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National Mill Dog Rescue

Today’s Sound On is about a kind and caring dog rescue organization: Dear Heloise: I know you are a friend to all critters, and I’d like your readers to know about National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR). They pick up and rescue hundreds of dogs and puppies from puppy mills all over the country. These dogs — which are deemed no longer usable for breeding — are too old, too sick or are still unsold, and would otherwise be killed. Many of these mills regularly call on NMDR to come and get these animals before they are put down. NMDR gives these dogs and pups any treatment they need to ...

Hidden Phone Used Nonstop Is Hard for Colleague to Take

DEAR ABBY: I am unsure how to handle a coworker who is constantly on their cell phone (hidden between their legs) during their four-hour work shift. I have reminded them to leave their phone in their car since they have a hard time not checking it or texting during work hours. We have spoken several times about this unacceptable behavior, which improves for two days and then reverts back to using their cell phone as usual. Is this generational acceptable behavior that I am missing? I’m in my mid-50s, and I can live without texting friends and family while I’m supposed to be ...

Enough Already!

Ok, you can stop now. I’m not sure who is to blame for all the uninvited text messages to my phone and email. All I know is that when they ask me for their support or ask who I am voting for, I text back STOP or IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. And how do they know whether I have voted already or not? Sometimes it makes me want to pull the blinds tight and survey my yard with binoculars over fear of just who is watching me. I’ve not quite reached the paranoia stage but I do carry a rosary in my purse. I am beginning to think that my smartphone is way ahead of me, and that Alexa ...

Mystery Attracts Antique Enthusiasts

Do you like a good mystery? I do and I’ve read many of the famous mystery authors from Arthur Conan Doyle to Louise Penny and everyone in between. But my favorite of all time is Agatha Christie. I was pleased to see her featured in this past week’s Sunday News-Register Parade (Oct. 18) insert. The piece discussed the 100-year anniversary of her first book, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” and the introduction of her famous detective Hercule Poirot. Poirot is my all-time favorite detective so naturally I went to my small library of detective classics and pulled the book ...

Vaccines Must Be Held to the Highest Standards Of Safety

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read recently that a coronavirus vaccine is scheduled for release in late October or early November in the very early stages of clinical trials. Although the manufacturer has offered assurances that the vaccine is safe, this seems awfully early. I understand that only one vaccine in history has been released this quickly, which was the anthrax vaccine. I am 77 years old and reasonably healthy, but my age puts me in the higher risk category for contracting COVID-19. Would you recommend I get this vaccine as soon as it becomes available? — P.L. ANSWER: I understand ...

Changing a Diaper Causes Family Friction At Baptism

DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law “Brenda” often takes it upon herself to change a baby’s diaper during social gatherings with family. She never bothers to ask the baby’s parents if it’s OK to do this, and they never solicit her help. For years, I found it a bit strange, but never said anything to Brenda or another family member. Some time ago, my in-laws and immediate family were at my son’s baptismal party. Several babies from my wife’s side as well as my own were there. My wife’s relatives aren’t well-acquainted with mine. Before our wedding, neither of our families had ...