Dear Readers: Recently, we printed a column about dogs and the "treasures" they bring to their owners. We asked our readers for their special stories, and we got lots of letters, e-mails and faxes. Here are a few for you to enjoy:
Frederick Colclough, via fax, says: "Bubba rushed through the cat door and proudly strutted to the front room. His mouth was full of something, and I was not eager to find out what it was. He was, however, eager to share it with me. Bubba stretched out on the carpet and opened his mouth, and out flew a baby wren . . . yes, I said 'flew.' I retrieved the wren, whose heart was beating frantically and who was covered in saliva but otherwise fine. I dried the bird off and put her back in her nest. She stayed long enough to calm down and then took flight, never to forget that harrowing experience . . . and neither will I."
Marilyn Tyrrell of Washougal, Wash., says:"One day, I brought eggs up to the house (I raise chickens) and left them on the steps. When I returned, it appeared that one was missing. This happened again and again. Then we found one of the dogs burying an egg. Very gently — not broken."
Bonny Lyttle of West Creek, N.J., says: "My family's Weimaraner watched one Halloween as the trick-or-treaters came to the door. Eventually, she asked to go out. She came back and scratched at the door to come in. In her mouth was a Halloween bag!"
Kathy Hoffman of Tinton Falls, N.J., says: "Our golden retriever, Hollie, was attracted to cash! We learned never to leave paper money on any end table or coffee table that was accessible to her. She'd scoop it up in her mouth, and off she'd go. I guess she was saving up for something we never knew about."
Theresa Pronske of Uehling, Neb., says:"One night my daughter stopped by for just a minute and left the door to her car open. My black Lab took her cell phone and left. We searched the house and car, and even called the store where she was shopping, thinking she might have left it there. She was sure she had had it with her, so she called her cell phone. We heard it ringing but couldn't find it. Then suddenly we saw my Lab, and his mouth was glowing. We had found her phone."
There are a million stories, and these are just a few. I hope they brought a smile to your face. — Heloise
Dear Readers: Rosalyn Hurley of Dickinson, Texas, sent in a photo of her precious 6-week-old kitten, George. George is checking himself out in a couple of mirrors, seeing just how pretty he is. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see George. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. — Heloise
© King Features Syndicate Inc.