HELOISE: Without a shred of doubt, Royal saves the day

Dear Heloise: My cat, Royal, sleeps in the sunroom, which also doubles as my office, because he likes to start yowling at me to get up and feed him before dawn. One morning, I heard him meowing somewhat frantically and “knocking” on the door of the room, but thought he was just particularly hungry.

Later, at the usual time, I got up and started down the hall to let him out for breakfast, and as I got closer to the sunroom, I heard a loud noise. I realized it was the paper shredder running, and Roy was frantic. He had jumped up onto my office chair to sleep, and it had rolled against the shredder and turned it on. It may have been going for hours, because the motor was very hot. It was full of shredded paper and easily could have started a fire. I now save up the things I am going to shred, plug in the shredder, use it and unplug it immediately after use. Laurie, via e-mail

When pets act differently, they usually are trying to tell us something! Listen to them! Unplugging the shredder, when not in use, also is a good energy-saving tip. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I just hosted a gathering for my neighborhood association this past weekend. I am very upset that guests felt it was their responsibility to give my dogs treats from the buffet table. My dog was sick all day from an overload of “I only gave him one little piece.” Please remind people to be good guests and to not feed the host’s or hostess’s pets! Mark Porter, San Antonio

This is so true! We tell guests, “No people food for our Cabbie (a miniature schnauzer), ever!” She had had pancreatitis, and she almost died. Next time, make up little cards that say not to feed the dogs, or you could put the dogs in another room until after the dinner. Heloise

Dear Readers: Arline Benes Nenni sent in a photo of a Dalmatian, white with black spots, and the dog’s owner with an outfit that was black with white spots. Arline says, “I was seeing spots as I looked into the lens of my camera. This girl’s Dalmatian compliments her outfit very well, don’t you think?”

To see spots, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read the article about cleaning bird cages. I use regular vinegar in a spray bottle. The ratio I use in a 32-ounce bottle is half water and half vinegar. It is safe and refreshes the room, leaving it smelling feather-fresh. To be sure my eight parrots are not subjected to harsh chemicals, I also steam the cages clean monthly and use a steam mop for the floor. This has worked for me for years. Parrot Lover in Jacksonville, Fla.

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