HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Dogs are intelligent, but just how smart they are is now coming to light. Experts have found that a dog can be as smart as a 2-year-old child!

Dogs can learn upward of 250 words, similar to a 2-yearold. The smartest breeds are border collies, poodles and German shepherds; we’ve taught these particular breeds to be sage, the experts believe. Hound dogs, like beagles, tend to score lower.

Dogs understand social structure, too (they are pack animals), and they even show moods such as happiness and anger, but not so much complex emotions.

DEAR HELOISE: My cane is good for more than stability: I use it to push my laundry basket from the bedroom to my laundry area, to pull the clothes from the back of the dryer, and to move clothes if they get stuck in the washer’s agitator.

I also use it to smooth out the blankets when making my bed. I use the crook end to pull things out from under the bed or chair.

— Big Red, via email

DEAR HELOISE: I save store fliers and fold a few pages in my purse and also store some under my sink. Sure saves money on toilet paper for wrapping unmentionables.

— Sara, via email DEAR READER: Yes, these items should never be flushed. What else is on the “No-Flush List”? Dental floss, facial tissue, paper towels, “flushable” wipes, cotton balls and swabs.

DEAR HELOISE: I found an old pill in the bottom of my purse. I wasn’t going to take the pill anyway, but there was a number on it. I put that number into a search engine online, and it told me the name of the medication.

— Tamara W. in Utah DEAR READER: Be cautious of medication that you’re not sure of the expiration date.

DEAR HELOISE: My fine hair flies out with static electricity when I brush it. I’ve found that rubbing my hair with a fabric softener sheet makes it more manageable.

— Dr. Mary J., Katy, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: Don’t cut the size tags from clothing that you plan on donating. It’s better for all to leave the size tags in.

— Marty M., Texas DEAR READER: If itchiness is a consideration, maybe jot the size inside the hem of the garment.

HELOISE