Do you want to take your dog to the beach?

Dear Readers: First, check the beach to find out the rules, because some may not allow animals.

But if you want to bring your dog along with your family for this summer outing, don’t let it stay out in the sun at the peak of the heat of the day because your dog can get really overheated. Do follow these steps:

■ Provide total shade for your dog.

■ Don’t let your pet sit in the hot sun or walk on hot sand.

■ Bring along lots of clean, cold water.

■ Monitor your pooch carefully, and if it is panting excessively, get your dog away from the beach right away. — Heloise

Hosting an outdoor party?

Dear Readers: So much planning goes into having a fun gathering on your deck, patio or yard. Aside from the food, you need to be sure that your property is safe for your guests. So here’s what to do before they arrive:

Check the yard, driveway and walkways for toys, lawn tools, hoses and large rocks or branches. Put away items that your guests could trip over or hurt themselves with. Keep pets in a room or pen away from cars — Heloise

Muddy hiking boots

Dear Heloise: We love to hike, and when we get home our boots are so muddy and awful. How can I get them cleaned really well? — Margaret in Colorado

Dear Margaret: To get them ready for your next trek, take these steps:

1. If the boots are just dusty, get a shoe brush to remove all the dust.

2. If the boots are muddy and wet, allow them to dry completely. Then use a softbristled brush to get rid of all the dried mud. Don’t forget to scrub the hidden spots and seams. Wipe off the boots with water.

3. Air out the inside of the boots and put several used fabric softener sheets inside to deodorize them.

4. If the boots are real leather, finish up by applying a leather conditioner.

— Heloise

Easy-to-make summer marinade

Dear Readers: Summer barbecuing season is in full swing. It can be fun to try different marinades for meat, fish or poultry that you are going to barbecue. Marinades add a wonderful flavor and are a quick way to add zest to the main course. Here’s a fave of mine:

SWEET BEER MARINADE

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 cup beer (or nonalcoholic), room temperature 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons fresh grated or finely chopped candied ginger

1 or 2 drops of hot sauce

Mix completely. Place four chicken breasts or pork chops in a sealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal and put in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. Then pop on the grill.

— Heloise

Storing garden tools

Dear Readers: Garages are filled with equipment needed to care for property, backyards, gardens and lawns. To corral the tools you use frequently, store the long-handled ones in a metal garbage can on wheels. Put S hooks on the rim for hanging smaller tools. Wheel out when needed. — Heloise

Dear Abby: My sister is driving me and our other sister nuts. There are five years between the three of us. We are all seniors who live in the same city and have always been close.

Abby, the oldest talks nonstop. It was always a family joke, but it’s gotten worse. Now she interrupts people to tell her story (after all, everything is all about her).

A cousin we hadn’t seen in several years came to town, and we all had dinner. Not once did my sister ask, “Why are you in town, how are you doing, your family, etc.?” She just talked and talked about herself and her family.

It’s no longer a joke; she is just plain rude. It’s getting difficult to be around her. How do we stop her outlandish behavior without hurting her feelings? — All listened out in Iowa

Dear All listened out: Stopping her outlandish behavior may take some risk, but it’s worth it. Point out to her — as kindly as