Lost animals need help finding home

Dear Readers: What should you do if you find a lost dog? Nothing? Take it in? Call the pound? If you do encounter a "lost" dog, carefully approach the animal; a scared dog is more apt to bite. If the dog is friendly, you'll want to keep it out of harm.

First, call the veterinarians and shelters in your area. They almost always have a lost-and-found bulletin board. The vet's office can scan the animal for a microchip, which should contain the owner's contact information.

Make up posters with a good description of the animal and your contact information. If you can, include a picture of the dog. Place the posters around the neighborhood and near where you found the dog. Local businesses may allow you to put up your poster; just ask the manager.

Most newspapers will run a "found" ad for the dog in the paper and online at no charge. Glance over the "lost" ads also, to see if any dogs match the dog you found. Kindhearted agencies (listed in the paper) will also try to match up dogs and owners.

Lastly, if you are not able to care for the animal, try to find it a home by telling your friends, family and co-workers. You would be amazed at the large number of dogs and cats that find warm, loving homes through word-of-mouth "advertising." A friend, or a friend of a friend, just may be looking for a pet! — Heloise

Dear Readers: Erin James of California sent in a photo of her sister-in-law's Chihuahua, Lizzie, in a party outfit. Erin says: "My sister-in-law saw Lizzie, who was up for adoption. She fell in love. After some serious nourishment and love, she is in a happy home, presiding as the princess." To see Lizzie, go to www.heloise.com. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Front-seat sitting in vehicles isn't for animals! Please let your readers know that air bags that can harm children can harm pets, too. Loose pets can become projectiles in an accident.

With the advent of air bags, our old puppy couldn't understand why he could not ride up front anymore. That was his great thrill ride with me, and he was constantly being petted!

We have a minivan and use dog crates for the dogs. I attach the seat belt, using self-gripping fasteners, to the crate. — Pat Martinez, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: For those of us who have beautiful flowers that the birds envy, I found that using rubber snakes keeps them out. I put the snakes down in the middle so they aren't seen by the casual observer, but they frighten the birds away. — Karen in Woodstock, Va.

Dear Readers: Use spare quiet time with your pets to, well, pet them. Massage them and feel in areas they may not be able to reach. You might find lumps or bumps that need to be monitored. — Heloise

© King Features Syndicate Inc.