Disobedient pet could have caused a tragedy

Dear Heloise: We saw a tragedy in the making during the morning rush hour today and thought of a hint to prevent/remedy it.
Traffic on a busy street was stopping because a woman was running around a major intersection chasing her pug dog. He was refusing to come to her, and we were terrified for her and the dog. All this was happening at 7:45 a.m. near a busy school. She had people helping chase the dog, but my heart ached for her, and I started thinking about what our miniature schnauzer would do, because he's also not very obedient.
I came up with the following: Carry a few of your dog's favorite treats/bones in a plastic bag in the car, along with a length of rope in case of a broken leash. If your dog escapes the car, you might be able to lure him back with the treats. Lisa Cadman, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Well, I sure hope she was able to catch her dog! Always keep your dog restrained -- have its leash on. You just never know when your pooch might make a run for it, and with all the traffic noise, strange people, etc., you never know how your dog might react in this situation. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Almost three years ago, we looked out in the pasture and there was a dog out with the cows. She was obviously a stray, and very afraid of people. We'd put food out for her, but she continued to "live with the cows." She would even bed down at night up next to a momma cow. The calves all seemed to be her friends. During the next few months, she allowed us to get closer and closer to her, to the point that now she loves coming in at night and sleeping on the couch! The family named her Bovina Canina! We just call her Bovina most of the time. Toni Taylor, via e-mail
Toni, that's a wonderful story and photo. We are going to share the photo, so everyone can see Bovina and the cows. Go to www.Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week to see the photo of Bovina with the cows! Also, if you have a great or unusual pet photo you'd like to share, send it to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Heloise
Dear Heloise: While cleaning my hamster's cage (her name is Binkie), I always used to oil her exercise wheel with a few drops of olive oil and a cotton swab. Here's a new way: Spray with vegetable spray or the like -- it's easy, and no mess. Jody in sunny San Diego
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