HELOISE Include information about pets in case of an emergency

Dear Heloise: In one of your columns, you shared information about writing down emergency contacts in case something happened to you. I wanted to mention that this should also include information about pets that are at home and might need care if you are in the hospital, etc. Ideally you should have a friend, family member, pet sitter or neighbor who has access to your home and can care for your pets while you are unexpectedly gone.
Also, you should leave a note in your home with information about your pets in case of fire -- so that rescue personnel know to look for your pets in an emergency, can call them by name or are aware of a favorite hiding place. S.M.K.D., via e-mail
Dear Heloise: I have had a fish tank for several years now. One of the algae eaters had really gotten large -- too large for the tank. So I wasn't sure what to do. I called a local pet store, and an employee told me that I could "exchange" him for a smaller one.
The next problem: How was I going to get him to the store? Then a friend suggested using a small ice chest. Well, it worked perfectly (it's not too far to the pet store). I was able to exchange him, and now my new little guy fits much better into the tank. A Fish Fan, via e-mail
Dear Readers: Lola Fae Showers of Pleasanton, Texas, sent us a picture of her dachshund, Rusty. Encouraged by her doctor and several friends to get a dog for companionship, Lola was given Rusty by a dear person who lives nearby. Here's what she had to say about her little friend:
"I had also hoped that he would act as a watchdog for me. He jumps up on the couch, peers through the window and watches everything that comes and goes. Often he tells them off, just to make sure he is doing his duty. Rusty is a very special dog and gives more love and kisses then I've ever received from all the dogs I've owned in my 70 years."
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see Rusty. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/PetPal, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279.
Our female miniature schnauzer, Cabernet (Cabbie), also does her share of guard duty. We always know when there are deer in the yard because Cabbie alerts us with an extremely high-pitched bark. We call her the "park ranger," as she keeps all the wildlife in line. Heloise
King Features Syndicate