DEAR HELOISE: Every time I vacuumed, my dog would get on the bed and bark until I was done. My vet said it was due to the noise, which might hurt the dog's ears. I switched to a robotic vacuum, and my dog no longer barks, as the robotic vacuum makes much less noise. For anyone with a dog or cat who hates the vacuum, this might be the solution.
-- AnnMarie D., Utah
DEAR READER: I use a robotic vacuum, too, and my dogs barely notice that the floors are being vacuumed.
DEAR HELOISE: As an airline employee, here are a few suggestions to avoid hassles on a flight:
• Please follow the instructions issued by the crew. If you're told to turn off your cellphone or buckle your seat belt, do it.
• Please keep your shoes on your feet. In case of an emergency, you may need to evacuate quickly.
• Don't be disruptive. Yelling, fighting or causing a disturbance will not be tolerated. This includes children who will not stay in their seats.
• Don't wear provocative clothing. If in doubt, cover up.
-- P.W. in Houston
DEAR HELOISE: Want to keep deer out of your garden? Just plant mint every foot or so, and it'll keep them away. They don't like the taste or the smell.
-- Marty J., Bristol, Conn.
DEAR HELOISE: I always worry about using chemicals in my yard because I have young children. When I found fire-ant mounds in my yard (and got several nasty bites), I researched ways to get rid of them without using pesticides. Now I pour a gallon of very hot water down the center of the ant nest. Sometimes I have to repeat this process.
-- Diana A., Texas
DEAR HELOISE: Tacos from that takeout restaurant never make it home without getting soggy. My cure? Keep a box of crunchy taco shells on hand, and unwrap the "soggy" taco and place it inside a fresh, crunchy taco shell.
-- Diane S., Milford, Pa.
DEAR READERS: Did you know that blueberries:
• Are a relative of camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and heather?
• Have more antioxidants than most other fruits and vegetables?
• Are native to North America?
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
MovieStyle on 06/09/2017