Dear Heloise: I am a United States military veteran. Having lost one leg and a hand while serving my country, I have a service dog, Chip, who helps me and who I couldn't get along without. People in my little hometown understand that my dog has to go where I go, but on planes, in airports, in businesses and doctor's offices, I get some ugly stares or comments because of my dog. One woman tried to kick my dog while I was waiting to board a plane last week. People need to understand that service dogs are there to help someone and are greatly appreciated by veterans. They're not dangerous, and legally we have the right to take them with us wherever we go. My dog is well-behaved, always clean, always on a leash and well-fed. He's my buddy and my friend, and where I go, Chip goes, too.-John G., United States veteran, via email
THANKS IN ANY LANGUAGE
Dear Heloise: My husband and I travel a lot, and we really enjoy different cultures. In fact, we try to learn some of the language before we visit a place, and some of the local customs. So often, what is OK in America may be offensive in a foreign place, such as certain gestures. But we make a point of learning to say "thank you" and "please" in the language of the country. -Jean K., Joplin, Mo.
AVOID THE TANGLE
Dear Heloise: I have discovered that stringing an open chain of a necklace through a straw and then hooking the necklace together is a foolproof way to arrive with an untangled necklace when traveling. This keeps those delicate chains from becoming knotted and eventually ruined.-Susan M., Monroe, La.
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