HELOISE Vase fish aren't meant to feed on roots alone

Dear Readers: A few years ago, Siamese fighting fish -- also known as Betta fish -- living in vases with the roots of a plant suspended in the water were all the rage! We thought that it was a fad that was going to pass, but it hasn't.
For those thinking of buying one and keeping it in a vase, please make sure you feed it Betta fish food. According to several pet stores that specialize in aquarium fish, the Bettas slowly starve to death if left alone in the container with just the roots to nibble on. They can live up to several months without food, but would you want to nibble to live like this?
Before buying the fish, make sure you get information about them from the pet store. For those who have computers, you can get information online. Go to your favorite search engine and type in "Betta" -- you'll find lots of sites. Heloise
P.S. Or call your library's reference desk, and someone there will get all the information you need.
Dear Readers: With the holidays around the corner, those of us who own pets should take precautions to keep them safe. There are quite a few things that can be dangerous to pets, especially during Christmas. Thanks to Towne North Animal Hospital here in San Antonio for sending me the following information:
UWhen decorating the tree, if using tinsel, make sure every bit is removed from the floor. Also, glass ornaments and spray snow should be out of reach. Since there are usually more extension cords used during the holidays, tack them down or cover them.
UKeep chocolate away from dogs -- it can be very harmful, even fatal, especially in large quantities, but a small dog, like a Chihuahua, can die from just a small amount of baking chocolate!
UAnd one last thing: Make sure poisonous plants such as dieffenbachia, holly, mistletoe and philodendron are kept away from the reach of pets -- the plants are toxic. Heloise
Dear Readers: Dot Lemme of Universal City, Texas, sent a photo of her cat peeking out from Christmas wrappings. She says Opie enjoys opening gifts, including his own. He was adopted from the Converse Animal Shelter. He is adorable with his bright eyes looking at the camera. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, to see cute little Opie. Heloise
Dear Readers: What small animal from the African deserts and Asia lives in burrows, has large eyes and long back legs, eats seeds and grains, and is nocturnal?
1. Ferret
2. Sugar glider
3. Gerbil
4. Hamster
The answer is No. 3. Gerbils are cute little creatures that are quite popular as pets. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Do you find that your pet's canned food sticks to the dish, especially after the food dries for a while? There is a very easy way to remove the food without having to soak or scrub. Simply spray the inside with vegetable spray before putting the food in. It can't hurt your pet, and it certainly makes the job of washing the dishes much easier. Sally in Seattle
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate