Personalities of playful pets please people

Dear Readers: Anyone who shares his or her life with a pet knows there is a lot of personality behind those lovable eyes, playful antics and curious expressions. Pets know how to use every adorable trait to their best advantage! Most pets are wonderful to come home to after a long day.

My Saturday column is all about pets, and each week we also choose a cute or funny “Pet Pal” photo that readers have sent. You can see them all on my Web site, www.heloise.com, by clicking on “Pets,” then checking out “Pet of the Week.”

This week we have a precious photo of Bailey, a schnauzer-looking puppy, staring straight into the camera with eyes open and ears perky. Arline Benes Nenni of Goffstown, N.H., says: “There’s nothing shy about him! He’s always ready, willing and able.” Do you have a favorite photo of your pet “smiling”? Would you like to share it? Mail it to: Heloise/Pets, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Please include your pet’s name, age and breed or mix, if you can. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I live with two dogs and a cat, and all three have multiple pet tags on their collars. It can get quite noisy, especially when they play and chase each other. I cut a piece of adhesive-backed felt to fit the tag and stuck it on the back of one tag that touches the other one. Everyone appreciates the quiet, even our pets. Brian, Levittown, N.Y.

Dear Heloise: There are so many pets in shelters that need help. If you don’t have room for a rescue dog or cat but want to contribute, give to a local pet-rescue organization in your pet’s name.

My dogs have all had “adopted” shelter buddies. The feedback is great, and now many of our friends and neighbors are doing the same. Joanne, Spring Branch, Texas

Dear Heloise: To help our new puppy sleep soundly through the first few nights away from its litter mates and mother, we used an alarm clock, tucked in an old towel, in the puppy’s bed. The ticking sound simulated the mother’s heartbeat and helped the puppy calm down. An old watch could work, too. Just be sure it ticks loud enough to be heard. Avery in Virginia

Dear Heloise: First of all, my dog, Scruffy, is my baby. I’ve owned many dogs through the years, but this one is extra-special to me.

In addition to his regular walking leash, I keep an extra leash upstairs next to the bedroom door (just in case we should ever have to evacuate due to a fire) and downstairs behind the sofa. This way, in case of an emergency, I don’t have to run around looking for a way to keep him with me. Deb Leonard, Huntsville, Ala.

King Features Syndicate