Protecting your pet when tick season is in full swing
Dear Heloise: Just a reminder: With TICK SEASON in full swing, check your pet thoroughly. I’ve found a tick on my dog’s lip, and once on an eyelid. — Lucille in Barrington, N.H.
Great reminder, Lucille. Tick season runs through September. The deer tick is the biggest problem when it comes to ticks — they can transmit Lyme disease.
Make sure your pets are on flea and tick preventive medication, and talk with your veterinarian about other safety precautions. — Heloise
BIRDBATH CLEANING
Dear Heloise: For cleaning your birdbath, buy a dollar toilet bowl brush. Then you don’t have to get your hands dirty, and the bowl stays clean. I read your column in the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News. — Chris, via email
TRENDS IN PET NAMES
Dear Heloise: I’ve noticed over the years a few trends in pet names. Years ago, the trend was to name your pet after its physical characteristics. Then the vibe was to name your pal a traditional “people” name. I know both a Brian and a Susan of the four-legged variety!
What’s the new trend up and coming? — A Reader in Pittsburgh
Readers, any ideas? — Heloise
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
Hi, Heloise: I loved reading your mother’s column, as I do yours. When my kids were growing up, I called leftover night “Choice Night” so it seemed like a treat, not a rerun. — Pat S., via email
Love it! — Heloise
DOLLAR STORE SENSE
Dear Heloise: I love the dollar store, and have these hints:
1. Purchase brightly colored hair bands to wrap up phone, electronic and appliance cords. Neat and easy to see.
2. For bring-a-dish events, purchase a plastic shoebox. It is sturdy, has a lid, and you don’t have to worry about getting your container back.
— Kimberly C., Schererville, Ind.
Lots of bargains to be had! — Heloise
A STICKY SITUATION
Dear Heloise: Most recipes call for creaming butter, then adding sugar and creaming together. The butter adheres to the bowl. I suggest you put the sugar into the bowl first, then add butter and cream together. No problem of having to have to scrape the bowl. — B. Doherty, Spring Lake, N.J.
CUTTING WATERMELON
Dear Heloise: I put a cutting board inside a cookie sheet to cut a watermelon. No mess. — Mary H. in Houston
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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.