Hints help if pet vacations with you

Dear Readers: Have you decided to take your pet with you when you go on your vacation this year? Well, the good news is that there are many hotels that allow pets, so check where you will be staying. Also, be sure to check with friends or relatives — don’t assume that it will be OK to bring your pet.

Take pets on short trips to get them used to the car slowly, especially if you are going on a long trip.

It’s usually best to crate pets. Dog harnesses (that can be attached to seat belts) can be bought at pet stores. Cats are best crated so they don’t jump out of the vehicle or get injured.

Put two collars with identification on your pet when traveling, just in case one falls off. And please include an area code and phone number of someone who can be reached as well as your cell phone number. A reader said she included the name and phone number where they were staying just in case of a lost pet.

Hopefully, these hints are helpful and all will be well! Heloise

Dear Heloise: My granddaughters gave me a black puppy who is a Lhasa apso and poodle mix. My husband was very much against it, as we have been married 59 years and never had a pet.

He works part time, and he went to the shop telling everyone we had a new puppy. He was asked what kind it was. Well, he could not remember, so he told them the first thing that popped into his mind, which was, “He’s half poodle and half laptop!” Everyone died laughing. We decided his name had to be Lap Top after that.

He lives up to his name, because as soon as I sit down in my recliner, he jumps up in my lap. I must tell you that Lap Top has stolen my husband’s heart — he takes Lap Top with him everywhere he goes. Maridell Johanson, La Vernia, Texas

Dear Readers: Joyce DeShazo of Elkhart, Texas, sent a photo of her granddog Sierra, a 6-month-old chocolate Lab puppy, watching a baseball game on TV. Joyce says: “She enjoys cartoons, but will settle for baseball, especially if it is her home team, the Phillies! She is from Glenmoore, Pa., and lives with my daughter and son-in-law, and she is a little bundle of joy!”

To see Sierra enjoying the baseball game, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Readers: Many of us use potpourri to scent our homes. Liquid potpourri used in simmering pots is often made with ingredients that could be toxic to pets. If they walk through and lick or put their paws in the liquid, they could get very sick! If your pet has ingested potpourri, take it to the veterinarian immediately! The best prevention is to keep these liquid potpourris out of the reach of all pets and children! Heloise

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