DEAR READERS: It's my turn to brag about our newest four-pawed friend. Champagne was adopted from the San Antonio Humane Society in October 2014. We went looking for a small miniature schnauzer (we have had three) and came home with a lovebug silky wheaten terrier.
She has proven her genetic traits of a terrier by bringing us a few rats she found. So I'd say she has already "paid for her supper," and then some. Oh, and she is following in the paw prints of our previous schnauzers by bringing in the newspaper. I'm still working with her, but she has carried it all the way around from the front of the house to the doggie door in the back. A few times, I have even found the paper (in the plastic sleeve) on the kitchen floor. That's pretty darn smart, I'd say.
DEAR HELOISE: My cat never goes outside or is exposed to any other animals. Sabeth is a sweet rescued cat that just wants to sit in a lap or curl up at our feet. She has been to the vet for a checkup, and I hesitated to have them give her a rabies shot. What do you think?
-- Paul from Virginia
DEAR READER: A big Heloise hug to you (and Sabeth) for adopting a rescued cat. Many times you don't really know the background, so it's rather like betting on the lottery. You may win big with a sweet, lovable cat, or you could be in for an interesting relationship with your new feline friend.
Yes, your cat is an indoor cat, but she could sneak out an open door, being curious, as cats are.
Also, rabies vaccines are required by law in some states. Know, too, that your veterinarian is the best source for information about this. My way of thinking? Why take a chance with a beloved household member's life?
DEAR HELOISE: Indoor holiday plants can be poisonous. Be aware that a bulb plant (or kit) can be harmful to some animals. Many plant bulbs, especially those in the lily family, are toxic to cats. My dear friends lost their cat recently. He was found really sick after eating some plant bulbs. They left "CatCat" alone for a few days, as they had done before. It was traumatic, so please tell your readers.
-- Rhonda in Pittsburgh
DEAR READER: The pain of losing a pet is palpable -- I know. I'm sending a gentle hug to your friends.
DEAR HELOISE: I save the plastic sleeve I get when buying fresh flowers. When I cut flowers from my garden, I use the sleeve to take them to friends.
-- Florence C.,
Rosebud, Texas
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 01/17/2015