Dear Heloise: Please let your readers know that another option for ADOPTING A DOG is through a rescue run by a purebred dog club. Contact information for the national purebred clubs can be found online. — Virginia C., Reading, Pa.

Virginia, I concur! Pretty much all breeds are represented by a rescue group. And who doesn’t want to give a second chance to a deserving dog? — Heloise

A PEPPERY RESPONSE

Dear Heloise: My kitten was not trained and was starting to use my throw rug as a litter box. My friend told me that black pepper is a safe and effective deterrent — she was right! — Amy R. in Ohio

Amy, a light sprinkle of black pepper is OK; never cayenne or other spices. — Heloise

DON’T MESS WITH TRADITIONS

Dear Heloise: Each year, my family and I cherish the traditions of the season. We each contribute an ornament for the tree, usually handmade, but always with the date, and who made/donated it, written on it. We have ornaments that are over 50 years old! — Mary T. in Pennsylvania

Mary, wonderful! Fragrance can also spark memories. I like to make pomander balls:

I stick rows of whole cloves in fresh oranges and apples. Then I take one part orris root (available at some drugstores or online) and one part mixed spices, such as cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg, coat the fruit with it and leave for 10 days to two weeks.

I shake off the excess and wrap with a colorful ribbon. I hang these fragrant decorations in the kitchen and all over my home. — Heloise

COME AND GET IT

Dear Heloise: My wife and I love your column. We have picked up many helpful ideas through the years from your mother and you.

Like another reader mentioned recently, I had similar recurring “Clerk has receipt” incidents at a convenience store where I used to buy gas.

The last time I was there, I asked the clerk why this happened. She replied that they want to get us in the store so we might buy something else. — Jim in Little Rock, Ark.

Quick-service stores do make a lot of profit on fountain drinks, hot dogs, snacks, etc., but providing a receipt at the pump should definitely be an option. — Heloise

TIME TO UNWIND

Dear Heloise: Hairs, yarns and threads can get wrapped around a vacuum’s rotating brush — so annoying! I use a seam ripper to cut across the brush, and then I pull out the mess. — D.R. in Nevada

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your great money-saving or timesaving hint to to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax to 1-210-HELOISE, or email to Heloise@Heloise.com. She can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in her column.