HELOISE: Special ways to remember our pets

Dear Heloise: I saw your recent column on creative memorials to pets loved and lost. I wanted to mention that I have planted trees in honor of pets, and placed some of their ashes in the hole before I put the tree in. Every time I look at the trees, I think of the dog or cat being part of the living tree now.

I also knew someone who, through the years, saved all the cute little neck scarves her groomer put on her dog before sending him home. When the dog died, she used those squares to make a special quilt as a way to remember him.

Rosemary George in Virginia

Ohhh ... how heartwarming! A tree or plant is a lovely and lasting way to honor a beloved pet.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When you put up a poster about a found dog, hold back some identifying marks. My golden retriever has two teeth out of alignment that are obvious, but unique to her. My oldest dog has a triangle cut in her ear after a tussle. Every loving owner knows the unique markings that can’t be guessed at by a potential dog thief.

Donna, via e-mail

Dear Readers: Lois Glass of Cleveland, Tenn., sent a photo of her female Boston terrier, Bibb, sitting in her chair in a sunroom. To see Bibb in her chair, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Did you know:

Guinea pigs can live up to seven years, and they need big cages — the larger, the better!

Guinea pigs need an assortment of food, such as hay, pellets, fruits and vegetables.

Older guinea pigs need to be on a controlled diet, but younger ones should have as much food as they want.

Guinea pigs should go to the vet like your other pets.

Guinea pigs can get lonely if you don’t play with them daily. They should be in pairs so they have company.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: My cat had the habit of jumping on the kitchen table while I was eating. I have read that it is often recommended that you deter cats with a quick spritz from a water bottle. I am usually reading the newspaper or a magazine with my breakfast, and I’m left with wet pages. I’ve found an effective “dry” alternative to be the compressed air sprays I use for cleaning cameras and computer keyboards. One quick “psst” and my cats are off the table like a shot!

Gregg in New York

Dear Heloise: When I was a kid, we had a dog named Nickie. Found out later that the dog cost $19.95, so my dad got a nickel back from his $20 and thus the name, Nickie! Today, she’d probably go for $49.95, but we’d still get the nickel back, unless we charged her on a credit card!

Julie in Texas

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