Getting a guinea pig? Be ready to care for it

Dear Readers: A new movie was recently released featuring animated guinea pigs. This probably will result in families looking to add a guinea pig to their household. You should do your research before you bring one home! Guinea pigs can live five to seven years and require regular veterinary care, just like other house pets. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you buy one:

UThey are nocturnal creatures (noisy at night, chewing and chirping, which may keep you or your kids awake).

UThey don’t have flexible backs (so they should never be put in those “hamster balls” seen in the movies).

UThey cannot jump, so they must be protected from falling off beds and couches.

UThey are susceptible to mites and lice.

UThey need to be spayed or neutered, like dogs and cats.

UThey must be housed in a large cage that should be cleaned often.

UThey prefer to be kept in pairs (unneutered males will fight).

UThey need to be fed raw fruits and veggies to supplement their dry food.

Rescue groups get hundreds of piggies turned in each year from people who weren’t aware of the commitment required to care for a large rodent. Heloise

Dear Readers: Judy Dirks of Hutchinson, Kan., sent a photo of her brown-and-white cat, Corky, sitting in the sink with his two front paws out on the counter. Judy says: “Corky is my shadow and pal. He is always checking on me when I get up in the morning and go into the bathroom — he sits in the sink while keeping watch. He’s 10 pounds of huggable, loving companionship!”

To see Corky in the sink, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: We have two dogs, a border collie and an Australian shepherd. They are wonderful and full of energy. Their favorite toy is the cardboard center from toilet paper or paper towels. We toss it in the air, and they play catch and tug of war until it shreds. I bought them $6 dog toys, and they only like the cardboard ones. Janice S., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I have yet another litter-box idea, which my neighbor introduced to me. Take a hard-plastic storage box and cut a U-shaped opening in the side. The sides are high enough to keep the litter in, and my cat loves the extra space. I use a translucent box; another neighbor got one to match her room. The “inventor” neighbor — who has multiple cats — cut openings in each end to allow one cat to exit while another enters. In all cases, the cats love it, and the mess is greatly reduced. Jane V., Jacksonville, Fla.

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