Please send your questions for publication to prudence@slate.com.

Prudie,
Your comment about the solution of loading up the owner's answering machine with barking was idiotic. That action was socially unreasonable and arguably illegal. Having been in the situation before, I know there are several more neighborly ways of handling it. If it truly remains a problem, one should call the local animal control officials or the police instead of resorting to juvenile behavior.

—Jim M.

Dear Jim,
Prudie didn't recommend the answering machine solution, she just liked it. Sometimes Prudie is too open about her feelings. However, the retribution gods got involved in this one. There was a flood of mail to rival the unfortunate handicapped toilet stall episode. Prudie is now quite fatigued from all the barking-dog mail. A few readers were supportive, a few more called Prudie a dog's mother, and a whole boatload were outraged. There were also many suggestions ... ranging from playing Yoko Ono at top volume back at the offending neighbors to inviting the annoyed parties to be Christian about it and understand that dogs are God's children, too. There is certainly much to be said—on the side of the neighbor, the owner ... and the dog. Prudie, however, is not going to say it.

—Prudie, abstainingly

Dear Prudence,
I solved the barking dog issue with my neighbors, but cripes (!) now their cats are all over my yard and garage. They kill the birds, among other things. The cats' owners are uppity snobs who refuse to do anything. (P.S.: It took a call to the police and filing charges after three months of animal control complaints to get their dogs to shut up at night.) What's a girl to do?

—Joan

Dear Jo,
Not a chance. Prudie is not discussing animals again. Ever. See above.

—Prudie, resolutely

Dear Prudence,
The day-care teacher did not specify M.D. Many doctors do, indeed, dig up bones! Have you ever heard of the letters Ph. D.?? Have a nice day.