Be present for pet checkups
Dear Readers: When you take your PET FOR A CHECKUP, do you go in the exam room? You should. Ask to be present for all or as many procedures as possible.
You will learn more, and your pet may feel more comfortable. Animals can experience a lot of anxiety, and your being there can help. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if “pet parents” are allowed in the exam room. — Heloise
Pet pal
Dear Readers: Kathy S. in Marlin, Texas, sent a picture of King James, her 5-year-old Pekehund (half Pekingese and half dachshund). An adorable little camping companion, King James sports a shorter dachshund cut for the hot Texas summer months, then his fur grows long and beautiful (Pekingese hair), keeping him cozy during the winter months.
In this photo, King James is trying to decide if the frog is worth his time and effort as a play toy! To see King James and our other Pet Pals, visit www. Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise
Veggie dog
Dear Heloise: I feed my miniature pinscher a good-quality dry dog food recommended by his vet.
To give him variety and keep him at a healthy weight, I supplement his dog food with vegetables. He gets a few chopped-up baby carrots for lunch. For his evening meal, I add no-salt-added peas or green beans to his dry food.
He loves all three vegetables, and his vet says they are fine for him to eat.
He is a healthy senior dog. At his recent vet appointment, I was complimented on how good he looks. — Debra in Pekin, Ill.
Caddy reuse
Dear Heloise: I got a new dishwasher, and I saved the silverware caddy out of the old one.
I thought I might put pencils and crayons in it for the children, but it’s too deep, and of course there are holes in the bottom and some crayons fall out. Do you have any ideas about how it might be used? — Sherry G., Cecil, Ala.
Sherry, I love the repurposing! How about a letter and office-supply holder for your home office, a display for dried flowers and herbs on the kitchen counter, or a catch-all for the laundry room? A fresh coat of paint can brighten it up, and weave a pretty ribbon in between the slots! Tie with a fluffy bow. — Heloise
Rag redux
Hi, Heloise: I love reading your columns! I would like to find out if there is a place to recycle rags (worn-out T-shirts, other clothing items, etc.). — Ann in San Antonio
Hey, Ann: Surprisingly, the major charity organizations will take rags and torn and stained clothes. They can sell them as cleaning cloths. Call your neighborhood donation place and ask. Separate the rags from the clothing items that you donate. Don’t forget to ask for a tax receipt. — Heloise Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.