HINTS FROM HELOISE

PRACTICAL, DEPENDABLE TIPS FOR TODAY’S BUSY CONSUMERS

Dear Heloise: My dog is part vegetarian, I think! He loves to eat raw broccoli, pea pods, carrots and cauliflower!

— Harriet P. In New York

Harriet, celery, brussels sprouts, spinach, zucchini, bean sprouts, squash, green beans ... the list goes on and on, these veggies are considered safe for your dog to eat!

Couple of caveats, cut pieces into small bites to reduce choking risk. Veggies are an OK and healthy snack, but your dog could experience tummy trouble, so watch for that. And when cooking the veggies, avoid spicy seasonings, salts and sauces. Those can lead to more sour stomach.

Avoid giving the following foods to your dog: onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocados. Give potatoes only in very small quantities; they can lead to weight gain. Check with your veterinarian for more information.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: Meet Mr. Kitty.

He’s one of our favorite Pet Pals. He’s getting a drink from the bathtub spigot! Owner Sharon says he probably learned this feat from his days on the street before she rescued him.

To see Mr. Kitty and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a funny and furry friend to share? Email a picture and description to: Heloise@Heloise. com.

— Heloise

TOOL TIME

Dear Heloise: I hardly ever buy new hand tools, yard tools, etc.

I look for them at garage and estate sales. The prices are wonderful, and the quality is usually much better than today’s merchandise.

Dear Heloise:

A foolproof way for shoelaces to not come untied: I crisscross the laces, one over the other like normal, and make the first “bunny ear.” Then, instead of wrapping the other lace around the ear once, I wrap it twice and then make the second “ear,” pull the lace through, and fluff out the bow.

Pretty guaranteed to last all day, and to untie, just pull like normal.

— Ainsley E. In Florida

Dear Heloise:

— Robin R. In Texas

Here’s a popular dog cupcake recipe. We mix:

2 smashed bananas, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Scoop into muffin cups or a silicone mold and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost with 1/4 cup peanut butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese. It’s delicious!

— Mary J. In Pennsylvania

Send your hints to Heloise@ Heloise.com or mail them to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.