HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: My kids are asking for a dog, but they both have allergies. What would be a good breed for them? — Karen S., Fort Wayne, Ind.

DEAR READER: Allergy-prone kids need a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction) breed.

What causes the allergies? Dander and shedding, mostly. The symptoms can be itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and rash. No dog is completely hypoallergenic, BUT there are breeds that are more hypoallergenic than others: Shih Tzu, Yorkshire terrier, poodle, Maltese and even the hairless Chinese crested are good choices.

These dogs (except the Chinese crested) have HAIR that grows, not FUR, and they require regular grooming, which can add up. These breeds need their faces and eyes kept clean, too.

Whichever breed you choose, look online for a rescue group for that particular dog breed. They are out there.

DEAR HELOISE: My precious mother-in-law, who was from Missouri and lived to be 95-plus, rode to church with us. When she would come out of her house, she would say to us with a smile, “Too much health?” Meaning, had she overdone her makeup.

I loved her and wish she was still here to tell ME if I have “too much health”! At 79, I still love to wear blush and eye shadow, but I don’t want to overdo it.

— Barbara G., Colorado Springs, Colo.

DEAR HELOISE: While helping a friend with party invitations (which requested no gifts) to her 50th anniversary, I had an idea.

What if a box was placed on a table with the word “donations” on the side, and everyone was told this was for a voluntary donation. The proceeds would be given to the local animal shelter.

— Clara in New Braunfels, Texas

DEAR READER: Love it!

DEAR READERS: A use for a stray sock: Cut the foot part off and use the elastic cuff as a cellphone cover. This probably won’t protect it if it gets dropped, but it can prevent light scratches when the phone’s in your handbag. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email