HELOISE Make sure outdoor dog has warm home

Dear Readers: If you can't keep your dog indoors during the winter, then make sure you have a doghouse that will keep it warm and comfy during those cold nights. You can actually make one or have one made that will provide the proper shelter for your pet. Make sure you make it large enough for your pet to sit, stand and lie down, but not too large, as you want it cozy to keep in the dog's body heat.
UKeep the house raised up on blocks, or attach wooden legs at least 4 inches off the ground.
UThe roof and sides should be covered with black tar paper, the same paper used under house shingles.
UDon't use old rugs or towels as bedding -- hay is recommended. Rugs and cloth tend to freeze and stay wet. Put a lip on the front of the opening to keep the bedding inside.
UPut the door to the side of the front, rather than in the middle, and attach a rubber floor mat over the door at the top. Works like a "doggy door" to keep the wind and cold out.
Taking a bit of time to make the doghouse comfy and warm will let your pet enjoy the outdoors. Heloise
Dear Readers: Ida Mae Dykema of Morrison, Ill., owns two beautiful white cats named Tommy and Babe. They are seen in a photo she sent posing like statues, both looking up in the same direction. Ida never did find out what they were both looking at.
Send your unusual, fun pet photo to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, to see the photo. Heloise
Dear Heloise: An inexpensive cat carrier can be made with two plastic laundry baskets. Simply put the two open sides together and attach on one side.
After putting your cat in, attach the other side (you can use strong twist-ties). It's perfect for a trip to the vet. It's roomy, plus it opens and closes easily. Helen B., Via E-mail
FYI: Before throwing cans and lids in the recycle bin, rinse them out thoroughly and then put them in the container. It doesn't take much time, and it could save an animal's life.
Raccoons especially love to pick through trash, as well as dogs. If you don't want animals around the house, keep the scent of food away. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I get magazines with stories about animals, whether domestic or wild, I save them.
My veterinarian appreciates all of them -- he puts them in his waiting room. Before I take them to him, I remove my address labels. There are so many interesting stories and lots of great information for people to read. It makes a long visit seem to go by faster when we read about our furry friends. R.S., Minneapolis
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate