HELOISE: Give dogs new leash to fit their lifestyle

Dear Readers: What kind of leash might be best for you and your dog? Here is what our friends at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have to say on the subject:

Retractable leashes are best for romping in the park or in more open spaces. It can be difficult to control the dog in a small area, as I have found when taking Cabbie, my miniature schnauzer, to the vet.

Chain leashes are a good bet for a big dog that likes to chew or pull, even though they are heavy and not as easy to handle.

Leather leashes are durable and feel comfortable in human hands. (Plus they do look lovely.)

Nylon leashes are sturdy and durable but can leave a leash burn if they get wrapped around a leg or arm. So don’t use with an animal that is prone to pulling.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Bradford Roy Marker of Gastonia, N.C., sent an adorable photo of his 3-week-old miniature pinscher puppies, Walker, Princess, May West and Itty Bitty, caught in one of his work boots after a hard day’s work.

To see the pinscher bunch, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When my Siamese cat, Sassy, is in the bathroom and the door is closed, she sometimes grabs hold of the handle on the cabinet drawer next to the door, pulling it open and thereby making it impossible to open the bathroom door from the outside.

The only way for me to get inside is through a tiny opening, where I insert an ice pick into the side of the wooden drawer, edging it closed, and open the door.

I’ve had to do this many times, and I always use my ice pick!

Keri E., Sacramento, Calif.

Dear Heloise: My dog is pretty smart. She knows that when I get out the cheese and stand at the kitchen counter, she’s about to get a pill, but she seems to forget about the medicine and eagerly gobbles down the yummy cheese holding the pill. My other dog (not on medicine) gets a small piece of cheese also.

A Reader, via e-mail

Check with your vet about giving human food to your dog.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Please think twice before giving a child or an adult a pet as a surprise gift. Pets can be a lot of work and expense. The average yearly costs for a cat can be around $1,000; for dogs, depending on size and breed, the cost can run from $1,000 to more than $1,800 per year, and that’s in addition to any initial adoption fees. Many people love animals, but they may not be aware that animals need regular vet checkups and exercise; some may need a special diet, and they all should have some toys and a place to sleep. The list goes on.

Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate