Annie, what should I do? Confused Cat in California
Dear Cat: Leaving 12 cats cooped up inside an overheated house, with no means of cooling off, is animal abuse, and we worry about Moira's mental health.
You can report the situation anonymously to the local Humane Society, but if you are unwilling to do that, perhaps her friends could offer to pay for a cleaning service. Also, please talk to Moira so she understands that her "Miss Havisham" routine alarms you and she might benefit from some professional help.
Dear Annie: I am a 48-year-old single mom. I had not had a serious relationship for years until I met "Gilbert," who is truly the man of my dreams. He's 49, handsome, educated and successful, and we have a lot in common.
The problem is, Gilbert lives 200 miles away. He and I decided that before we fell too deeply in love, we should break it off unless we could manage to live closer. He said he doesn't want to say goodnight to me on the phone. He wants me with him, and it's just too painful to be apart.
I'm afraid this decision came too late for me. I have never been so in love with anyone, and I am certain Gilbert is the man I want to be with for the rest of my life. I would pack up and move near him, but I have a 15-year-old who doesn't want to leave her school and her friends. I really need some good advice. Lost True Love
Dear Lost: It's too bad Gilbert finds you so geographically undesirable. Your daughter will be going off to college in a few short years. Is it possible for you to convince Gilbert to maintain a not-so-long-distance relationship until then? Surely, if both of you are sufficiently motivated, you could find a way to see each other every month and, along with phone calls and e-mail, it might be enough. Of course, if Gilbert refuses to try, his reasons for splitting up may be different than yours.
Dear Annie: You were correct in referring the person from "Salina, Kan.," who admitted having a gambling problem, to Gamblers Anonymous. However, I am concerned about the writer's revelation that he's thought about suicide. Compulsive gamblers often feel guilty, depressed, ashamed and are deeply in debt. Sadly, they frequently come to believe that suicide is the only way out of their situation.
Please inform your readers about the National Compulsive Gambling Hotline (800-522-4700) and the National Hopeline Network crisis line (800-SUICIDE) (800-784-2433). In both cases, callers are routed to local hotlines that can provide emergency intervention services, as well as referrals to mental health providers.
Thank you for the opportunity to educate the public about these services. Deanna Dailey, Mental Health Association of North Dakota
Dear Deanna Dailey: We appreciate the way our readers look out for one another. Bless you for caring.
Creators Syndicate