A champagne lunch
Dear Readers: A few months ago, I spoke at the sisterhood luncheon at Agudas Achim Synagogue in San Antonio. Proceeds from the event went to the Humane Society here, where we adopted our NEW DOG last year. Champagne (Chammy, Cham, Chim, Cham Cham and Chaminator) was just the right dog to help mend our hearts after having to send Cabbie to doggie Valhalla just a month before. My husband and I learned through the years that our home is not complete without a furry, funny, cold-nosed cuddle charmer to share our space.
The group also worked with the Humane Society to bring some young puppies to the location and have them available for hugs and adoption. It was very tempting to go home with a new playmate for Cham, but we want her to feel secure in “her” home before adding another dog. The members also brought dog food to donate to the cause.
Chammy came to liven up the event, and boy, did she! The saying “she never met a stranger” certainly applies to our girl! To open my “show,” I had Cham on her purple harness with a retractable leash, and she chased her green toy. The soft, fuzzy toy is attached to a line on an old fishing pole, and we play “fishing with Cham” back and forth until one of us gets tired.
A lovely handwritten thank-you from the synagogue arrived a short while later on a beautiful floral notecard. The left inside of the card was blank, so I took a hint from myself! I tore off that part, and now use it for quick notes to remind me of things to do while “putting on my face’ in the morning.
Big hug, and “woof, woof!” — Heloise and Chammy
P.S.: Visit www.Heloise.com to see our sweet, silky wheaten terrier, Champagne!
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Sharon in San Antonio shared a picture of her rescued Chihuahua, Oliver, taking a nap on the back of the couch, getting ready for the holidays. He came to her from a shelter in Fort Worth, Texas, but he has certainly made himself at home in San Antonio! To see Oliver and our other Pet Pals, go to www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
CAT SAFETY
Dear Heloise: When it’s cold outside, neighborhood cats sometimes find their way to our parked car.
Cats and other critters seek out warm areas to sleep, and they sometimes sneak under the hood for the night. We bang on the hood of the car and honk the horn before turning on the vehicle. Any critter (I’ve even heard that sometimes snakes may do this!) in the engine area runs away. — Jim G., Athens, Ga.
FOND MEMORIES
Dear Heloise: When I put on my powder blush in the morning, it’s like a light kiss from my mother and father, who are no longer alive. It makes me smile and think of them. — A Reader, via email.