DEAR HELOISE: A road trip with the dog can be a challenge -- I try to be prepared. Here are some hints:
• A tote of supplies is necessary: bottled water, food, bowls, treats, a leash, any medications, documentation of rabies vaccine, newspaper sleeves for potty breaks, etc.
• Let your veterinarian know before you go, especially if the dog has medical problems.
• Get the dog acclimated to being in the car by taking rides around your neighborhood.
• Take breaks along the way, and make sure your destination is amenable to pets.
• Never leave the dog in the car alone -- it quickly can get entirely too hot in there, especially in summer.
I enjoy traveling with my dog because we travel safely.
-- Mark S. in Maryland
DEAR READERS: Denim jeans have been around for almost 150 years. Most people have worn jeans at some point in their lives for comfort, and for casual style. Do you know how to care for jeans?
You probably don't need to launder denim after each wearing, but the best way to wash jeans is to turn them inside out to minimize fading, wash them in cold water and either line dry or tumble dry on low heat. Remove them before they are completely dry and hang, or lay flat.
DEAR HELOISE: I like to go to the city animal shelter on a free day and spend some time with the cats and dogs.
I noticed a list of what the shelter needs: newspaper, blankets, towels, food and bleach. What the shelter didn't need: clothing and pillows. Call your shelter to see if you can help.
DEAR HELOISE: I like memory foam shoes and slippers; all I do is slip them on. Memory foam has the softness built in already. I have learned that I cannot walk in bare feet anymore, and wearing these shoes and slippers keeps my feet feeling better.
-- Lisa Z., Florida
DEAR HELOISE: I am a retired registered nurse and have a hint for anyone who uses a hair dryer: use earplugs! After many years of using this device, you could become hard of hearing.
I always wear earplugs when showering and shampooing my hair, and I keep them in when drying my hair.
I wish that all beauty salons would do that.
-- Jacqueline B.,
San Luis Obispo, Calif.
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
HomeStyle on 07/29/2017