Dear Old Guy welcomes letters on all subjects, including love, marriage, child rearing, even basic plumbing and medical advice. What he doesn’t know, he is happy to make up. After all, he’s just an opinionated Old Guy.

Submit your questions to Dear Old Guy here.

Dear Old Guy,

At 46, I am prematurely afflicted with arthritis and other ailments which make daily life a struggle. Every year I feel a little bit worse as the pains spread, which in turn limit the things I can do and enjoy. Some days are a challenge to do simple common tasks, which brings me to my reason for writing. I have been wondering for some time why old age is often referred to as "The Golden Years"?

Signed, Golden Years My Ass!

Dear Golden Years My Ass,

I sympathize. By 50 years I had kidney stones, heart trouble, collapsed vertebrae, arthritis, glaucoma, and other malaise not fit for publication. Things are not getting any better and that’s the good news. Whatever ailment obsesses me now will be usurped by the next horrible thing. This is what you might want to keep in mind.... Whatever valley you think you are in now will someday look like a mountaintop.

So, yes, you have every right to complain but do all you can to enjoy what you can because by the end you won’t be able to do much at all. As far as calling it the Golden Years, I think it’s because although the elderly are of great value they are kept hidden away and hardly ever looked at. I wish us all well. —O.G.

Dear Old Guy,

We live on a country road just outside of town. About a month ago our 5-year-old cat Morris didn’t come home. My husband and I are now convinced that the poor cat was carried off by a coyote or some such thing. Though we are very sad our 6 -ear-old Angela is beside herself with grief. Morris was her best friend, companion and loveable ragdoll. We gave Angela the usually explanation about how Morris probably found a nice girl cat and decided to stay and make a family. Now we are wondering how long we should wait to adopt Morris’ replacement. Any thoughts?

Signed, Feline Troubles

Dear Feline,
I’ll start by saying that it stinks that you lied to your daughter. Death is just part of the things that we all have to face someday. Better that Angela learn how to grieve by dealing with her pet than a beloved relative, possibly even you. Besides, now the girl thinks Morris left her in favor of some stray calico hussy. I mean what message are you sending about friendship, love and commitment? Better she should know that if Morris could come home, he would have.

So, once you have told Angela the sad news give her a couple of weeks and then head over to the local animal shelter while making sure your child understands that you are not replacing Morris. It’s just that there are animals who need loving families and you can offer one a home. Now, here’s one hint. Watch carefully and find the cat or kitten that picks Angela. That’s the one which will be her best companion... and try to keep in indoors. —O.G.

Dear Old Guy,

My son Alvin is in the 8th grade. Since last year he has been spending all his spare time at school with this very nice girl, Wendy. When not together they are in contact with text and Instagram and phone. They say they are not dating but I know he’s crazy about this girl. My big fear is that Wendy is eventually going to break his heart. Is there some way I can prepare him or help him avoid it all together?

Signed, Heartbreak Preventing Mom

Dear Heartbreak,
In a word, no. You can’t stop the inevitable. It’s just part of growing up, and if ever you lose the capacity for heartbreak then you have become so numb that life becomes pointless. Think about it. —O.G.