HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: During covid, the theft of dogs has risen substantially. People are looking for companionship, evidently, and they see stealing a dog as a viable choice to get a companion. These people can also use your dog for resale, ransom, breeding or baiting. Protect yourself and your pooch.

Never leave your dog alone outside, even on your own property. Don’t allow a young child to walk your dog. If you have an elderly neighbor who has a dog, walk with them to keep them safe. Make sure all dogs are microchipped with current information.

The thieves’ modus operandi? These people watch you when you’re walking the dog and follow you. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Report any suspicious activity.

DEAR HELOISE: I always ask the owner before I pet his or her dog, and definitely before I give the dog a treat. That said, here’s a favorite snack of my dog: a bite of whole grain toast with a smear of peanut butter, some flax seed and a blueberry.

— Ginny T. in Alabama

DEAR READER: Flax seed can have some great health benefits for dogs: shiny coat, healthy skin, regulating blood pressure, and helping with arthritis, kidney function and metabolism. Give a small amount to the dog. As always, check with the vet.

DEAR READERS: Corals, oranges, reds, peaches, yellow, golds and other warmer colors look best with warmer skin tones. If you’ve got a cooler skin tone, then it’s best to stick with greens and blues (jewel tones).

A simple trick to figure out what kind of skin tone you have is to remember that warmer skin tones tan in the sun, and cooler tones are more likely to get sunburned.

DEAR HELOISE: We’re somewhat back to normal and doing some traveling! I strip the bed for the housekeeper in the hotel, and I turn on all lights when I leave for the staff and so I can check to make sure I’ve got everything. And I always tip the housekeeper in single dollar bills in case two clean the room — that way they can share. I leave the tip money on the desk, not on the nightstand.

— Jack B. in New York

DEAR READERS: If guests come over, or if people drop in unexpectedly, and the house is a mess, put on gloves, an apron and a bandana in your hair — you’ll give the appearance that you’re busy cleaning the clutter!

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email