HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I allow my dog to sniff a lot while we walk along. That’s OK, right?
— Angela in Texas DEAR READER: Not only is it OK, it’s recommended! Experts agree that a dog’s sense of smell is more than 10,000 times as sharp as a human’s. So let them explore all the scents of their neighborhood.
A dog’s nose is designed differently than a human’s nose; a dog can sniff over and over uninterrupted while breathing at the same time.
So, walk slowly with your dog, and literally stop and smell the roses. It’s a great stimulus for your dog, and it’s actually good for them.
DEAR HELOISE: I am a senior citizen (age 77) who now lives alone and was concerned that something could happen to me and I would not be found for an unknown amount of time.
My son and I came up with a solution to assure he would know to actually check on me. When I get up in the morning, I text him a message. For example: “I am up now and am fine.” At bedtime, the message would be: “Going to bed now.” If he failed to get one of these messages, he would know something was wrong. Maybe this can help others in the same situation.
— Carolyn N., Kentucky DEAR READER: This is a great use of today’s technology, and I’m sure it’s a comfort to you and your son. We all need to keep an eye out for each other. You never know who just might need a helping hand.
DEAR HELOISE: Why put all your pretty shawls away for the summer? I keep one on the back of a chair because sometimes the air conditioner can get chilly.
— Faye M., Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: When we got a puppy for my toddler son, we started a great family tradition. We take a picture each year of the dog and my son in the same pose. It’s fun and inspiring to see how these two change throughout the years. — Bill in Illinois
DEAR READERS: Tops and shirts with printed graphics on them can be tricky to launder. You don’t want the printing to loosen or melt off.
Turn these items inside out to wash, and make sure they remain inside out to dry. Either lay flat or tumble dry on LOW to reduce the risk of the design shifting or melting.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email