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Dear Heloise: I’ve seen a few of your columns regarding watering orchids with ice. According to Arthur Chadwick of Chadwick & Son Orchids, orchids are tropical and can be damaged by ice water. Regular watering with room-temperature water is best. — Steve L., via email
Steve, I think people want to give the orchid a slow watering, but you’re correct. Room temperature is actually a safer way to water any tropical plant. Tropical plants are beautiful but require a little more care than a regular houseplant. — Heloise
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A CONVULSING CAT
Dear Heloise: A couple of weeks ago, my cat was very ill and began to have convulsions. I tried to pick him up but got some nasty scratches for my efforts. He’s doing fine now, but if there’s a next time, what should I do to keep my cat safe and comfortable — and keep me from becoming a victim of his claws? — Carmen H., in Augusta, Georgia
Carmen, here are some suggestions:
— First, keep your hands/fingers as far away from the cat’s mouth as possible.
— Gently and carefully wrap the cat in a large bath towel or a small blanket to help restrain it.
— Move it away from furniture or anything that’s made of glass or a breakable material.
— Call your veterinarian for further instructions. — Heloise
LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY
Dear Heloise: My 9-year-old son wanted to get a puppy. I told him when he was 11, he could have a dog. However, there’d be certain duties and responsibilities pertaining to the dog.
First, he had to feed the dog breakfast and dinner every day. The first time he skipped this chore, he’d get a warning. If there was a second time, the dog would be given away (and he knew that I meant it). He had to walk the dog daily after school. He had to pick up the dog poo and place it in a plastic bag, then toss it in the garbage bin when he returned home.
So, why the restrictions and rules? To teach him responsibilities. A dog is a family member. They get hungry, thirsty and lonely, and they feel pain and need attention. No child over 10 years of age is too young to learn responsibility. — Jake M., in Camden, New Jersey
FINDING SOCKY
Dear Heloise: We had our dog, Bosco, for 17 years. They said that he was between 3 and 5 when we adopted him. Needless to say, when the time came, it was one of the saddest days for me and my wife. We loved him, but taking care of an aging dog is very hard emotionally, as well as physically.
We decided not to get another dog as we are in our 70s now. Then, one day, we noticed a really beat-up cat sleeping on our patio chair. We started feeding her. It’s been over four years now that we’ve been feeding our little “Socky.” She lives in our backyard and lets us both pet her. She gets fed and loved, and when we travel, we hire someone to feed her.
She fills a space in our hearts that our little doggy filled for years. Now this mangy, street-raised, scarred-up cat is the love of our lives. We can feel the gratitude and love that she gives us for taking care of her. Cats are truly magic. — John C., in Tucson, Arizona
John, it’s amazing how attached we get to our pets! Thanks for writing in. — Heloise