Dear Readers: Welcome to FEB. 29! Yes, 2020 is a leap year, a calendar year that has one extra day in it. What’s going on? Earth goes around the sun in approximately 365.25 days. To account for that extra quarter day, one full day is added in February to the calendar every four years.

Superstitious? Many people avoid getting married during a leap year, but it’s become more trendy for women to PROPOSE to men during a leap year.

What will you do with your extra day this year? Because it occurs in February, one of the most romantic months of the year, why not “engage” in spreading kindness, goodwill, love and warmth today? — Heloise

P.S. Know someone born on February 29? It’s time to say a legit “Happy Birthday!”

ASAP TO THE VET

Dear Heloise: My 12-year-old Chihuahua was not feeling well. She was listless, no energy, lethargic, etc. It scared me. What did I do? I called the veterinarian right away. They fit her in, did a thorough exam, drew some blood and we had an answer.

One of her liver panels was abnormally high. The doctor said this could be general inflammation, gallstones or even cancer. The key to getting my dog the treatment she needed was early diagnosis. Within 12 hours of her showing symptoms, I had her at the doctor.

She received some antibiotics and will be checked again in two weeks. My hint is to get your dog seen ASAP when you suspect a problem. My mind was put at ease. — Honora in Texas

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES

Dear Heloise: I tried, to no avail, to adopt a dog from a rescue group. I have a 30-year-plus track record of caring for dogs (I offered to supply a letter of recommendation from my veterinarian). I had two dogs that both lived to be 15-plus years, but do you want to know why I was turned down? I did not have a fenced-in backyard!

Long story short, yes, I bought the dog I currently have, and he’s a wonderful and happy dog. But I often think of the little girl I was trying to adopt, and I wonder what happened to her, and if she got a good home. — Rosanne K. via email

Rosanne, your frustration is understandable. The rescue group is ultimately looking out for what they feel is best for the dog. I’m happy you have a sweet pup now. Email a picture; we’ll make him a Pet of the Week! — Heloise

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.