Don’t forget to pack for pets traveling over the holidays

Dear Readers: Is your pet a part of your upcoming travel plans for the holidays? Be sure you pack for your pet, too!

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• Bedding and a blanket, especially if your pet is elderly.

• Bowls for food and water — and bottled water for the trip.

• Food and treats — be sure to measure enough for the number of days and a little extra.

• Medications and a copy of vet records.

• And remember, many cities have laws against animal droppings being left behind — so take along a pooper scoop or plastic bags from the newspaper or the store. Heloise

P.S.: We also bring along a few of Cabbie’s toys!

Dear Readers: Marie Martin of Oakland, Maine, sent a photo of her all-white (except for black and brown markings on his head) cat, Hobie-com, looking like he is waiting for it to be his turn on the computer. Marie says, “Hobie came to us as a stray and loves the computer, and he watches every move on the screen.”

Visit www.Heloise.com to see Hobie online! Heloise

Dear Readers: Here is a helpful pet hint to make a low-cost, warm, comfy bed using plastic grocery-store bags and foam peanuts. Loosely stuff plastic bags with foam peanuts and tie the handles together. You can put these in a pillowcase or a dog-bed cover. When the peanuts squash down, just refill with bags of fresh foam peanuts. Heloise

Dear Heloise: If you raise birds, you should only put proper bird nesting material (not cotton balls or dryer lint) in their cage. You can buy the bedding at any pet store. I was raising zebra finches, and many times they would have six babies at a time. I started putting puppy food (dry, moistened with water) in the cage to help the mother and father feed the babies. They were all healthy and happy! Kelly in Colorado

Dear Heloise: Don’t leave the washing-machine lid open — cats have been known to slip inside! Always close the lid, or check that kitty isn’t napping inside. Our cat was missing and was finally found in the machine. The same thing could happen in the dryer, so check both machines when your cat is missing if you are in the habit of leaving the lids open. Rachel in Texas

Dear Heloise: Years ago, I was having trouble with animals getting into my trash can. Even though I never saw them, I was told it was raccoons. One night, I had the cabinet open as I was taking the trash bag out of the can. I spotted the red pepper. I still shake some in the bag every time I put the trash out.

I’ve always said the raccoons have spread the word not to go near that crazy lady’s trash. Crazy Lady, Hyattsville, Md.

SBlt 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