Possible bedlam at the vet’s office
Dear Heloise: I took my 60-pound dog, Mary, to the vet’s office for shots and a checkup. While in the waiting room, the vet got behind schedule. A lady brought in a dog that weighs 2 pounds. She put it on the floor; she said she didn’t like to hold the dog on her lap. Mary went crazy. She saw somebody to play with; it took everything I had to hold her back.
My dog is a wonderful dog, but she could have gotten to the dog and hurt it trying to play. — Sue K., via email
Talk about David and Goliath. Some small dogs don’t know they are small.
This is why veterinarians ask people to bring their pet in a carrier or on a leash. One reader sat next to a man with a large parrot on his arm and worried the whole time. — Heloise
Sour milk in car Dear Heloise: When I was a teenager, a quart of milk spilled on the floor of my car, and it was a very hot August. My dad said not to worry. He spread fresh, unused coffee grounds where the milk was. We then vacuumed thoroughly. We did this for four days in a row, replacing with new grounds each time. There was never an odor.
Then we took a small metal box with holes punched in the lid, and put fresh grounds in there. I tucked it under the driver’s-side seat. — Karen Brock, Mount Pocono, Pa.
Wet cat food Hi, Heloise: My cat Molly, like most cats, nibbles. She often snacks, then naps. To simplify wet-food preservation, I push the remaining food to the center of the dish and use a sandwich fold top bag to refrigerate it. I mark how much “safe” time for it to be out again.
Molly will eat only an upscale, expensive brand. I try to preserve so as to reduce waste and expense. — Cat Servant Michelle in California
Meow! Who has who trained? You can try to put out just a few spoonfuls the first feeding. See how she reacts (I know! I know ... it’s a cat!), then after the siesta, scoop out a little more fresh wet food.
You can put the can (covered or slipped into a sandwich bag) into the refrigerator so the food won’t spoil.
Yes, these furry female felines can be finicky, but when they do bestow you with their company, it’s love! — Heloise