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Dear Heloise: I don’t know where you live, but it’s a violation of municipal law in many counties and recommended public-safety policies to leave out “safe drinking water” for wildlife. This is harmful for many reasons. For example, it breeds mosquitos that carry potentially life-threatening diseases, destructively alters the survival instincts and patterns of wild animals, and attracts wildlife that threatens neighboring pets and people (especially seniors and small children).
In short, it feels compassionate, but you’re harming the wildlife that you think you’re helping and potentially hurting your neighbors. At minimum, people need to realize that tossing out “old” water and replenishing the bowl does nothing to prevent mosquitoes from hatching. The females glue nearly invisible eggs above the waterline, so outside containers must be thoroughly scrubbed every day. — Lisa G., in Los Angeles
Lisa, there’s a lot of debate about leaving out food and water for stray animals. If it’s left out, wildlife can get at it, as well as stray cats and dogs. A great many cities also have “trap, neuter and release” programs to help stray cats and dogs. (If everyone would spay and neuter their pets, the stray population of animals would diminish significantly.)
However, I do understand your concerns and don’t think food and water should be left out in excess. And I definitely agree with your claim about scrubbing pet bowls thoroughly. — Heloise
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS
Dear Heloise: A long time ago, there was a discussion in your column about sending flowers to a funeral. If the obituary says “in lieu of flowers,” they shouldn’t be sent. Usually, a charity is listed where a donation can be made to in the deceased’s name instead.
There could be religious restrictions about flowers, or the family only wants their own there. No matter what the reasons are, the family’s wishes should be respected. — Beverly, in Wisconsin
Beverly, I agree with you. Respecting the family’s wishes is really the best way to go because they usually know what the person wanted at their funeral anyways. — Heloise
HANDMADE GIFTS
Dear Heloise: The reader could consider the handmade wine rack as a “storage rack” instead. Depending on the style, it can hold soda and water bottles, toilet paper, plants, or craft items (like skeins of yarn). There are many possibilities for a thoughtful handmade item, even if it happens to look like a wine rack. — Alice, via email
Alice, yes, and your suggestions are very good. So many readers have asked why he made a wine rack for a couple who don’t drink. Of course, I don’t actually know, but maybe he thought they’d find another use for it. Or maybe it was just a loving gift that was made with his own hands for two people he cared about. I’ve always liked handmade gifts, and I imagine that many people do, too. — Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.