When heading to a place that does welcome dogs, take precautions before leaving your house. Bring paper towels, plastic bags and treats. For all-day excursions, pack a portable water bowl for refills throughout the day. Keep your pup by your side at all times. For better control and safety, use a 5- or 6-foot leash. Some restaurants with outdoor dining permit well-behaved dogs. If you know yours will bark or beg for food, leave her at home. Being cafe-ready means your dog must sit quietly at your heels or under the table and heed basic commands: sit, lie down and stay.
It's probably best to leave your pet at home when visiting friends overnight, unless she is extremely well-trained. If she does come, bring her favorite toys, and stick to her regular feeding and walking schedules to reduce the possibility of accidents. Tell your host about any issues in advance. For example, if your pup uses training pads, ask for a room with a bathroom or one without carpeting, so cleanups will be easier. If your dog sleeps in bed with you, bring your own sheets to avoid staining the host's. During your stay, keep your pooch in sight at all times. And have the name and number of a nearby kennel or pet sitter on hand in case the visit doesn't go well.
Q: My sewing scissors have become magnetized. How do I fix them? Can they harm my computerized sewing machine?
A: When metal objects that contain iron (and this includes many scissors) are exposed to magnets, they sometimes become magnets themselves. The reason has to do with electrons creating magnetic fields, but you don't need a degree in physics to determine the cause. Storing your scissors near a seam guide or magnetic pincushion could be the problem.
And, yes, a magnet can damage your sewing machine's computer. To demagnetize the scissors and protect your equipment, rub a magnet on the blades several times in different directions. This will disrupt the magnetic alignment within the scissors.
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mslletters@marthastewart.com. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.
