Protect your dogs from snakebites

Dear Readers: Spring can usher in snakebite season, and curious, wandering dogs can get bitten. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) advises:

■ A leashed dog is safer than an unleashed dog.

■ Don’t allow the dog to explore under rocks or in bushes.

■ Stay on the path most traveled, free of brush and long grasses.

If your dog does get bitten, get it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Snakebites can be fatal, but the good news is, survivability is high when treatment is quick. — Heloise

P.S. Never suck out venom from a bite.

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Meet Geri C.’s Mija (“my girl” in Spanish). She was on the streets of Santa Ana, California, and had a fractured pelvis and leg.

The veterinarian thought she was about 2 years old at the time. She’s a busy, active little Parsons Terrier mix. It took a couple of months to get her settled into a routine. She’s the best dog!

As a bonus, Mija is bilingual and answers to Spanish commands. To see Mija and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a funny and furry friend you’d like to share? Email a picture and description to: Heloise@Heloise. com. — Heloise

SUPER SUDS

Dear Heloise: I have an HE washing machine (low water use), and my family uses bath gels. I used to have trouble with insufficient rinsing and/or stiff towels, but this works for me: I use NO detergent and very little fabric softener, and the towels come out nice and fluffy and absorbent. — Pat C., Palermo, ME

Pat, a generous glug of white vinegar in the wash water also can help rinse out suds.

Vinegar is safe, cheap and has many uses, including cleaning, deodorizing, cooking and beauty hints. I’ve compiled my favorites into a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receive one?

It’s easy! Visit www.Heloise.com to order or send a long, stamped (70 cents), self-addressed envelope together with $5 to: Heloise/Vinegar, Box 5001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

FYI: When you are doing hand-wash laundry and there are too many suds, add a squirt of vinegar to the second rinse to make the suds disappear. Then rinse again. — Heloise

IT’S A NONEMERGENCY

Dear Heloise: Wouldn’t it have been nice if the folks who came up with the idea for centralized emergency communication (911) had thought about a similar number for non-emergencies?

Many times, I have witnessed something that should have been reported to police or other emergency personnel, but it was not an emergency. Where does one call? I’ve been around for many years and haven’t found an answer. — Cal B., Litchfield, ME

Cal, great question. Many cities have 311 as the number to call to report problems, road damage, make complaints or other nonemergency situations. Check with your city for more information. — 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.