DEAR HELOISE: Your recent column brought attention to National Poison Prevention Week. This important topic of protecting ourselves and family members from household and other dangers is just as important for our furry family members.
Perhaps you can make other readers aware of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Poison Control Center website. It charges a fee for an emergency call to cover the cost of the veterinarians who staff the lines.
-- Debra S., via email
DEAR READER: Debra, you are right that our furry family members deserve just as much care as any others. If there is a potential poison emergency, you also can try calling your veterinarian or a local emergency animal hospital. Depending on whether an office visit is determined necessary, you may be able to avoid the fee.
There are things we can do as pet owners to protect our furry loved ones from potential poisonings: Make sure all medications and cleaning supplies are out of reach of pets. Be aware of the plants in your yard and whether they are poisonous to pets. Keep any insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers away from your pet. Even some mulch can be toxic if eaten.
DEAR HELOISE: One thing I always do in anticipation of a "make soup day" is save the broth from any vegetables that I have cooked (even broccoli and asparagus). After we finish the veggies, I simply pour the leftover water into a plastic, freezer-safe bag and freeze it until I make soup again. It adds a delightful "punch" to my soups.
-- Sara S., via email
DEAR READER: I love this idea, because you are not wasting anything. And there are just so many soups you can make with vegetable broth. To make your vegetable broth more of a meal, add rice, barley or noodles to it.
DEAR HELOISE: I buy rolls of wrapping paper at the dollar store and use them for many things around the house besides wrapping gifts. I place a large piece under my daughter's chair at the dining table to catch any spills. I use the back of the paper as a painting surface for her. I also use it to line shelves and drawers. Much less expensive than shelf liner.
-- Tessa in Kentucky
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
HomeStyle on 05/10/2014