Dear Abby: Grandpa needs to massage bruised reputation

DEAR ABBY: My two adult granddaughters have rejected me. Their father gave me this explanation: "They are uncomfortable with the way you rub their shoulders and necks."

These girls and both parents have misinterpreted my innocent expressions of affection, which haven't changed since the girls were little. The only change is in their perception of my actions.

I asked twice to meet with these family members to discuss their concerns. It has been three months; no meeting time has been offered. There has been no contact, and neither girl has called me for any reason this year.

How can this be repaired?

- Grieving Granddad

DEAR GRIEVING GRANDDAD: Clearly, there is a need for some professional mediation here, provided your granddaughters and their parents are willing. If your touches have been regarded as inappropriate, you should have been warned about it years ago. Obviously, something has made your granddaughters uncomfortable, and the rupture won't heal until it can be discussed openly.

DEAR ABBY: Lately I have noticed that people are bringing their dogs shopping with them. I'm not talking about service dogs, but pets.

The other day, a woman brought her dog into the grocery store. While I'll admit the little thing looked cute sitting in the shopping cart, someone else's food will be in that cart next, and who knows where that dog's feet have been?

Why does management allow this? I'm willing to bet money that if I were to bring my pit bull, Bruiser, inside the grocery store with me, I'd be stopped immediately.

- Askance in Poway, Calif.

DEAR ASKANCE: You should speak with the store manager and ask why it was permitted, because I was under the impression that health laws do not permit canines inside establishments that sell food - unless they are service dogs. Bruiser might be unwelcome because there is concern about the breed's reputation.