Spaying, neutering benefits pets in many ways
Heloise
Dear Heloise: Do I really need to spay or neuter my pets? — A Reader in Philadelphia
Reader in Philadelphia: Spaying or neutering your pets is, in fact, one of the best things you can do for them. The benefits are many. According to the Humane Society of the United States (www. humanesociety.org), neutered or spayed animals:
• live on average 20% longer than unneutered ones;
• have a reduced risk of cancer;
• are less likely to “mark” their territory;
• can be less aggressive, and less likely to roam or bark excessively;
• are 100% guaranteed to not reproduce. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have spent months looking at furniture stores that might carry the color of fabric I want for new furniture. All carry exactly the same range of dull, bland colors.
How about pastels and small designs on fabric? What happened to green and yellow? Wake up, manufacturers — not everyone wants gray, blue or beige! Thank you. — Jane in Fredericksburg, Va.
Jane: I hear you. Fresh greens and yellows can add light and energy to a room! — Heloise
Dear Heloise: Regarding the woman dismayed to find that many of her family photos had become stuck to the glass in the frame: Just take them to someplace where there’s no reflective glare and use your cellphone to take a picture of the photo. Then you can have prints made from that. I do this, especially with odd-shaped old photos. — Joy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Dear Heloise: I cut out a piece of waxed paper and line a window for privacy when I haven’t hung up curtains or drapes yet (for example, when I move into a new apartment or home). It allows light in, but no one can see in. — Donna R., via email
Dear Heloise: Women of a certain age sometimes have bladder leakage. The pads they use can be an nuisance in the home garbage.
Try a baby diaper disposal system, which keeps things sealed up, out of sight and smell, and is efficient. —A reader, via email
Dear Heloise: My husband likes his steaks pan-fried, but frying makes them so tough! Any help would be appreciated. — A reader in Ohio
Reader in Ohio: First, do you use a cast iron pan? It’s the best for frying steak. Next, let your steak warm up a little before frying. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot with a paper towel to get moisture out (too much moisture boils the meat). Next, make sure your pan is very hot when you drop the steak in, and sear it on both sides, after which you can turn the heat down to medium. Don’t overcook it or it will be dry and tough. When you’re done cooking the steak, let it sit on a plate for a few minutes so that all the juices flow back into the center. — Heloise
Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 782795000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.