(Strip Number 465, Original Publication Date, 13 September 1983)
Panel 1: We begin things with Elly telling John to come look at an obviously sick Farley because she doesn't think that he's feeling very well.
Panel 2: She hands him a thermometer and tells him to take Farley's temperature.
Panel 3: John freezes up because he doesn't know where to put the thermometer.
Panel 4: Elly suggests that he try the end that doesn't bite.
Summary: Well, this is a bland enough start. Someone who reads the strip on the superficial level most of Kool-Aid Nation does will assume that this unreasonable facsimile responsible pet ownership is par for the course. What'll ruin it is Lynn's attempt to cloud the issue by whining about persecution when discussing the letters that ask her why Elly and John didn't rush Farley to the vet instead of fumbling around like dummies.