My name is Strider. I was a street dog, now I’m a dog about town. I’ve got my nose to the ground for you.

By Strider the Dog

Dear Strider,

There’s a girl I see all the time at the dog park. I’d like to get to know her, but I don’t know how to begin. Do you have any suggestions?

— Shy Admirer

Dear Shy,

This one’s easy. Ask her about her dog. That always gets the ball rolling.

But remember, at the dog park we have a saying: “If the one you like doesn’t want to play, move on.”

Dear Strider,

I have a problem. My partner barks more than he wags, especially about politics. I can’t get him to stop and smell the roses. Any advice?

— Anxious in Ashland

Dear Anxious,

My pack mate, Shadow, is like this. She’s a good dog, but for her the dog bowl is always half empty. You can’t tell her otherwise. She just pulls in the opposite direction.

If your partner is like Shadow, don’t yank his chain. Let go and sniff those roses on your own. You can’t change anyone, but sometimes joy is contagious. We see that all the time at the dog park. So frolic!

Dear Strider,

My partner always gets mad at me on Valentine’s Day. I mean, wasn’t a vacuum cleaner last year the appropriate gift? I really want her to be happy. Can you suggest some way to celebrate this year?

— Flummoxed

Dear Flummoxed,

Valentine’s Day, huh? I usually get Tod, my guardian, a nice lick on the nose. I have this feeling that won’t be enough for your partner. What if you up the amps a bit, and give her a big hug, a big kiss, and a big bouquet of flowers. Also maybe a big box of chocolates. It’s corny, it’s retro, but it’s classic for a reason.

And Happy Valentine’s Day.

Need advice from a dog about town? Email [email protected].