DEAR HELOISE: Owners of cats and dogs need to be sure to check their pet’s collar every day, especially if they still are growing.
An animal outside, if the collar is not checked at all, can have problems.
There should be room for two adult fingers when putting on a collar, and it should be checked often for the pet’s comfort and safety.
- Sue S. in Alabama
DEAR READER: This is a great reminder, Sue. Our furry friends rely on us to keep them safe and healthy. Two fingers (side by side), slipped between the collar and the pet’s skin, is the recommended standard for a well-fitting collar.
There also are breakaway collars, which are particularly good for outdoor pets. The collars fall off if they get caught on anything as the pet wanders around or tries to jump over things, especially a fence.
DEAR HELOISE: Whenever I vacuum, I always manage to turn my baseboards black from the rubber on the vacuum sliding against it. A friend recommended sweeping the dirt away from the baseboards first and then vacuuming, but I don’t want to go around the edges of every room twice! Help!
- Jolie in Wisconsin
DEAR READER: Well, the fun way is to put on an old pair of socks and run your foot along the baseboards. Or cover the edges of the vacuum cleaner with masking tape. It’ll keep your baseboards free from marks, and you free from extra housework.
DEAR HELOISE: I went to the pharmacy to pick up a new prescription; my normal cost per prescription is $7 to $21. I was charged $23 and said this must be a mistake. The lady behind the counter checked, and sure enough, it was an error. I should have been charged only $7.
My hint: Write the cost of each prescription on the label when you pick up the medication. Take the label when picking up the next refill. By doing so, you will be able to question the cost, if it is different.
- Bob, via email
DEAR HELOISE: I have a trash can that I use like a computer recycle bin. I throw things that I might need later in this can, and I clean it out whenever it gets too full.
- Jimmie E., via email
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email [email protected]
Style, Pages 24 on 09/03/2013