Unhook leash while dog is in enclosed area

Dear Heloise: I wanted to contact you to let you know that my puppy was strangled last week by her leash while unattended in our vehicle. I'm trying to spread the word and warn people about this danger so that it can be prevented in the future.
I would really like to help ensure that her death was not a waste and that other dogs' lives can be saved if their leash is simply unhooked while unattended in an enclosed area.
I wish someone would have put the idea in our heads that leaving the leash on a dog while unattended is dangerous and should be avoided. Most people keep the leash attached to prevent the dog from darting out of the vehicle, and to allow more control. The leash can be reattached before the dog exits the vehicle. Andrea W., Colorado Springs, Colo.
Andrea, I am very sorry for your loss. If this happened to your puppy, unfortunately it might have happened to others. Folks, never leave a leash on your pet when he or she is unattended in a car, in the yard or even at home -- the leash could snag and cause harm. I, too, hope this letter helps to remind everyone of these dangers. Heloise
Dear Readers: Judith Weinstein of Flemington, N.J., sent in a photo of Punim, her 11-year-old, half-Siamese cat, playing peekaboo out of an opening in her cat condo.
Go to www.Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week to see the photo of Punim! Heloise
Dear Heloise: My husband and I had four ferrets -- it was like living with a circus. They are so much fun, but very curious, much more so than a cat. We would advise anyone who is going to obtain a ferret to first get a book on raising ferrets and make sure you have a vet who knows about caring for them.
Ferret-proof your house, making sure there are no holes or small places your ferret can get into where you can't get to it. Ferrets like to play hide-and-you-go-seek. Also, they like to eat a lot of small meals and drink a lot of water, so that has to be available to them at all times. Only approved ferret food is advisable -- not cat food.
It is better if you can obtain two instead of one. They get lonely if they are by themselves, and they are not good pets for small children under 10. They also take a great deal of time, patience and lots of love. Ferrets are considered exotic pets, so veterinarian bills can be expensive. A Reader, via e-mail
Two of us in Heloise Central have had several ferrets, and both agree that they are darling little scamps, but they do need attention and care. One of ours, Fanny Farkel, used to take the insoles out of my boots and hide them who knows where! Heloise
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