Dear Heloise: I would like to share an idea I came up with recently — using ID dog tags on horse bridles. It struck me that if a horse gets loose, having a tag with the owner’s contact info could make it much easier to get them back home quickly. We already do this for dogs, so why not horses? They can wander off, get spooked, or end up far from familiar ground. A simple tag — secure, readable and comfortable — could be a game-changer for reunions.

It is a small thing, but sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest difference. I hope others find it useful and maybe even put it into practice. — Bonnie H., in Warren, Ohio

Bonnie, this is an excellent idea and an inexpensive one, too. I had a woman write to me once to let me know that she has ID tags on her two llamas’ collars. — Heloise

RECYCLING FLOWERS

Dear Heloise: Please tell your readers to check if there’s an organization in their area that repurposes cut flowers. A year ago, some volunteers in St. Louis started Joy Petalers, which takes cut flowers from weddings, funerals and grocery stores. They have volunteers who disassemble them and make new arrangements that are then donated to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and the like. It’s a terrific way to use good flowers that would have otherwise been thrown away! — Grectchen A., via email

Gretchen, this is an excellent idea. — Heloise

TURNING OFF

THE WATER

Dear Heloise: Regarding shutting off water before a vacation, another reason for not doing so is if one has a swimming pool, especially one with an automatic filler. Depending on the length of the vacation, one could return home and find the pool water level below the proper levels, which could also burn out a pump if air gets sucked through the skimmer and into the pump. — Ted P., in Hemet, California

FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS

Dear Heloise: I am a retired appliance technician who was factory-trained with all appliances but LG. One thing to request when your appliance is down is that you only want factory-trained technicians. After 45 years in the business, I know that most companies send anyone. So, please ask this question first, or when the technician comes or calls, ask them if they are factory-trained on this appliance. — Joe W., via email

SCARING AWAY SNAKES

Dear Heloise: To scare away smaller snakes, get some heavy black yarn, braid it into large “scare snakes,” and scatter them around your yard. Smaller snakes will avoid them. — Bennye, via email

DRESSING

CLEANS DRAIN

Dear Heloise: My brass drains get discolored. I accidentally spilled some Thousand Island dressing in the sink, and when it came into contact with the brass drain, it lightened it. So, I promptly used more to polish both drains! — Judy P., in Boerne, Texas

PROTECT YOUR PURSE WHILE SHOPPING

Dear Heloise: When I shop for groceries, I have a small purse with long straps and a pocket on the outside. I put the purse strap around my neck and have the purse in front of me. The shopping list is in the pocket of the purse for me to follow as I go along.

This keeps the purse safe and my hands free to handle groceries. People should not bring a big purse when shopping. — Patricia P., via email

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com