Pets have a tendency to hide favorite items

Dear Heloise: Our cat Inkspot (named for the one black spot on his leg and also because we're writers) loves my nail polish. It's great to roll and swat, and it fits nicely in his mouth.
When we had to move the den sofa to have the carpet cleaned, we found a bunch of tennis and golf balls and several bottles of nail polish.
The irony is that he couldn't reach his secret stash any more than we could. But now I know where the nail polish has gone. I'm just grateful he doesn't wear it. Michele, via e-mail
Keeping stuff out of a pet's reach can be a challenge. One of my assistants said that when she was moving, she found many treats that her little dog, Sissy, had hidden for a rainy day! Heloise
Dear Heloise: When you let a pet outside, turn on the kitchen timer. When it goes off, it will remind you that your pet is outside. Many people forget. Josephine Boros, Lakewood, Ohio
This is especially important in the hot summer months. If you have an inside pet, don't leave it out for extended periods, as it might get overheated. Also, be sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade available. Heloise
Dear Readers: Jolene Motter of Kirksville, Mo., sent in a photo of her daughter's schnauzer, Cody, sleeping on the stairs. She says, "He is so cute and smart, and he always takes his naps on the stairs."
Wow, your Cody looks a lot like Cabbie, our miniature schnauzer. She usually naps on the recliner in our family room, and she likes to sleep with one of her many stuffed friends. She has a stuffed schnauzer that looks just like her, and when you see "them" cuddled up together, it requires a quick second look.
Go to my Web site, Heloise.com, and view the picture there. Just click on Pet of the Week. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Last week, I had to take my cat to the vet. I don't have a carrier, so I took a plastic clothes basket and put a big bath towel over it. Then I took duct tape and taped it around and over the top of the towel and basket. It was strong enough to hold kitty in, and when we got to the vet's office, I just undid one side of the tape. When we were done, I just stuck it back on the basket. It worked great! Vesta Boyer, Canadian, Texas
Dear Heloise: I have a hint for your readers who own pets that don't like to eat dried-out canned food. Rather than buying plastic can covers at the grocery store, I simply save and reuse the tops of nut canisters. The lids to the smoked-almond containers fit perfectly on the pet-food cans! Katie Heaton, Minneapolis
Send 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