Helpful Hints/Opinion

DEAR READERS: What's the old Hollywood actor's creed? Never work with children or animals? Today, July 11, is All-American Pet Photo Day. Let's work with our animals, namely dogs, and photograph them. Here are some hints:

• Make sure the dog is clean and brushed out.

• What feeling are you trying to portray? Action, running, catching a ball or is it a portrait shot?

• Does the dog have a white or yellow coat? A dark background is called for. For a darker dog, use a lighter background.

• Take a lot of shots from many different angles so you'll have a variety to choose from. Get low to the floor or ground for a dog's eye perspective.

• Distract, praise and reward. This will make working with dogs, or children, for that matter, easier.

• Flash photography should be avoided if possible -- the red eye look is not good.

Enjoy this time with your dog; it should be a fun, bonding experience.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a small chihuahua, and even though I'm always outside with her, I wouldn't put it past her to try to sneak out of the yard in between the fence posts.

I have a wooden spoon that I tie across her back, firmly but gently, perpendicular to her spine, so it will prevent her from being able to sneak through the fence. Looks silly, but it's safe.

-- Maria in Arizona

DEAR READERS: Let's make those windows sparkle using one of my favorite go-to cleaners, vinegar. Add 1 cup white vinegar to ½ gallon of water. To apply to windows, put the solution in a labeled spray bottle. Spray liberally, and dry with paper towels or crumbled newspaper. It also works great for mirrors.

FYI: For hard water stains on vases and decanters, pour in full-strength vinegar to cover the lime deposits and let it sit overnight. For stubborn stains, brush with a toothbrush and rinse.

DEAR READERS: Do you feel sentimental about some of your possessions, but know it's time to let some things go? Take a picture of the items and create a folder for them on your phone or computer. Having photos helps keep the memories of those items while allowing you to sell, donate or throw them away.

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

[email protected]

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