Page 5543 | Now To Love

Home Page 5543

August 6, 2004

Food thieves

Now to Love

Question:

If your dog keeps stealing the kids’ food while they’re eating, leave out a sandwich laced with a bit of curry. The dog won’t get hurt, but will learn that human food isn’t nice.

Answer:

It worked wonders on my golden retriever and it is nice to be able to enjoy meals without her “sad dog” eyes begging for food.

Janette Coates, via e-mail.

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

August 6, 2004

Little over a month ago, my dog of 16 years was put down due to suspected liver cancer. It is the first pet that I can remember leaving us. Although time heals all pain and I am getting over it quickly, it still hurts me to think she won’t be sleeping on the beanbag anymore or that I won’t come through the door to see her at the top of the stairs.

I am not allowed to get another dog as I am still living at home. What do you suggest I do to help me get over her passing and move on?

Jessica, via e-mail.

Answer:

Jessica,

It is a terribly sad time when you have to say goodbye to a beloved pet, as they’re such a big part of the family. You need to look at photos and remember all the wonderful times you had with her, and what love she gave you. Take solace in the fact that you made the decision in her best interest and she led a long and happy life.

Time will help heal the pain, but you will never forget her, or replace her. Maybe you could consider getting a different sort of pet, if your parents allow you to, or you could volunteer at a dog rescue shelter to walk and care for those doggies that don’t yet have loving owners.

When I had to put my 15-year-old family dog, Jessie, to sleep earlier in the year, I had lots of lovely letters from readers offering their support and sympathy. These pet bereavement websites might also help …

www.doggyheaven.com.au

www.petloss.com

www.members.optusnet.com.au/~bundlebliss/

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

August 6, 2004

I told my sister’s boyfriend about her affair

Now to Love

My sister and I are two years apart in age so we have always had the same group of friends. When she was 18 she started seeing my boyfriend’s best friend and we spent even more time together.

My sister and her boyfriend, Will, had been together for about six years when she confided in me that she had met a guy at work and that they had heaps in common. My sister and her boyfriend had met before she went to uni and both of them had since grown into pretty different people — Will was a labourer and she was now a journalist.

One night my sister, her boyfriend and my boyfriend and I went to a really nice restaurant together. My sister was really dressed up and had a new haircut that made her look great. I had recently put on a bit of weight and was feeling very frumpy that night. It didn’t help that my boyfriend kept sneaking admiring glances at my sister, and that Will couldn’t stop saying how beautiful she looked.

About a week later I saw my sister again and she told me that she had started having an affair with Sam, the guy from her work. She was upset because Sam wanted her to break up with Will, and Will had just asked her to marry him. She spent the next few hours telling me that Will had been her best friend since she was young, and that no one knew her better, but that Sam understood her in a way that Will never would.

When I went home that night, my boyfriend and I had a silly argument. In the middle of the argument he said it would be nice if I put more effort into my appearance — like my sister did. He said that maybe I could look at least half as nice as her if I tried. I went to sleep that night very upset and unsure of myself.

Will and I ran into each other the next day and decided to eat lunch together. Over lunch, Will told me he was worried that my sister hadn’t answered his marriage proposal yet. He said that she was the best thing that ever happened to him and that he would be devastated if she said no. He talked about how beautiful she was … and that was the final straw for me. I blurted out that everyone thought she was so perfect, but that she was running around with another guy behind his back.

That night my sister rang in tears — Will had left her. He’d said that he didn’t want to talk to her again, and it was clear from her confusion that he hadn’t even told her why he was moving out. My sister just assumed he must have seen her with Sam somewhere.

A year later, I ran into Will. He was engaged to a girl he had met not long after he left my sister. He said he was happier and that he had more in common with his new fiancée — he had always felt like my sister looked down on him a bit.

In a way, my jealous outburst had helped all of them. My sister and Sam were married six months after Will broke up with her, and Will was clearly happy with his new love. But I wish I hadn’t let my own insecurities get the better of me. I know my sister would never forgive me if she ever found out that I spilled her secret.

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

August 5, 2004

Holiday care for your fish

Now to Love

Are you wondering what to do about your pet fish when you go away on holiday? If you’re only going to be away from home a few days, don’t worry about having someone feed your fish. Healthy fish can easily go a week without food.

You can buy fish feeders, which gradually dissolve to release food, but using these might upset the PH in your tank. If you’re going to be away for more than a week, it’s best to have someone feed your fish. Ask a neighbour or friend who’s willing to go to your house every few days to do so.

A good way to prevent someone over-feeding your fish while you’re away is to put enough fish food for one day in a small package such as an envelope. Make up enough of these packages to last the time you’re away.

Your fish don’t have to be fed every day, and shouldn’t be given more than one day’s food at a time — even if they haven’t been fed for a few days. Make sure the person feeding your fish knows not to make up for days they may have missed by giving your fish extra food.

If the water in your tank evaporates quickly, you might have to arrange for your tank to be topped up with fresh water. Explain to your good Samaritan that the water should be at room temperature and free of fluoride.

