Heloise

Dear Heloise: New protocols at the veterinarian’s office – curbside service; no one is allowed in the lobby – actually has a beneficial effect on my dog.

When I used to go into an exam room with my dog when he was sick or injured, or even for a checkup, he could tell that I was tense and would feed off my energy. This caused anxiety for all: my dog, me, the vet tech and the veterinarian.

Now the vet techs tell me that my dog behaves very well. I’m not there to freak him out. – Lynn in Pennsylvania

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PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Here is a picture of my 21-year-old tabby named Ninja. He surprises me with his behavior. Some days he seems like he’s slowing down and feeling his age, but other days he seems as spry as a kitten. – Cheryl E., via email

Cheryl, what a gorgeous boy! Readers, to see Ninja and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a funny and furry friend to share? Email a pic and description to Heloise@Heloise.com! – Heloise

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STRAW TO THE RESCUE

Dear Heloise: I have a newer electric stove and always have a problem catching all the crumbs, salt and spray oil in the rubber gasket between the glass and the metal.

I take a plastic straw, pinch it flat at the end, and run it through that crevice, then do it again with the other end of the straw. It’s better than using anything sharp. – Janet McDaniel, San Antonio, Texas

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NO SALE

Dear Heloise: I’m a big online shopper, but I’ve learned the hard way to avoid obscure websites, many of which are advertised on social media. If I haven’t heard of the site, I’m not going to shop there. It’s too risky with shipping, sizing, fabric content and supply issues, and the items hardly ever look like the pictures.

I stick to the big retailers with established reputations. – Liz in Oklahoma

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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