Portable fence keeps pets safe on the road

Dear Heloise: We travel with two small Chihuahuas, 4 and 7 pounds. They make a great doorbell. Here are our ideas: Always clean up after your pet, no matter what size. We use a portable fence so they can play around us without a leash, but we never leave them alone. Be sure to carry all their papers, as state laws vary. Retired in a Motor Home, via e-mail

It seems a lot of readers travel with their pets and have great hints and stories to share. Heloise

Dear Readers: Christine Pullen of Fultonville, N.Y., sent a photo of her dog, Brittany, in the bathtub. She says: “Brittany jumped into the bathtub during a recent thunderstorm. She usually isn’t afraid of storms, but the loudness scared her. She was stray and pregnant when we got her. She had six beautiful black Lab mix puppies.”

Visit www.Heloise.com to see Brittany in the bathtub. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I just read the hint in today’s Abilene (Texas) Reporter-News about collecting loose cat litter with a box outside the cat box. I’ve been doing this, but here’s my hint: I use the top half of a takeout pizza box, cutting or tearing it off at the perforation on the hinge. Using the top allows me to slip it right under the edge of the litter box. Also, sprinkling baking soda in the box lid helps to keep it dry and a bit cleaner.

We really enjoyed having you in Abilene last year, and above my husband’s desk is the picture of him and your husband watching you in your Russian motorcycle in front of the Grace Museum. Lynn Bennett, Abilene, Texas

I had fun, too! Giving rides around town to people who came to hear me speak at your lovely museum was just plain fun. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, to see me on Svetyanla, the motorcycle with a sidecar. Heloise

Dear Heloise: A recent column mentioned a dog wearing a collar and how tags could get caught in something and strangle the dog. It was recommended by the reader that the collar be removed when the dog is in the house.

I removed my dog’s collar. Within the hour, someone came to the door, and she dashed out into the street without her dog tags. What if she’d gotten lost?

I looked online and found “breakaway” pet collars and immediately ordered one for my dog. This way, if she does happen to get out, she will still have her collar and tags on. Stan Faye, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: We have a poodle named Maggie Car Two and call her Car Two. She is an exact replica of my first poodle, Maggie. Car Two is the radio call designation for the junior officer or second patrol car on any particular beat for the Dallas Police Department. Douglas Collins, Dallas

XSend 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