It’s best not to add any new fish to your tank in the month before you go on holidays — the new fish could introduce disease that takes some time to develop.

Clean your tank and filter, and change the water like you would normally, the week before you go on holidays.

Lastly, you might like to give the person who is looking after your fish the number of a pet store or aquarium that they can call if they need to. This will also put their mind at rest if they’re nervous about their fish responsibilities.

For more great pet info, visit www.petnet.com.au

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

August 4, 2004

Fergie: single, rich, thin

The Duchess is posing. She's looking glamorous in tight black pants and a billowing white blouse, and she seems to know exactly what the camera wants, here in this New York City photo studio.

Now to Love

Read our exclusive interview with Fergie in the August issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly The Duchess is posing. She’s looking glamorous in tight black pants and a billowing white blouse, and she seems to know exactly what the camera wants, here in this New York City photo studio. After each click of the camera, Sarah Ferguson assumes a new expression: an innocent smile, a naughty smirk, a demure gaze. A floor fan blows her signature red hair, someone turns the music up and soon she’s dancing happily to Shake Your Booty. “I have so much to tell you!” she says, breathless between wardrobe changes. “You won’t believe it!” Waiting for our chance to sit down and chat, I wonder what her big news could be. Maybe it’s about one of her charities, Children in Crisis, which she founded in 1993, or the US-based Chances for Children. Through her Little Red (heroine of her latest book) dolls, profits from which go to needy children, and her other charities, the Duchess has raised millions for needy children throughout the world. Yet, from her buoyant mood, I suspect her news is more personal. Divorced since 1996 from Prince Andrew – the man she calls her best friend – maybe she has a new love. I wonder if her daughters, Princess Beatrice, 15, and Princess Eugenie, 14, are in on this. Sarah Ferguson may be 44, but today she is so full of excitement she could pass for a teenager herself. Read our exclusive interview with Fergie in the August issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly and find out about her plan for a new chapter of her life and why she feels she is still a work in progress.

Now to Love

Jimmy Barnes unearths shattering family secrets in his new book

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Bindi Irwin reveals heartbreaking fear for daughter Grace’s future health

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Kylie Minogue performs in red vinyl jumpsuit in Hyde Park

Kylie Minogue is officially embarking on a world tour in 2025 – and she’s bringing it Down Under

Who is Australian entrepreneur Adrian Portelli? We dive into The Block bidder’s life

Jessica Mauboy is reportedly pregnant with her first child

Despite starring in some of Australia’s biggest dramas, Stephen Peacocke admits he’s still “endlessly insecure”

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Actress Isla Fisher lists her million-dollar Sydney apartment for sale

Oh baby! Meet the sweetest celeb babies born in 2024

Brooke Boney’s replacement on Today has been revealed

Amal Clooney’s vow to Brad Pitt: “I’ll help you get your kids back”

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Home Page 5543

July 30, 2004

Delicious dinner to reduce dog-do

Now to Love

Question:

What goes in must come out, right? No one knows this better than a dog owner whose pet lives in a restricted space. But feeding your dog a home-cooked dinner instead of tinned food can reduce doggy-do by up to 40 percent!

Answer:

To prepare, cook 500g of beef mince in a cup of water with one dessert spoon of gravy powder. Bring to boil, adding one entire bag of McCains Peas, Carrots and Corn frozen veggies.

In a separate bowl, microwave one cup of rice and two cups of water for 13 minutes (or until cooked). Combine rice with meat mixture and allow to cool.

This yields seven meals for a medium-sized dog such as a Foxy, Australian Terrier or Maltese etc. It’s also an excellent meal option for keeping your dog lean and trim!

Petrina Frost, via e-mail.

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

July 30, 2004

Aggressive dog

Now to Love

Question:

Hello Dr Julie,

We purchased a beautiful Maltese Cross-King Charles Cavalier called Charlie in February this year. Up until three months ago he was very placid and friendly. Now he goes for visitors to our home.

I have tried removing him, telling him “NO”, and even giving visitors treats to give him but nothing is working. Are we doing something wrong or is this his personality? I don’t want him to bite anyone. He is very loving and gentle with us.

Karen.

Answer:

Dear Karen,

I’m not sure exactly how old little Charlie is but I’m guessing he’s at least seven to eight-months-old. He is displaying territorial aggression in the house and this could be partly anxiety-based, or he’s dominant in nature and he’s discovered his aggressive behaviour gets results!

Either way, you need to nip this in the bud. I think it would be a good idea to have him assessed by a vet or behaviourist to work out if he is suffering from anxiety or whether he’s just a little bossy boots — then you can put in place a plan of action.

In the meantime, you need to keep him on a lead when you have visitors so he can’t sink his teeth into anyone. Your behaviour towards him will also send powerful messages. If he is anxious, don’t reward the anxious behaviour (with any attention — even reassurance or scolding) because this only tells him he is doing the right thing.

If he is under control on a lead, you don’t need to shut him out (that will probably make him worse) but you can ignore the outbursts. You can distract him by asking him to sit or drop and then lavish him with attention and treats.

