HELOISE Washing machine was not the cat's meow

Dear Heloise: I am writing in regard to leaving the lid open on the washing machine after use. I did this as a routine thing.
One night, we realized we had not seen our old cat for a while. After searching the house, I told my husband to look in the washing machine. She had gotten in there and the lid fell down, trapping her. I remember seeing her sleeping in there once before.
We were going to be gone for the weekend and would hate to think what could have happened. Mary Lou S., Kingsbury, Texas
This is not the cat's meow! In fact, several letters have come in with this same tale! Washers as well as dryers are a danger for cats.
One reader said her cat was sleeping in the dryer. She had no idea when she took the clothes from the washer, threw them in the dryer and turned it on. She heard him and immediately opened the door. He jumped out and was all right but was very frightened.
So, please, always close the doors when you finish the laundry if you have a cat -- it might save your pet's life. Heloise
Dear Readers: Carl and Marilyn Legassey of Winslow, Maine, sent a photo of their beautiful 3-year-old Maine coon cat, Sweetpea, sitting on a chair (with her pillow). She's watching her favorite team on television, the Boston Red Sox.
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see cute Sweetpea. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Readers: Are you looking for a purebred dog? Did you know there are rescue groups for almost every breed?
You might not find young puppies -- they are usually "teens" or adults, mostly dogs given up for various reasons or rescued from an abusive environment.
They aren't free (there is a donation requested), but the cost is not nearly as much as buying a pedigreed dog. It usually covers shots plus spaying or neutering.
Visit www.Petfinder.com to see what organizations are in your area. Also, the American Kennel Club has a Web page about specific breeds and links to rescue services. The Web page is www.akc.org/breeds -- you'll find lots of information. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Would you like lots of birds visiting your back yard? If so, consider a dripper this spring and summer. It's a hose with lots of tiny holes in it. All you have to do is attach it to your water hose and place it where you would like to see the birds. They love to bathe and drink from it.
It will attract all kinds of birds, large and small. Be sure to have feeders nearby, as well as a couple of birdhouses. We have families of birds living and eating in our yard, and they give us hours of enjoyment. Janice J., Via E-mail
Dear Readers: Please check your puppy's collar often during its growing stage. A puppy grows so fast that if a collar is left on, it can cause serious damage to its neck.
When checking for size, slip two fingers in between the collar and your dog's neck. When two fingers no longer fit, change the size. Heloise
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