Dog insists on burying his toys

Dear Cathy: I am having a problem with my terrier who has many toys but insists on burying both of his orange toys. When I dig them up in the yard, he seems sad and embarrassed.

Is there any explanation for this? — Ann Marie, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Dear Ann Marie: Dogs generally bury things they covet and want to save for later. He may have a special affinity for these toys and just not want anyone else to have access to them. Maybe they give off a strange scent he finds offensive, and so he buries them. It’s hard for us to know. It’s most likely a coincidence the toys are both orange, but you could buy a third orange toy to see what he would do.

Don’t dig up his toys for the next month and see what he does.

Dear Cathy: I want to get a houseplant for my kitchen table that will not poison my cat. The vet gave me a list of plants that are not compatible with cats. I gave the list to the local florist who said that every plant that they can order from their wholesaler is on the list.

Do you have a list of houseplants that are suitable around cats? Is there any way to find out which of those plants will do best in direct sunlight? The florists that I contacted all wanted me to tell them which plant I wanted. — Douglas, via email

Dear Douglas: You can find a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic at the ASPCA’s website — https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxicand-non-toxic-plants. A few plants that are fine around cats and that can tolerate light from a south-facing window include bamboo and spider plants and several herbs.

While I have some knowledge about plants, I am far from an expert. Take the nontoxic list to your local nursery/ garden center. They should be able to guide you and tell you which plants on your catfriendly list are best suited.