Feel the summer heat from your dog’s perspective

Dear Readers: How hot is the pavement on a summer’s day? You probably don’t know, because you’ve got shoes on! But our dogs don’t.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (peta. org) has some hints for walking your dog in the summer:

■ Heat-soaked sidewalks and driveways can burn feet. If it’s 87 degrees outside, asphalt, driveways and roads can reach 140 degrees or hotter. This will burn the pads of a dog’s feet after only 1 minute.

■ Hot pavement can also reflect heat upward onto the dog’s body, raising the risk of deadly heat stroke.

■ Touch the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, your dog cannot walk on it.

■ Walk first thing in the morning, later in the evening, on grass or in shady areas.

■ Carry water with you and take a lot of rest breaks.

■ NEVER muzzle a dog that is walking in the heat of the day. — Heloise

Pet Pal

Dear Readers: Dan and Sherrie in San Antonio were feeling a bit lonely, so what did they do? They picked up a furry friend!

Meet Archie. He’s a bichon, and all of about 3 pounds. Archie’s filled the void of the empty nest, and there’s certainly little idle time when you have a puppy to care for.

To see Archie and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise

Yard Duty?

Dear Readers: Did you know that if you rent an apartment, the management team is responsible for maintaining the lawn. If you rent a house, you may have to maintain the lawn and yard. Make sure you understand what you are responsible for per your lease before you sign it. — Heloise