DEAR HELOISE: I take newspapers, towels and cloths to the animal shelter. They also accept unopened foods.
Please print this -- many people don't realize what the shelters need.
-- Pat S., Whittier, Calif.
DEAR READER: Call the shelters to see what they need. Here are some more possible items: paper towels, trash bags, plastic grocery bags, supplies for the office (pens, sticky notes, hand sanitizer, copy paper), heating pads, flea treatment, collars, leashes, food bowls, cat litter, laundry detergent, rubber gloves and any cleaning supplies. Monetary donations, too! Thanks for your letter.
This is a wonderful summer project.
DEAR HELOISE: A fun project for kids: Gather many (up to 20) medium-size flat rocks, scrub and let dry. Divide the rocks into two groups.
Paint one group bright red with black dots and the other bright yellow with black stripes! It's the ladybugs versus the bumblebees.
Get some long twigs to fashion a tic-tac-toe board on the picnic table, and a tic-tac-toe contest should ensue.
My grandchildren have hours of fun.
-- Gennie in Texas
DEAR READERS: Let's get the lawn looking great. Here are some hints:
• Mow slow. Let the blades have a chance to cut the grass. Afternoon is better, after the dew has burned off. Wet grass clumps and clogs.
• Taller is healthier. Mower blades set at 4 inches will not scalp the lawn. Taller grass typically means stronger and deeper roots.
• Water, fertilize and seed regularly.
DEAR HELOISE: I have to carefully read our neighborhood happenings app. If someone posts a headline "Lost Dog," it can mean the person has found a dog that is lost, or sometimes the person has actually lost his or her dog.
Might I suggest: When posting, write what actually is going on in the headline: "I Found This Dog on My Stoop," or "I Lost My Dog."
For both found and missing pets, always include a picture of the animal and any quirky characteristics. Of course, microchipping and a collar with tags are very necessary for pets.
-- Mark in South Carolina
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
HomeStyle on 06/08/2019