DEAR READERS: Pets are important members of our families. So when one gets lost, it can be a traumatic experience for everyone, including the pet. Here are hints to help reunite you and your pet:
Call animal shelters, veterinary clinics (in your area) and animal-control centers. Give them a description so they can be on the lookout. See if you can e-mail or fax a photo. Visit, don’t call, animal-control centers often, even daily.
Create a lost-pet sign and post everywhere. Your neighborhood, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet-supply stores, gas stations, restaurants - anywhere that will allow you to post a sign. Check local regulations on posting signs.
Check your newspaper. Most will run lost-pet ads at no charge.
Talk to your neighbors. Let them know your pet is missing. The more eyes that are watching, the sooner your pet can be found.
Use the Internet.
Don’t give up! It may be weeks or months, but you still could be reunited.
DEAR HELOISE: I pack a small, plastic, empty spray bottle in my suitcase when I travel. When I get to my hotel, I fill it with water. If any of my clothes have wrinkles, I spray them lightly and then use the hair dryer on them to remove the wrinkles.
- Kenny in Oklahoma
DEAR READER: Good travel (and at home) “green” hint.
DEAR HELOISE: Since it is summer and we will be using our deck more, could you please reprint your hint on how to clean a deck?
- Nicole in Tennessee
DEAR READER: Mix 1 cup liquid laundry detergent (the regular kind) and 1 gallon hot water. Apply to the deck with a soft-bristled brush or push broom and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary. Some stains may need a little extra scrubbing.
If your deck is made of composite material, check with the manufacturer, just to be safe, for specific cleaning instructions.
DEAR HELOISE: My cell phone charger only connects to my phone one way. I’m constantly trying to plug it in, only to realize that it’s turned the wrong way. I decorated the side that should be facing up and now just look for that side. No more struggling.
- Kinzy, via e-mail
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail [email protected]
MovieStyle, Pages 37 on 06/21/2013