For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 13, 2024

I remember John saying that prayer the first time it ran. What an agonizing moment for him and Ellie.

Glad to see that John’s priorities are right!! /s

I do like the way April reacts when John grabs her as if she had been suffering from shock and hypothermia and was unaware of her surroundings until he grabbed her. That was nicely done.

Spoiler alert: I give my kids everything they ask for, especially when they throw public tantrums.

It looks like Farley is the hero in this one.

This looks like a redo of the original version, where Farley doesn’t survive saving April. Sad

From Lynn’s Comments: I had written and drawn this episode eight weeks before it appeared in the paper. Even so, it was a bit of a rollercoaster for me to see it unfold in the paper day by day.

Okay, the water is up to John’s chest… far too deep for Farley. He must grab onto a branch, with Elly holding onto him to keep him from being swept down river. The only way April and Farley remain in that spot is by utilizing “cartoon physics”.

Don’t tell me Farley is going to drown?

I remember this arc from long ago. I was waiting for this rerun. Poor doggie.

Everybody in the pool!

Oh, no! Farley! He’s let go of April. He’s so worn out, he’ll be swept down the river, and John can’t save him!

As good a time as any to relate a tip that I learned when our son was in Boy Scouts. If somebody is drowning, we have a chance of helping by removing our pants, tying a single overhand knot near the ankle of each leg, and whipping them by the waist to the water, trapping air in the legs. Then it can be used as a “grab this” or underneath our armpits for rescue of the soul on the water. It isn’t the best, but it is a hope.

parents to the rescue! Farley looks relieved too. :D

I know how it ends, and this strip is still bringing tears to my eyes. This is powerful writing and artwork.

but a case could be made….

As I stated in my comment on the original, perhaps the most sincere prayer in comics, even if John doesn’t directly use God’s name.

You’ve done it, but at what cost?

Okay, this has me in tears!

Well done, Farley! Well done! Nothing to do now but rest. May the angels guide you home, poor good doggie. :’(

Hope April gets some scolding after this. Seems like she is never disciplined no matter what she does.

Dog may have four paws and tail to steer, but are they enough!

Maybe John should do one other thing, and that is put a decent lock on the back gate, instead of the hook and eye that seems to be there now.

Don’t forget the hero, Farley !

Did Lynn redraw it? Is John going to save the faithful DOG this time??? : )

To the bank of the river rushed Daddy John, scared father of three

Out in the the river floating by was his lovely little girl

April Patterson was her name, such a pitiful sight to see

But their dog Farley fought with all is might, to save the little girl.

Brave dog Farley loved Little April

With a love big as the sky

Brave dog Farley loved Little April

As Farley struggled so she wouldn’t die

John couldn’t swim the raging river ’cause the river was too wide

John tried to reach Little April being pulled by brave Farley

In the sunlight he could see April being dragged through the waves

Her little heart was beating faster, being saved by Farley

Brave dog Farley loved Little April

With a love big as the sky

Brave dog Farley loved Little April

With a love that couldn’t die

Daddy John reached in the water, Mamma Elie did the same

And they reached out to little April, through the swirling stream they came

As their hands touched John grabbed her, as the raging river tried to pull them away

Now they’ll always remember their beloved Farley in his happy hunting ground

Brave dog Farley loved Little April

With a love big as the sky

Brave dog Farley loved Little April

With a love that couldn’t die

This wasn’t the way it happened in the original timeline was it?

Not gonna like the next few strips…

I’ve been waiting all week for this- -save the dog also!!

So this is how the dad dies eh? It IS the last thing he does?

to all who make swimming pool analogies, I invite you to do some white water rafting. The power of moving water cannot be understated

FBOFW is one of the best comic strips ever written, and unfortunately has some of the worst commentators. You know who you are. I am amazed at the negativity certain people bring to every single storyline and / or character. I’m just thankful I don’t have to deal with those poisonous people in real life.

I agree. Forget the scolding, already! Warm blankets, hot drinks, hugs, and prayers of thanksgiving are in order, not [expletive] punishment!

I had a dog save my life once, a shelter dog he was going to be put down that night. Patch saved me from some really dark places and gave me all his love. Good job Farley, youre a hero,

Has no one read the original story arc???

Since the reprinting began, I’ve been waiting for this arc to reappear…RIP Pup.

Guess who’s gonna get a few big t-bones tonight!