Ensuring a good transition for the new dog
Dear Heloise: I volunteer as a foster for a breed-specific rescue organization (miniature schnauzers). I keep a few spare dog collars with ID tags already attached. The tags are etched with the name “Foster,” along with my cellphone number.
I never leave the shelter until I’ve put the temporary collar on the dog. At that point, the stress level is at its highest, and dogs are most likely to bolt if they have a chance.
After a few days in a home environment, away from the terror of the shelter, they relax, and their true personalities come out. What wonderful gifts they are to us, and then to their forever families.
— Nancy J., Rancho Murieta Nancy, you do such wonderful work. Here’s a Heloise hug.
— Heloise
Pet pal
Dear Readers: Michelle R. in San Antonio sent two pictures of her beautiful green-eyed, gray cat, Coco, majestically perched on a ladder where she can put the star on top of the Christmas tree.
To see Coco and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise. com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a funny and furry friend you’d like to share? Email a picture and description to Heloise@ Heloise.com.
— Heloise
Go-to ‘place’
Dear Heloise: This is in response to the lady asking how to discourage her dog from begging at the table. I have always taught my dogs to go to their “place” when anyone is around the table or even in the dining area.
Yes, it might take several times — some dogs learn faster than others. Lead the dog to the place and wait until your pet sits or lies down, relaxed, then turn and walk away. The dog will follow you many times, but eventually will learn.
— Debby in Alabama
Dear Heloise: Because we have pets, our vacuum cleaner bag becomes smelly quickly. To remedy this, we sprinkle some clove powder into a new bag each time. It’s a bit pricey, but it sure makes the rooms smell good.
— Kevin in Lahaina, Maui,
Hawaii Readers, look for clove powder in the spice aisle or at your favorite online retailer.
— Heloise
Fresh or frozen?
Dear Heloise: I love eating fruit on my cereal. Unfortunately, sometimes the fresh fruit goes bad. So I bought frozen blueberries and put some of them in a container in the refrigerator. Each morning after I put my blueberries on my cereal, I refill the container with the blueberries from the freezer for the next morning. Of course this would work for any frozen fruit.
— Katie H., The Villages,
Florida Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.