HELOISE Fido will enjoy animal-friendly office

Dear Readers: Last June 24 was "Take Your Dog to Work Day." Next year it's June 23, but you don't have to wait until next year. If you have an employer and office that are animal-friendly, here are some valuable hints from Pet Sitters International to help you, Fido and the office have a great experience:
UCheck with your co-workers and supervisor to make sure no one is opposed to your bringing Fido to work.
UMake sure they animal-proof the office, removing plants that might be poisonous, hiding computer wires and putting toxic items out of reach.
UHave a clean, freshly groomed pet.
UBring food and water. Feed your pet during lunch to allow time for a potty break.
UUse treats to reward your dog throughout the day, and let co-workers feed Fido treats so they might bond with your canine. Supervise the giving of all treats.
UDon't feed your dog in the morning or leave doggie's bowl out all day, because this can lead to excessive potty breaks. A good rule of thumb to avoid accidents is to give your dog water and then take a potty break about 15 minutes later. Do this in the morning and at noon.
UBe prepared for potty mishaps. Bring cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, disinfectant, doggie "doo" bags, etc.
UBring a pallet or a portable kennel. Heloise
P.S. Heloise Central is animal-friendly, and we have shared our office space in the past with ferrets, two cockatiels, a blue-and-gold parrot, a military macaw and now our office mascot, Cabbie the mini-schnauzer.
Dear Readers: Elsie Norden of Walnut, Ill., sent us a photo of her cat, Kitty, lying right next to a sign that states: "Every birdie Welcome." I guess she is the welcoming "comm-kittee," saying, "Come one, come all."
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see it. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have a house of many cats and window shades that draw up and down with strings. To keep the cats from tearing them down while the strings are long, I use one of the hair clamps that are popular nowadays -- they have little "fingers" that come together. You can buy most any color to match your drapes or curtains, and in most cases you can clamp the string together and hide it behind the curtain. ReDonna Leppla, via e-mail
Dear Readers: If you are thinking about getting a new puppy, be sure to do a little research first. It's important to know everything about the breed you are considering. Some breeds are very energetic; some aren't. Many require special care, like grooming, etc. It's better to find out about as many traits as possible before, instead of after, you get that new little bundle and fall in love. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate