Harness may be better than a collar for some dogs

Dear Readers: Have you considered a harness for your dog instead of a collar? It is a good choice, for several reasons.

If your dog is a puller, the harness should break that habit. Wearing a collar, the dog can feel that he is getting ahead. Pulling while in a harness will only lift the dog’s front legs off the ground—not productive.

Harnesses can relieve pressure from the neck. Although it is rare, collars can cause or worsen neck and throat injuries to the dog.

A harness can give the animal a sense of calm and comfort, and it is less likely to pop off by accident.

Check with your veterinarian about what he or she recommends.—Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Phillip A. in Austin, Texas, adopted his gorgeous Brooklynd from the Austin Animal Center. Brooklynd is an Australian cattle dog, and is sporting the best smile! To see Brooklynd and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”— Heloise

UNDER IT ALL

Dear Heloise: My shirts have stains in the underarm area. How can I reduce or eliminate them?—Jack K., via email

Jack, deodorant and antiperspirant stains probably are the culprit. Here are some hints for you:

Wash the garment after each wearing. Liquid laundry detergent can make a good pretreater. Rub in and launder. Every few wearings, launder with hot water to break apart residual marks.

Stubborn stains are a problem for everyone. Fortunately, I’ve collected my best hints from over the years in a handy pamphlet! If you’d like to order one, visit www.Heloise.com, or send $5, along with a long, self-addressed, stamped (68 cents) envelope, to: Heloise/ Stain Guide, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Never overfill the washer: It’s too taxing on the machine, and your clothes won’t be cleaned thoroughly.—Heloise

CHEAPER DOLL OUTFITS

Dear Heloise: I purchased a baby doll for my grandchild. The doll is great quality, of course, but expensive, and so are the little outfits! I found a great way to clothe the baby: items from the infants department! They are much cheaper.—Ingrid D. in San Antonio

‘CAT-ATONIC’

Dear Readers: There’s no need to spend lots of money on expensive cat toys; cats will play with anything! Here are some cheap options for you:

Empty toilet-tissue rolls Old pingpong balls

Wadded-up paper or newspaper.

One caveat: NEVER give cats pieces of yarn or string to play with. They can get tangled up in it, or they can swallow it and have stomach problems.

The best article to play with may be another cat! They can keep each other company, and there are many cats in shelters that need great homes.

Ask your veterinarian for more hints about good cat toys.—Heloise

TUBE TOP

Dear Heloise: In order to get the last amount out of a tube of toothpaste, hand lotion, etc., cut the tube close to the capped end. You’ll be surprised how much product is actually left.— Sue L. in Virginia