Helpful advice for finding a lost pet

Dear Heloise: I've enjoyed your column for about 15 years now -- keep up the good work!
I read the hints about finding a lost pet -- putting up fliers, etc., and wanted to add my own 2 cents.
Good: Call your local police department and ask if your pet has been turned in or reported loose anywhere. You might also want to check any neighboring towns.
Better: Ask where impounded animals are taken and call the place directly.
Best: Find out where impounded animals are taken and go there in person to look for your pet. You might need to check several times in the course of a few days, since not all pets seem to want to be picked up, but it's worth it to find your beloved pet.
Unfortunately, missing paperwork, misidentified animals and unhelpful people do occur from time to time.
Another idea is microchipping. A small microchip is implanted under the skin. It carries a unique number that can be read with a scanner. It's a very helpful tool if your pet loses his or her collar. Nancy from N.J.
Good advice for locating a lost pet. Depending on where you live -- large city or small community -- the local law-enforcement agency might be able to point you in the right direction. Heloise
Dear Readers: Niki Warren of Jacksonville, Fla., sent in a photo of her Italian greyhound, EmmaLee, who is always bringing Niki a token from her scavenger hunts outside. She brought a butterfly in her mouth to her shocked owner. The butterfly was still alive and tickling her tongue. After the photo was taken, the butterfly was released and flew away.
Go to www.Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week to see this adorable picture! Heloise
Dear Heloise: When opening cans (especially canned meat), remove the lid completely. I once left the lid on a can of tuna and tossed it into the trash. I heard a dog in distress. He had been licking the inside of the can, and his tongue was stuck between the lid and the edge of the can. He was panicking, but I managed to remove the can with little damage to his tongue.
Also, smash the small yogurt containers so animals don't get their snouts stuck. Regina Thompson, via e-mail
Be sure to put a sharp lid inside the can and smash the can as well. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Well, here's how I solved my squirrel problem. I have hanging bird feeders and a pole feeder, but my squirrels have a special place on the ground, at the base of a big elm tree in my back yard. I bought plastic trays that go under flowerpots, filled one with water and the other two with squirrel food. They play around and up and down the tree, and never bother my bird feeders or birdbath. B. Davison, Springfield, Mo.
Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
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