Doggone good hints keep pets safe

Dear Readers: The holidays are almost here, which means it is time to think about making a reservation if you will be going out of town and needing to board your pet. Here are some doggone good hints to help you select a boarding facility.

• In an emergency, will there be a vet on call? Is written proof of vaccination and shot records required of all boarders? This helps to protect your pet from catching something from another guest boarder.

• Visit in the morning to see the care the staff gives boarders when it is feeding and cage-cleaning time.

• Tour the area where your pet will be kept. Notice the cleanliness of the whole facility and the types and sizes of cages.

• Will they provide food, or will you have to bring food for your pet?

• Ask about the routine for boarders — how often and how long are they walked; when are they fed; do they have access to a dog run, and how often are cages cleaned?

• If your pet is going to be boarded for a while, have a friend or family member check on it, and call the facility to check up.

Remember to make reservations far enough in advance so you will be assured a place. Heloise

P.S.: We take Cabbie’s pillow and a few favorite toys when we board her, plus a T-shirt that I’ve worn.

Dear Readers: Virginia C. Reilly of Ocean, N.J., sent in a photo of her daughter’s two black-and-white dogs, Zoey (the small one) and Eva (the larger dog). They are embroiled in a hearty game of tug of war! Virginia says, “Zoey always wins the challenge!”

Visit www.Heloise.com to see Zoey and Eva tugging away! Heloise

Dear Heloise: Our son lost his beloved dog Angus and had about given up hope. He got a call asking if he had found his dog. When he said no, the caller said she thought she had, and indeed, she had! What we did do was go to the Internet. Angus was found because we posted his picture and relevant information online, and someone saw it and called my son. There are several Internet searches to help find lost pets that are great resources. Donna Wigley, Dallas

Dear Heloise: Recently, your column mentioned a solution for getting cat hair off furniture.

My cat is a Cornish Rex, with very short, wavy hair. I groom her with a sticky roller and then use a clean roller sheet for her “favorite” place on the back of the couch. Works great! Kathy Wood, Dallas

Dear Heloise: When my husband and I moved overseas with our dog, I took a clean old sheet and put it between us in bed overnight. Then I took that sheet to put in our dog’s kennel on the flight. Kathy Dees, Fayetteville, Ark.

King Features Syndicate