HELOISE Pillows make great beds for animal friends
Dear Heloise: I have four standard-size bed pillows that I no longer use for sleeping, but I hate to throw them away. Any suggestions on what can be done with them? A.B., via e-mail
Yes, lots of suggestions, and they are for our animal friends! Bed pillows make wonderful pet beds, and they can work for both small and large dogs, as well as cats!
For smaller-breed dogs and cats, one standard-size pillow is the perfect-size bed. Cover it with an old pillowcase or fabric. Larger-breed dogs might need two or more standard-size pillows -- put them side by side and cover with a piece of material wrapped around and a few large stitches underneath. These covers are easy to remove and wash.
If you don't own a pet, you might want to see if an animal shelter would like the pillows. Shelters can use so many things, such as old towels, blankets, newspapers, etc. Always call shelters first before donating any items. Heloise
Dear Readers: Deb Sugg of Midland, Mich., sent a photo of her little miniature schnauzer, Binga, a certified therapy dog. The photo she sent shows Binga, with her little purple poodle skirt and matching purple collar, ready to go on a therapy visit. I bet she brightens up the days of all the people she visits. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see this adorable little schnauzer. Heloise
Dear Heloise: My brother has a beautiful black Lab who is gentle and loving, yet fast and athletic. Her favorite activity is playing fetch, and she is constantly picking up twigs and broken tree limbs to play with.
One afternoon, a neighbor was playing fetch with the dog, and as she jumped in midair to catch the stick, the pointed end went into her mouth and pierced through her esophagus.
After an expensive trip to the veterinarian, my brother was told that it would cost $2,500 for surgery. He couldn't afford this and opted to take her home and let her heal naturally with some antibiotics. She's now doing better and is alert.
Please remind readers that they should play fetch with dog toys designed specifically for this purpose. Sticks and branches are just too dangerous! A reader, via e-mail
It only takes one mishap to make us aware of potential hazards. Too many accidents happen when pets play with objects that are potentially dangerous. You're right! Stick to safe toys and help prevent accidents with your beloved pets. Heloise
When buying a pet bird, before taking it home, make sure its flight feathers are clipped. They should be trimmed periodically by an avian veterinarian to help prevent accidents, such as flying into fans or boiling water, out open windows, etc. It's important to keep this up for your bird's safety. Heloise
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.
King Features Syndicate