Heloise

Dear Readers: Paying attention to pet food recalls? It could be lifesaving. A recent recall was because of the presence of aflatoxins in dog food – toxins from mold that can cause extreme illness and death, according to the Food and Drug Administration (www.FDA.gov).

These recalls are normally announced through the media. If you have questions about the pet foods your pets eat, read the label, call the customer service number on the package and talk to your veterinarian. – Heloise

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PET PAL

Dear Readers: Meet Angie C.’s Run Away Ruby. Two days after she adopted Ruby, in September of 2020, Ruby escaped from the yard and traveled 2 miles before being picked up by the police. For this, Ruby landed on Santa’s naughty list!

Fortunately, she is home and well with Angie and family. To see Run Away Ruby and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” – Heloise

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CANINE COMMENTATOR

Dear Heloise: The response about restraining dogs in cars was very good. Even though people think they are doing their dog a favor by riding down the road with their head out the window, rocks can be thrown up from the front wheels, causing eye and tooth damage, plus a very expensive trip to the animal emergency facility. – Another Canine Commentator

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GREAT GORILLAS

Hi Heloise: Regarding your tips for old pillowcases, you might be interested to know that my daughter completed two internships with the primates at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. They welcomed donations of linens, including pillowcases, to use for enrichment purposes.

Filled pillowcases with popcorn were thrown over the fence in the gorilla yard, and the gorillas retrieved them and searched for the food inside in order to replicate their foraging behavior in the wild.

Some of the gorillas then put the pillowcase remnants on their heads, as they would tree leaves, to shade themselves from the sun. – Theresa E., via email