HELOISE Puppies had their own toys to take with them into new homes

Dear Heloise: When my toy poodle, Delilah, had her puppies, I made a small toy poodle for each one of them and stuffed the toys with the usual polyester stuffing, along with some of Delilah's hair.
When the puppies went to their new homes, each one went with a little bit of Mommy's hair. We also rubbed the toys on the puppies, their mom and us to make familiar scents. It made for a very happy transition to the new families, and everyone loved the little toys. I made the toys to match the color of the puppies. They were a big hit. Shirley Casilli, Madison, N.J.
Oh, you have really made me smile! I'm sure the new owners and puppies had a very easy time. Thanks for sharing your wonderful hint. Heloise
Dear Readers: Helen Gasswint of Mesa, Ariz., sent a photo of her little miniature pinscher, Little Bit, and her cat, Kee Kee. The photo shows them sleeping together after a day of chasing each other. Helen says this is their usual sleeping arrangement.
Visit my Web site, www.Helois-e.com, to see this loving couple of cuties. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Just a word of caution for anyone using foot spray around caged birds: We had our bird in a cage in our bedroom. Not thinking about it, my husband used a foot spray near the bed.
When I went back into the room to vacuum, I noticed my little canary convulsing and dying on the bottom of the cage. The only thing it could have been from was the foot spray. I checked the can for any warnings, and not one word was printed. I did notice an odor of the spray, and I feel terrible that I didn't think fast enough to remove the cage, but if this letter is printed, hopefully other birds can be saved. Anonymous, Vashon, Wash.
I'm sorry to hear about your bird, and hopefully printing your letter will save other birds. It's a good idea to check any spray cans for warnings before using, not only for the danger to birds, but also for children and small animals. If there isn't anything on the label, be safe and call the 800 number that is usually printed on cans and ask. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here is a suggestion for giving a dog a bath: I bought a large plastic container, 34 inches long by 16 inches wide by 12 inches high, and put it on the floor next to my laundry sink. I connected a shower hose to the sink faucet, the kind that just slips over the faucet.
It works great for my English springer spaniel. When I'm finished bathing her, she gets out on a towel, then I finish drying her. Elaine from Minnesota
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