Now ear this: Duct tape works on pets

Dear Heloise: A number of years ago, our basset hound had to have surgery on his long, long ears. The vet told us to keep his ears secured on the top of his head to allow for the blood flow to aid in healing. We tried numerous ways to secure his long, heavy ears in place, but to no avail.
Finally, good old duct tape to the rescue! With the OK from the vet, we taped Bo's ears together on top of his head. Worked like a champ! When we removed the tape, we pulled in the same direction the hair grew, and presto! Our lovable basset hound was beautiful again. Priscilla Wilson, Houston
We spoke to one of our favorite veterinarians, Dr. Tom Vice, and he said this would work fine. He did mention that duct tape doesn't breathe, so it should be changed every three to four days.
Don't you just love duct tape? We sure do here at Heloise Central! It has a multitude of uses around your home, so keep an eye out, as we are planning a couple of columns sharing readers' uses for good ol' duct tape. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have five cats. I go to yard sales and buy receiving blankets for them. I put the blankets on the sofa and in their beds. This makes a comfortable rest for the cats and keeps the sofa and beds a little cleaner. When the blankets are dirty, I just wash them. I have enough blankets so that when I wash some, I still have another set for a change. Virginia Washburn, Terre Haute, Ind.
Dear Readers: Susan and Gary Burgess of Midland, Mich., sent in a photo of their cat Fauxpaw. She is a polydactyl cat with a total of 26 toes! The photo shows her in her favorite playing pose. Susan says, "She is 16 months old and a delightful pet!" Visit my Web site, Heloise.com, and click on Pet of the Week to see Fauxpaw in action. Heloise
Dear Heloise: While growing up on a small farm in the country, our family pet was a collie-shep named Pal. When we played baseball, he was the outfielder; when we hit golf balls, he would retrieve them.
After a golf course was built in our neighborhood, Pal would lie waiting in the rough and "retrieve" the balls that were hit onto the green and bring them home. We became aware of his escapades when the owners of the golf course called us to complain. We found a stash of about 100 golf balls under the back porch. He really loved the sport. Elaine Schieffer, Prospect, Conn.
Dear Heloise: I have 12 bird feeders and four birdbaths. I buy cat litter in 20-pound plastic containers. When one is empty, I clean it and keep my bird food in it. I can take the containers to each bird feeder instead of lugging a big sack or having to take the bird feeders back and forth. Dorothy Stracener, Tyler, Texas
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