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DEAR HELOISE: I've seen a few of your columns regarding watering orchids with ice. According to Arthur Chadwick of Chadwick & Son Orchids, orchids are tropical and can be damaged by ice water. Regular watering with room-temperature water is best.
-- Steve L., via email
Steve, I think people want to give the orchid a slow watering, but you're correct. Room temperature is actually a safer way to water any tropical plant. Tropical plants are beautiful but require a little more care than a regular houseplant.
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: A couple of weeks ago, my cat was very ill and began to have convulsions. I tried to pick him up but got some nasty scratches for my efforts. He's doing fine now, but if there's a next time, what should I do to keep my cat safe and comfortable -- and keep me from becoming a victim of his claws?
-- Carmen H., in Augusta, Georgia
Carmen, here are some suggestions:
•First, keep your hands/fingers as far away from the cat's mouth as possible.
•Gently and carefully wrap the cat in a large bath towel or a small blanket to help restrain it.
•Move it away from furniture or anything that's made of glass or a breakable material.
•Call your veterinarian for further instructions.
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: My 9-year-old son wanted to get a puppy. I told him when he was 11, he could have a dog. However, there'd be certain duties and responsibilities pertaining to the dog.
First, he had to feed the dog breakfast and dinner every day. The first time he skipped this chore, he'd get a warning. If there was a second time, the dog would be given away (and he knew that I meant it). He had to walk the dog daily after school. He had to pick up the dog poo and place it in a plastic bag, then toss it in the garbage bin when he returned home.
So, why the restrictions and rules? To teach him responsibilities. A dog is a family member. They get hungry, thirsty and lonely, and they feel pain and need attention. No child over 10 years of age is too young to learn responsibility.
-- Jake M., in Camden, New Jersey