Traveling with pets has challenges and rewards

Dear Heloise: My husband and I travel in a motor home with two energetic Scotties. Wet or muddy, rainy days can be a challenge. Here's a hint for keeping the floor free of muddy paw prints: Keep a low-lipped boot tray outside the RV door. Fill with water or let the rain do it. After a walk, parade your pup through the tray to clean off its paws, then wipe with a microfiber towel or chamois.

One more: Truck stops can be a convenient potty break for your pet, but they also can be dangerous to their health. Try to avoid walking your pet across the concrete around the fuel islands. These areas contain grease, diesel fuel and antifreeze that can get on paws and, when licked, can cause stomach upset or even poisoning. Keep damp paper towels handy in a plastic tub or a storage bag by the front door of the RV, and wipe paws clean after each pit stop. — Karen Meacham, Downingtown, Pa.

Karen, two Scotties in a motor home sounds like a real circus! Traveling with pets brings its own challenges but has many rewards, too.

I'd love to print other traveling-with-pets hints, so folks, send them in, and Cabbie, our miniature schnauzer, will approve the best! Send your hint to: Heloise@Heloise.com; mail to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; or fax to 210-435-6473. — Heloise

Dear Readers: Kris Moyes of Salt Lake City sent a photo of her cat getting a drink from the faucet with a "friend" looking on. This sweet, yellow tabby looks comfortable as can be taking a drink! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Your advice that no one should feed another's pet is spot on. In the case of our beautiful Irish setter, Declan, it could kill him. "DecDog" was diagnosed four years ago with diabetes. We give him a shot twice a day, test him and closely monitor his diet. We begrudge him absolutely none of the care he requires, as he is a very good, dear boy.

Well-meaning people who love animals just don't realize how devastating their kindness can be to an animal with special needs. — Judi Hershel, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I have been feeding wild birds for many years now. Last year, my favorite feeder fell off its hook because the cord holding it up frayed and then broke. The cord went through the wooden roof, so it couldn't be replaced easily, and the feeder fell two stories and smashed.

While helping my grandchildren open up some presents, I had to untangle yards of plastic-coated wires to release the toys. I took these wires home and wrapped them around the cords of my three remaining bird feeders. Now, they are set! — Michelle Hamlin, Brownfield, Maine

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