DEAR READERS: Our beloved pets are like family. Like family, they age, but unfortunately dogs age more rapidly. Older dogs and cats face many of the same medical problems as humans. Having had the privilege of many, many dogs in our lives (plus birds, ferrets, cats and others, too), we have learned some hints along the way.
Our second mini schnauzer, Sauvignon, became diabetic at about 11 years and required insulin shots. We all learned how to do this (even my husband, David, who hated needles!) without it being a big deal. After all, it prolonged her life (in pretty good health, too) for a year or so. She lost her sight a year later, and we all learned how to cope with this also. She went to doggie Valhalla when she was 13 years old.
Here are some hints to help you and your pet deal with blindness:
• Your dog can't see someone approaching, so talk before touching or petting your pet, who can hear you. I used a calm voice and would say, "Savvi, I'm in the room" or "Savvi, want to have dinner?"
• Leave things in place until your pooch learns where the furniture is and how to navigate a room. Your pet knows your scent and will follow it through the house.
• If there is something dangerous your pet might bump into (sharp corners on a glass table), pad the item, if needed.
Like a person, a pet who is going blind will take some time to adjust. Be patient and talk more when moving about. Your pet can still hear and smell, so these senses are heightened.
P.S.: Our longtime friend and Savvi's vet, Dr. Tom Vice, kindly reminded me: "She doesn't read the newspaper or watch TV. She will adapt better than you think." He was right.
DEAR HELOISE: Before we used a baby sitter, I listed important information on paper and laminated it: Our phone numbers, close family numbers, closest hospital, etc. The sheet is posted on the refrigerator whenever we go out. I use a dry-erase marker to note where we will be. It wipes off and is ready for our next night out.
-- Sammie E., via email
DEAR HELOISE: We have an outside cat I feed regularly. He is domesticated enough to bring in when the weather is much colder. I got a large plastic tub with a lid, cut a hole in the side and placed old towels and blankets in the bottom. This is his spot to sleep.
-- Pat I., Ames, Iowa
DEAR HELOISE: I make my older shirts look new and different by replacing the buttons. Fabric stores have a large variety, and some are just stunning. I "hunt" resale stores and tag sales for clothing with beautiful buttons.
-- Gloria V.,
Palm Beach, Fla.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
MovieStyle on 01/30/2015