— Mary Braidman, Kihei, Hawaii

Dear Readers:

It’s the height of summer, and it is now hot in most areas of the country. Here are some hints to keep your dog safe in the heat:

Fresh, clean water must be available for the dog at all times. Fill the bowl every morning, and check the water throughout the day.

Walk the dog for exercise, but not during the hot afternoon. Wait until evening.

Make sure the dog is on a flea, tick and heartworm preventative.

Ensure that the dog has lots of shade when outside.

The car is no place for a dog in the hot summer months.

Ask your veterinarian for more hot-weather hints.

— Heloise Dear Readers:

Art in Princeton, N.J., who reads my column in the online Washington Post, sent a picture of his rescued combo tortoise-andorange tabby, Daniel, who is modeling a hand-knit hat made by Art’s daughter. It reads “Meow”!

Daniel likes to “help” whomever is on the computer by sitting on the keyboard. He’s watching the mouse — ha!

To see Daniel and our other Pet Pals, visit www. Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a picture of a furry, funny, four-legged friend you’d like to share? Email Heloise(at)Heloise. com.

— Heloise Good morning, Heloise:

As an owner of two cats, I read with interest in The Maui (Hawaii) News Rhonda R.’s litter-box maintenance procedures.

My cats initially did not want to use the same litter box. I left only one out, and eventually they both came around to my point of view and now use it.

For easy maintenance of it, I buy litter with baking soda in it that only requires scooping out the waste every day and adding more litter every few days.

Mary, glad they came around! Baking soda is in a lot of household products, but you can add a thin layer of baking soda after you scrub out the box, before adding fresh litter.

I’ve collected my favorite baking-soda hints and recipes in a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receive one? Visit www. Heloise.com to order, or send $5, along with a long, stamped (70 cents), selfaddressed envelope, to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher to absorb moisture and odors!

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

Foundation is the key to a pretty face. It primes the skin for bronzer, blush and eye shadow.

The purpose of foundation is to neutralize redness and even out skin tone. Visit a pro makeup counter to have a specialist match you to your perfect shade, tone and texture of foundation, and get application tips. A lighter hand usually is better.

— Diane D. in Texas Dear Heloise:

Trendy clothes for women include crochet, tassel and fringe accents. Unfortunately, these embellishments can get fuzzy, stretched out or snagged in the wash.

If I don’t have time to hand-wash, I turn these garments inside out and use a mesh laundry bag.

— Mary Beth K., Omaha, Neb.