Heloise, syndicated columnist

Dear Readers: It’s Aug. 1, known by dog lovers as DOGust 1st! It’s the day to celebrate shelter dogs. When you adopt a dog from a shelter, the staff can only approximate the age of the dog, so Aug. 1 is designated as the shelter dogs’ universal birthday for all.

To celebrate, take your dog to the park for a play date, throw a party at home or treat your dog to new toys, treats and a new, fluffy and comfy bed. — Heloise

P.S.: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.ASPCA.org), 1.6 million dogs are adopted from shelters every year. Let’s push for 2 million. Go find a friend!

NO CHEESE DRIP

Dear Heloise: Instead of cleaning gooey, messy cheese that has melted off burgers and onto my barbecue grill, I realized if I fold the corner of the cheese up into the center of the slice, then onto the burger, the mess is avoided altogether.

And perhaps the best part … nobody feels shorted of cheese. — Mike, via email

BIG DOG BATH TIME

Dear Heloise: When it’s time to give Goliath, my Doberman mix, a bath, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I’m going to get wet, too. What helps? Cutting armholes and a head hole into a huge, 42-gallon contractor trash bag, slipping myself into the bag (a fashionable look, ha!) and then getting Goliath in the tub. It works! — Betty in Colorado

DONATE THOSE VEGGIES

Dear Readers: If your garden yield is too big for your personal use, consider donating extra vegetables and fruits to your city’s food bank to help the needy in your community. Give them a call. — Heloise

CITY STROLLING

Dear Readers: Walking in the city on a summer’s evening is great exercise, but it must be done safely. According to the National Highway Safety Administration www.NHTSA.gov, stay safe by:

≤ Staying on the sidewalk, but if there’s no sidewalk, walk facing on-coming traffic.

≤ Carrying a flashlight, ID and your cellphone.

≤ Wearing bright or reflective clothing.

≤ Crossing only in marked crosswalks and obeying traffic signals. — Heloise

DONATE THOSE VEGGIES

Dear Readers: If your garden yield is too big for your personal use, consider donating extra vegetables and fruits to your city’s food bank to help the needy in your community. Give them a call. — Heloise