Ask Teddy

Meet Teddy, a goldendoodle, certified good boy and The Waltham Times’ advice columnist. In “Dear Teddy,” he’ll take your questions about life, love, neighbors — and whether the mail carrier is really up to something. He holds no formal credentials, but what Teddy lacks in training he makes up for in empathy, snacks and a knack for knowing when you’ve had a hard day. Have a problem, a quandary or a gloomy Tuesday? Write to Teddy. He promises to answer with his whole heart. Send questions to teddy@walthamtimes.org. Teddy lives in Waltham with the Grossman-Greene family, usually looking out the front door, or near the treat jar.

Q: I am having a dispute with a neighbor over the strip of lawn along the street between our houses. He says I should mow it because three-quarters of it is in front of my house, but I think that we should alternate mowing. What is your take?

A: If you know one thing about me, it’s that I love a good strip of grass. I consider myself a grass sommelier of sorts. I always take a few sniffs of each patch I come across to see if a furry friend has left me a peemail, assess the feel of it on my fur by going for a roll and take a little bit home to leave on the floor for my humans to enjoy later. I suggest you each tackle half the strip at the same time. That way, you can chat while you mow and share the joy of grass together. Better yet, lose the grass and plant a native pollinator garden instead. It’s much better sniffing and attracts more birds and buzzing friends for me.