Dear Readers: The following letter comes from April A., in San Antonio. She runs a rescue group for stray dogs, and she's seen animals in extremely poor conditions over the years. She is advocating for people to step up and foster a dog or cat, in a healthy and safe environment. Read on:
Dear Heloise: There are certain reasons rescues need fosters. One is so we have somewhere safe and normal to house the dogs, and so they can learn to be treated like family members, and to prep them for their next step - a forever family. We need someone to show care, love and compassion that the dogs may not have had before.
We need someone to help them learn to trust and have positive interaction with humans. If you think that leaving a dog isolated with only a bowl of food and water is fostering, then fostering is not for you. That is abuse and neglect. - April, San Antonio, Texas
April, thanks for writing in. Readers, if you have time, space and compassion, consider fostering a dog or a cat. Many times, the rescue group will provide medical care, food and other supplies. If you can't foster, consider a monetary donation. - Heloise
Pet Pal
Dear Readers: Meet Jake! Charlene G., via email, calls him "The Perfect Pet." He is a Cavachon - a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. Jake looks right at home on his comfy bed in the kitchen!
To see Jake and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week." To share your fuzzy, furry and funny friend, email a picture and description to: HeloiseHeloise.com. - Heloise
Sun Bleach
Dear Heloise: I dislike plastic that stains red, such as cutting boards that I have cut red onions or red peppers on. Also, rubber scrapers that I've used with spaghetti sauce get stained orange as well.
I dried my pots, pans and plastic items on my sidewalk outside my door in the sunshine. Not only did the things get dry quickly, but also the red stains disappeared in a matter of about an hour or so! The sun had bleached out the stain - like brand new! Perhaps your readers can give this solar bleaching method a try! - Doug Z., Retired USAF CMSgt, Costa Mesa, Calif.
Tip Tip
Dear Heloise: I have noticed that several restaurants I support are hiring people to sanitize the tables and chairs between customers. My question: Should we be giving these folks who are sanitizing a cash tip? - Nancy in Ohio
Nancy, great question. Usually when someone provides a service, a tip is appropriate. But be sure to ask restaurant management what their policy is. - Heloise
Hint From Him
Dear Heloise: Summertime in the South brings love bugs! The water hose and used dryer sheets will take the bugs off your car safely. - John, via email
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to HeloiseHeloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate