HELOISE: Here’s a guide to guide dogs

Dear Readers: Most of us who are animal lovers probably want to reach out and pet a guide dog, but please don’t if it is in work mode — unless you get permission from the dog’s owner. Here are a few hints about guide dogs:

When the dog is in a harness, the dog is working and should not be distracted.

Never call out to or tease a guide dog.

Teach kids that guide dogs are busy helping people and doing their job.

If you have the chance to chat with the person using the animal, wait until he or she is at a stopping point, and the person will probably be happy to speak with you.

Don’t offer treats or snacks.

Service animals are allowed by law to accompany people anywhere the general public is permitted, so don’t be surprised if you see a guide dog in a restaurant.

Heloise

P.S.: There are all types of service animals; I’d love to hear from readers who may have one.

Dear Readers: Arline Benes Nenni of Goffstown, N.H., sent a photo of Welley, her Scottish terrier, sitting at the table. Arline says, “Wellington [‘Welley’] always seems to have his tongue out.” He is sitting next to her grandson Justin.

To visit the “boys,” go to www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: No matter how well-behaved and how trained your dog is, cakes, sweets and salty snacks such as chips are a great temptation for dogs. I’ve even come home to find the butter on the floor from my dog knocking it off the counter!

If you have these on your counter and are planning a trip out, stow the goodies in the microwave so the dog can’t get at them.

Nancy in New Hampshire

Dear Heloise: My cats get treats every so often, but the cat treats are very expensive. I use a good-quality dry cat food as a treat, and trade some with a neighbor who has a cat, too.

Florence, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: First-aid kits often contain gel-type ice packs. Be careful, because a beloved pet could mistake these for chew toys. Try to not leave them lying about.

Sandra in North Carolina

Dear Heloise: Large, square (so they don’t roll) trash cans make a good temporary shelter for dogs or cats. Add a towel or blanket, and put their food inside so it won’t get wet. A child’s plastic swimming pool draped over the can makes a sort of “covered porch”!

A Reader in Louisiana

Dear Heloise: When my Labrador was a puppy, we taught him to fetch the newspaper from the driveway and bring it to the kitchen door. One day when he brought us the paper, he went away and brought us another paper! He had gone to our neighbor’s driveway and retrieved that paper, too!

Jean in California

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