KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox A few reckless minutes ruined more than a car

Dear Annie: I work for a local suburban hospital. A few months ago, two 19-year-old boys were brought in. It seems that after a night of smoking marijuana and drinking beer, they decided to get into a brand-new automobile and drive 80 miles per hour down a local street, ramming into another car at a stoplight and killing two innocent people.
One of the boys was cooperative with the police, told the truth and was very sorry for being involved in such a horrible situation. The driver, however, was another story. He was rude to the staff, refused to give his real name or address, and seemed upset only that his car was ruined and his dad would be angry. He was booked for vehicular manslaughter and is facing a possible 20-year jail sentence.
I wonder what kind of person thinks a few minutes of daring fun is worth taking the lives of innocent people, ruining the lives of their families and spending most of their young adulthood behind bars. No City, Just Disgusted
Dear Disgusted: Apparently, that 19-year-old wasn't thinking at all. His lack of cooperation could have been mere bravado to cover up his guilt and remorse, but even so, too many young people do not consider the consequences of their actions and how such recklessness can destroy lives.
Dear Annie: I am writing to educate people about the dangers of feeding someone else's dog. I have a black Labrador that is 15 pounds overweight. She is not quite 2 years old and has hip dysplasia. Those extra 15 pounds can cause the disease to progress rapidly and cripple my dog at an early age. She looks perfectly healthy, and I realize people think they are doing a good deed, but it can be quite harmful.
I measure my dog's food and walk her daily. Nonetheless, when we'd go to her monthly vet visit, she weighed the same, or worse, had gained a pound. I finally discovered that my neighbor had been giving her the family leftovers.
The vet told me that whatever fat does to humans is three times more potent to dogs. People also might not realize that some human food is actually poisonous to our canine companions. Meat bones can splinter after ingestion, causing choking or perforations to the intestines. Rich human food can make them violently ill.
An overweight dog is just as unhealthy as an overweight person. Since animals don't know any better, the next time you see that dog begging at the fence, keep this in mind. Instead of doing that dog a favor, you could be sending it to an early grave. Loving My Fat Lab in Louisville, Ky.
Dear Louisville: Our readers will appreciate the warning. It's hard to ignore an adorable dog that is eagerly watching you eat. So, dear readers, unless you know that the owners permit such treats, please remember this letter when tempted.
Dear Annie: My husband died three years ago, and I had him cremated, according to his wishes. This spring, I intend to have a religious ceremony when his ashes are buried at the gravesite, and all family members will be invited to attend.
Am I expected to host a luncheon for the mourners afterward? There was a luncheon served after the original funeral service, of course, but I don't know how to handle this additional ceremony. Pennsylvania Widow
Dear Widow: There is no specific custom that covers a burial that takes place three years after the funeral. However, it would be a nice gesture to serve some sort of refreshment following the ceremony, giving the family members time to reminisce.
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