DEAR HARRIETTE: In a premature effort to lose weight with my friends, we signed up for a fitness retreat about a month ago. This retreat should not have the word “treat” in it – a bunch of out-of-shape men working out and eating salads all day is definitely not a treat. I do want to change my body, but I definitely jumped the gun in signing up for this retreat. It’s later this month, and I am already trying to find ways to get out of it. My friends are all still very excited and keep trying to rouse excitement in an email chain. I just don’t think I’ll be able to keep up and will have a bad time. I’m trying to think of a plausible excuse to avoid going on this retreat. It has already been paid for, but I don’t think I can exercise for that many days. – Not a Beach Body, Jackson, Mississippi

DEAR NOT A BEACH BODY: Don’t give up before you give it a try! Your friends have the right idea – go as a group to a retreat site where professionals can teach and motivate you to take care of your bodies. You will likely learn what to eat and how to exercise in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Will it be hard? Probably. But that’s OK. It’s also OK if you can’t do everything. What’s most important is that you put forth the effort and do your best. Changing eating habits and beginning to exercise are smart for maintaining good health. Don’t give up on yourself now. Go for it! You deserve it.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I have been given one of the most precious Christmas presents, but also the most destructive. I was given a puppy for Christmas from my family. There was no warning. I live alone a few hours away in a city, and they assumed it was a good idea to give me an 8-weekold puppy. For the first few hours, I was all right with it, but as I thought about it, I realized I can’t take care of it. This dog will grow to be 80 pounds, and I live in an apartment. I can’t imagine giving this puppy to a shelter, but I need to find someone who will be able to take care of it. I considered giving it back to my family, but I am not sure if a live animal still counts as returning a gift. I love animals and want a dog, but roughly 70 pounds smaller than this one and in a few years. What can I do with this puppy? It’s precious, but I can’t take care of it. – Bark Back Home, Dallas

DEAR BARK BACK HOME: Start with your family, specifically whoever purchased the puppy. Explain your dilemma. Ask if that person or another family member may be able to care for the puppy. If that doesn’t work, go to your local animal shelter. Often, they find homes for pets. If your puppy is in good health, he should be easy to place.

To all gift-givers out there, please know that it is never recommended to give someone an animal as a gift without the person’s explicit permission.

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