Must- dos for keeping canines safe in cars

Dear Readers: Your dog probably loves to go in the car with you. Dogs like the companionship.

They like to look around, also — some researchers think that’s why a dog wants to stick its head out the car window while the vehicle is in motion.

This is a terrible idea, though. Flying insects and litter can hit the dog, potentially damaging eyes and ears, and the dog could be struck by a sign or other protrusion in the road.

Plus, an unrestrained dog can be injured in a sharp turn or sudden stop. By the way, this goes for dogs in the bed of pickup trucks, also.

Restrain your dog in an approved harness or crate. You wouldn’t allow your kids or grandkids to stick their heads out of a moving car — this goes for dogs, too.

Dear Heloise: I was watching my friend teach her cat to use the litter box. She put the cat in and used the cat’s paw to scratch at the litter — wrong!

Cats will gravitate to the litter naturally; just point them in the general direction. They are clean by instinct, so using the litter box will come easily. If you force cats in there, they might become afraid of the litter box.

Indiana

Dear Heloise: I have always enjoyed shopping at outlet stores, but I’ve learned a few things about them, and I’ve come up with some hints to share:

■ The majority of items in the outlet stores these days aren’t leftovers from the company’s mainstream retail store; they were made for the outlet — made so they can be sold at a lower price. There may be quality differences.

■ I look for items offseason. This time of year, I’ll shop for swimsuits and shorts sets. In the spring, it’s sweaters and winter coats.

■ I get on the mailing lists of the stores I like. They email me special promotions.

■ Outlet stores and malls can get packed with people. I try to shop on the off days, such as Wednesday mornings.

■ The best bargains are on the clearance racks — these usually are in the back of the store.

I can save money at the outlet store, but it comes at a price.

I work for a well-known charity group. We accept donations of clothes, shoes, toys, household items, etc., that we resell to the public.

I’d like to ask your readers to please donate items that are clean and in good condition, and in season (if possible).

If you have clothing that is stained or overly worn, you can donate it, because we can sell that to a different agency or use it for different purposes. Place these items in a separate bag or box.