Video helpful in pinpointing pet’s problem

Dear Heloise: My dog was limping, and I decided to take him to my veterinarian to see what specifically was wrong.

I shot some video on my phone of the dog walking, to show the doctor. My thought was that the exam room might be too small, and the dog may not exhibit the same behavior in front of the doctor.

The veterinarian appreciated having the video to watch to study how my dog was walking, moving and behaving. This helped her diagnose the problem. I thought this hint might be helpful to others.

Wonderful idea! Anything to help our furry friends get healthy. This would work for twitching, chewing on the skin and other maladies, too.—

Dear Heloise: I carry a small notebook and a pen with me wherever I go. It’s handy for jotting down ideas I have about stories, little poems and other things.

I use my phone to take a picture of things, and writing inspires me. I hope to be a writer one day, so this is great practice.

Dear Heloise: Here’s another use for a spare sock. It’s chilly in many parts of the country. An easy way to keep drafts at bay is to fill a spare knee-high sock or stocking with either uncooked rice or beans, tie it off and nestle it against the bottom of a door.

I have a small gap in my front door that I fill with a folded paper towel. This works to keep the house warmer.

Dear Readers: The winter’s accumulation of snow, ice, dirt, grease and road salt can do a number on cars, and especially the license plates. It’s important that these stay clean so they are visible.

What’s an easy way to clean them? Using one of my favorite household helpers: baking soda.

With a damp towel, buff some baking soda onto the plate, and rinse with clean water.

FYI: Use an empty, round grated-cheese container for storing your baking soda. Just grab it and shake.

Dear Heloise: I learned the hard way to not pack just his and hers suitcases. I always pack a few things for my husband in my suitcase and a few of my things in his luggage. If one of our bags is lost or delayed on a trip, we at least have a change of clothing and underwear in the other suitcase!

Dear Heloise: As I have aged, my eyesight has gradually become much worse. This meant that I had a hard time reading recipes, and I dearly love to cook. So, my son printed out many of my favorite recipes in extralarge print and put them in a three-ring binder for me. This has made it so much easier to cook and prepare meals.

Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.