What is the appropriate amount of time to take off from work when a pet dies? My boss was sympathetic when I asked for three days off after my 8-year-old rabbit died. But my friends scoffed and told me I was overreacting. Was I?Mandy

You’ve come to an easy mark, Mandy. When my pooch heads off to the big doghouse in the sky, I expect to take to my bed for several years. Who cares what your mean friends think? You were grieving and asked your employer for time off. He kindly gave it to you. Case closed.

If you feel guilty about it now (or sneaked off to the multiplex to watch “Silver Linings Playbook” on Day 2), pitch in a little harder at the office or stay later to make up for it. You can even work an extra shift. With less-understanding bosses, take it day by day, and see if you really need three of them to pull yourself together. But that’s for you to decide, not me. I hope you’re feeling better now.

A Family Matter

My husband and I eloped. Later, my in-laws organized and paid for a party in our honor. Many of the guests gave us generous cash gifts. My husband, who was fearful of carrying cash on the subway, asked his father to hold it for him. Now, his father is holding back the money, citing financial difficulties. But how difficult can things be? They have live-in help, while we live on a modest income. So far, I’ve stayed out of it. Any ideas? Rocco, Montreal