Heloise

Happy birthday, America! Tomorrow is July 4, our nation’s birthday. Celebrate safely and with some great music, food, fun festivities and fireworks. COVID is still a factor, although seemingly a lesser one. Be safe and be well. – Heloise

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THE SMELL FACTOR

Dear Readers: Were you tested for the coronavirus? The type of test you received was probably the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. But did you know that dogs are being trained to sniff out COVID?

This procedure is in its very early phases, but, as we’ve mentioned in this column, dogs have an incredible sense of smell; theirs is up to 100 times better than ours.

The COVID infection has a distinct scent to it, and it can present on socks, shirts and other clothing items. The idea of training dogs to sniff out the virus was proposed to make screening large groups of people easier and faster – at theaters, sporting events, the airport and other places where people have close contact with each other. Accuracy rates in trials? About 94%. Stay tuned. – Heloise

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PET PAL

Dear Readers: Diane K. sent in pics of her little buddy, Charlie, who, after mastering his mountain of toys and putting everyone in their place, is ready for a nap. Such a cutie!

Readers, would you like to see Charlie 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 picture and description to Heloise@Heloise.com. – Heloise

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EASE INTO PICKING UP DOG WASTE

Dear Heloise: Can you settle a neighborhood issue of dispute? Multiple neighbors have posted signs stating no pet waste on their properties. This includes no eliminations that require pickups or urination.

The question is: Is the grass easement between the sidewalk and street side reasonable grounds if the pet should stop and eliminate? Neighbors want to know. – Elizabeth L., via email

Elizabeth, always pick up dog mess, if only for a prettier neighborhood. – Heloise