Dear Heloise: I was at a big-box retailer this morning and saw the most adorable sight: a woman with a little dog in a zipped-up, self-contained stroller!
These strollers are too cute! - Helen R. in Oklahoma
Helen, aren't they? These pet strollers have become popular, and they have many features and benefits. Let's take a look.
Crafted as a baby stroller but designed specifically for small domestic animals, these strollers normally come fully assembled, and with a safety brake for the rear wheels. Other features?
A waterproof liner, because things happen.
Mesh windows for the side and front, to see and be seen.
Cup holders, seat belts, undercarriage basket for storage.
Prices can range from between about $50 to over $200. These strollers will allow you to safely take your dog or cat with you almost wherever you go.
Check with local ordinances and COVID regulations as to whether your furry friend can accompany you indoors, stroller or not. - Heloise
Pet Pal
Dear Heloise: Here's our new puppy Georgie. She's a very sweet Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu and Poodle). - Eileen M., via email
Readers, would you like to see Georgie and our other Pet Pals? Visit Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week."
Do you have a funny and furry friend to share? Email a picture and description to [email protected]. - Heloise
We Will Get You Home
Dear Heloise: I work as a bartender. As the country opens up more and we venture back into restaurants and bars, I have a message. If you're on a date with someone and you don't feel comfortable, things aren't going well or you don't feel safe, let a staff member, your server or the bartender know.
We are trained for this exact scenario. We will call you a ride-sharing service or a cab, and we will keep you safe. Please inform your readers. - Lindsey S. in Texas
Hornet Helper
Dear Heloise: Previous patio problems with hornets building nests in the corners out there have left me with this idea: I took a rinsed-out gallon milk jug and tightly wrapped a rope around it, resembling a hornet's nest. I hung it in the corner of the patio.
Hornets are extremely territorial, and I fooled them into thinking another nest is already established there!
Humane and safe, albeit a little odd, it works for my family! If someone is handy with the crochet needle, they could crochet a cover over the milk jug instead of using rope. - Candace T. in Pennsylvania
Drip Dry
Dear Heloise: I like to use cloth shower curtains and then I buy a fabric inner liner - the kind of fabric that dries quickly. But after a short while, the bottom of my liner always started to get mildewed.
The black spots never go away, even with bleach, and I was replacing the liners often. I decided the problem was that the sewn hem was holding moisture.
I cut off the hem, leaving a raw edge. Now my shower curtain liner drip dries evenly, and no more mildew or black spots. It doesn't really unravel, and it looks fine. I haven't had to replace this one yet! - Fran M. in Washington, D.C.
King Features Syndicate