Dear Heloise: I don't like to see all these animals in the grocery store. One time I said something, and the person said, "I couldn't leave the animal at home."
I am allergic to animal fur and cannot find a store that doesn't have people bringing their dogs.
These aren't service dogs; they don't have vests, nor are they trained. Are there rules about this?—Roland D., Colorado Springs, Colo.
Roland, this subject is bound to get folks' ire up. You may be describing an emotional support animal. ESAs provide comfort in a general sense, but because they don't perform one designated task, they aren't endorsed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and they can be denied admittance to food stores, restaurants and other establishments.
Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A service animal is specifically trained to help someone with a medical condition: blindness, most commonly. These animals are allowed in food stores, restaurants, etc.
Check out ADA.gov for more information.—Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Pamela G. in Menifee, Calif., sent a picture of her two furry family members, Chipper and William, in their dog beds, each with a new toy from "Santa Paws"! How did they know these toys were for them? Some kind of Santa Paws ESP, Pamela guesses.
To see these two cuties and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week." Pamela wishes us a "Yappy New Year!"—Heloise
REPLANT THE PLANT
Dear Readers: This time of year is a good time to repot houseplants, before the weather warms up and growth really takes off. Pick a pot that's slightly larger than the current pot. Begin fertilizing indoor plants when you see new growth.—Heloise
THE BRUSHOFF
Dear Heloise: I save my mascara brush. I use it to clean the holes in my hummingbird feeder!—Martha in Azusa, Calif.
Martha, this is a great way to upcycle! These brushes can have strong bristles, sometimes of varying lengths. Other uses for the mascara wand:
King Features Syndicate
Getting started
Texarkana Gazette Comments Policy
The Texarkana Gazette web sites include interactive areas in which users can express opinions and share ideas and information. We cannot and do not monitor all of the material submitted to the website. Additionally, we do not control, and are not responsible for, content submitted by users. By using the web sites, you may be exposed to content that you may find offensive, indecent, inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise objectionable. You agree that you must evaluate, and bear all risks associated with, the use of the Gazette web sites and any content on the Gazette web sites, including, but not limited to, whether you should rely on such content. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you acknowledge that we shall have the right (but not the obligation) to review any content that you have submitted to the Gazette, and to reject, delete, disable, or remove any content that we determine, in our sole discretion, (a) does not comply with the terms and conditions of this agreement; (b) might violate any law, infringe upon the rights of third parties, or subject us to liability for any reason; or (c) might adversely affect our public image, reputation or goodwill. Moreover, we reserve the right to reject, delete, disable, or remove any content at any time, for the reasons set forth above, for any other reason, or for no reason. If you believe that any content on any of the Gazette web sites infringes upon any copyrights that you own, please contact us pursuant to the procedures outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (Title 17 U.S.C. § 512) at the following address:
Copyright Agent
The Texarkana Gazette
15 Pine Street
Texarkana, TX 75501
Phone: 903-794-3311
Email: webeditor@texarkanagazette.com