Dear Readers: What’s the old Hollywood actor’s creed? Never work with children or animals? Today, July 11, is All-American Pet Photo Day. Let’s work with our animals, namely dogs, and photograph them! Here are some hints:
● Make sure the dog is clean and brushed out.
● What feeling are you trying to portray? Action, running, catching a ball or is it a portrait shot?
● Does the dog have a white or yellow coat? A dark background is called for. For a darker dog, use a lighter background.
● Take a lot of shots from many different angles so you’ll have a variety to choose from. Get low to the floor or ground for a dog’s eye perspective.
● Distract, praise and reward. This will make working with dogs, or children, for that matter, easier!
● Flash photography should be avoided if possible — the red eye look is not good.
Enjoy this time with your dog; it should be a fun, bonding experience.
Kori the conure, who’s not a squawker, is the Pet of the Week. (Family photo)
Dear Heloise: My name is Kori, and I am a conure, from the parrot family. I live in a huge, beautiful cage and I have lots of toys to play with. My mom, Karen in Albuquerque, says I’m sweet, “nibbly,” tame, loving and super quiet — not a squawker at all! My parents and my sister cuddle with me all throughout the day. I’m so grateful I was adopted. I am loved!
To see other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”
[Do you have a funny, furry or feathery friend you’d like to share? Email a picture and description to: Heloise@Heloise.com.]
— Kori the Conure
Dear Heloise: I have a small chihuahua, and even though I’m always outside with her, I wouldn’t put it past her to try to sneak out of the yard in between the fence posts!
I have a wooden spoon that I tie across her back, firmly but gently, perpendicular to her spine, so it will prevent her from being able to sneak through the fence. Looks silly, but it’s safe.
— Maria in Arizona
Dear Readers: Let’s make those windows sparkle using one of my favorite go-to cleaners, vinegar! Add 1 cup white vinegar to ½ gallon of water. To apply to windows, put the solution in a labeled spray bottle. Spray liberally, and dry with paper towels or crumbled newspaper. It also works great for mirrors.
Vinegar has so many uses including cleaning, cooking and beauty hints. I’ve compiled my favorite vinegar hints, helps and recipes in a handy, six-page pamphlet. Would you like to receive one? It’s easy! Visit Heloise.com to order, or send a long, self-addressed, stamped (70 cents) envelope together with $5 to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 5001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.
FYI: For hard water stains on vases and decanters, pour in full-strength vinegar to cover the lime deposits and let it sit overnight. For stubborn stains, brush with a toothbrush and rinse.
Heloise’s column appears six days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
2020, King Features Syndicate
