HELOISE Pet birds require responsible, loving care

Dear Heloise: A recent item in the pet section gives the impression that pet birds are easy to care for. It's true that pet birds can be much fun; however, many who acquire birds thinking that birds are easy to care for discover that they have more responsibility than they can handle.
I'm a member of a bird club that takes in and adopts out unwanted birds. We have six such birds, and there seems to be an unlimited number available. More tragic are the stories of pet birds, especially parakeets, that die far too soon because their owners do not take all the precautions necessary to assure their safety and well-being.
Pet birds are extra-sensitive to odors, vapors, cigarette smoke and drafts, and they are prone to stress when their routine is changed. They need fresh seed, pellets, vitamins, fruits and vegetables, and a lot of attention. They are NOT pets that can be left for others to care for when going on a trip. I've known of far too many birds that died while in someone else's care when the owner is on vacation.
No one should get a bird unless he or she is willing to learn all about its care and be dedicated to helping it live out its natural life span. Dick Mawby, Jamestown, N.D.
Dick, your letter will help many birds live long, happy and healthy lives. They do need care and attention, and you should not leave them alone for many days. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Those bone-shaped metal ID tags for dogs are dangerous. My terrier often sticks her head in the shower for a quick lick (who knows why -- we wipe down the shower each time, and there can't be more than a few drops of water left!). Her tag got caught in the shower-door channel, and she must have been tugging on it for hours before we found her. I threw that tag away! No problems at all with the new, round tag! Gwen Nichols, Washington
Dear Readers: Walt and Shirley Stockwell of Thornton, N.H., sent a photo of their English setter, Spenser, drinking out of a raised birdbath. They say their dog thinks the birdbath is his watering hole.
Visit my Web site, www.Hel-oise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see Spenser taking a drink. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I try to support the Animal Defense League in my city whenever I can, since that is where our precious cat, Skarlit Hunter, chose us as her adoptive family.
One of the donations they can always use is newspaper. Because of this, I occasionally ask for paper bags at the grocery store. They make very handy and easy-to-carry containers. I also make sure to separate the glossy sections of the newspapers, since they are not as absorbent, and recycle those at the bins at the nearby elementary school. Marc Sepeda, San Antonio
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