It’s like a kid having a tantrum and giving them a lolly to shut them up — they learn how to manipulate things to get what they want. If you ignore the tantrum and then ask them, in a happy, non-threatening voice, to see how quickly they can do something for you, you can then reward them with the lolly and tell them how good they are. Same outcome but you are in control and it gives very different messages.

You can reassure Charlie by taking the lead. If you are a strong but kind leader he won’t feel the need to protect you as much, and he will learn to look up to you for cues on how to behave.

Later on you can get visitors to give him treats but for now that might be pushing it. They can ignore him while he gets used to the idea that visitors to the house are not a threat. If he is dominant, you need to re-establish the hierarchy so he’s at the bottom of the pack. You may need to revoke some privileges such as being up on furniture.

Things have to be on your terms — not his. If he jumps on you for attention, ignore him. You decide when you will pay him attention. Asking him to sit first is asking him to submit to you, a doggy way of saying please. You should eat first and behave as a more dominant dog in the pack. He will respect you for this.

If the anxiety is bad he may need some medication, but this behaviour modification will be the key. De-sexing could help if the dominance is partly hormonal but his “manhood” certainly isn’t the whole story.

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

July 30, 2004

How should I clean my hairbrush?

Now to Love

Question:

How should I clean my hairbrush?

Kelley, via e-mail.

Answer:

If you have a plastic or metal brush, you should remove the hair with your fingers or another brush, then soak your brush in a mixture of shampoo and tea-tree oil to dissolve any product build-up. The oil acts as a disinfectant.

If your brush is wooden with pure bristles, you need to use a comb to remove the hair. Dip it in the same mixture, but wash the brush straight away. Soaking a wooden brush in water for too long can cause damage. Allow your brush to dry naturally in fresh air or use a hairdryer. It’s time to toss away your brush when the bristles become curvy at the ends and start to fall out.

Now to Love

The best anti-dandruff shampoo to keep your scalp flake-free

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Treat that delicate skin around your eyes with care using the best anti aging eye creams

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Get the Cate Blanchett glow with the most flawless dewy foundations for mature skin

Your guide to the top 8 perfumes to spritz this spring

sundae body lets get tropical whipped spf50 sunscreen

7 beauty products arriving just in time for Australian summer

Three skincare secrets for supermodel skin

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Where to score Dyson’s cult Airwrap hair tool for a fraction of the price

The best beauty advent calendars to get for the holiday season

Trinny holding a bottle of Elevator skincare

I tested menopause skincare brands and here are my favourites

Elevate your styling game with these celebrity-approved heated hair tools from Mermade Hair

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Home Page 5543

July 29, 2004

Lovebirds

Now to Love

The romantically named lovebird is native to the African continent and its surrounding islands. Members of the parrot family, lovebirds became popular in the late nineteenth century when they were imported into England and continental Europe.

There are nine basic types of lovebirds, and a rainbow of different coloured feather combinations can be found within each variety. The peachfaced lovebird is perhaps the most well known kind of lovebird, with its green and pink feathers.

Lovebirds earned their name because of their habit of sitting in pairs and grooming each other. They are small for a parrot (about 13 cm long) and have a short rounded tail. Very active and playful, content lovebirds constantly make noise but aren’t great mimics, so if you want a bird that you can teach to say words, best look elsewhere.

It is a myth that you can only keep lovebirds in pairs — if you only have one Lovebird, it will bond closely with you instead. If you aren’t home often, it’s best to have two lovebirds to keep each other company.

Lovebirds are very social birds that need stimulation and interaction or they will become depressed and destructive. Birds raised from a very young age are easier to tame, and if lovebirds’ wings are clipped they can be let out of the cage. The peachfaced variety is particularly outgoing, which is why they are popular lovebirds to have as pets.

Despite their name, lovebirds can be aggressive (the energetic peachfaced is one of the worst offenders), and should not be kept in a colony or with other species of birds in an aviary. Lovebirds should have a large cage, no smaller than 61cm long, 46cm wide and 48cm high.

Lovebirds need to feel secure so a spot in a well-lit room but out of the sun and free of draughts is optimum. They are quite tough little parrots and can live up to 10 or 15 years. Inexpensive to keep, they should be fed a seed mix that includes panicum millet and sunflower seeds. Lovebirds also enjoy green vegies such as spinach, as well as fruit. Be sure to wash any fruit and vegetables before you give them to your bird.

The price varies for lovebirds but they can range up to $200 and beyond. The more rare and exotic colour combination you want, the more expensive your lovebirds will be.

Photo: Stan Sindel.

Now to Love

Home Page 5543

July 27, 2004

Pap tests

Now to Love

The Pap test is a simple test that can pick up early changes in the cells of your cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into a more serious precancerous form (abnormal changes that are not cancer but may become cancerous) or cancer. How is it done? A Pap test takes only a few minutes and is completely safe. It is done by placing an instrument called a speculum in your vagina. This holds your vaginal walls apart so the cervix can be seen. Then a small spatula or brush is used to wipe some loose cells from around the small opening in your cervix. The cells are placed on a glass slide and sent to a pathologist to be examined. Having a Pap test can feel uncomfortable but it shouldn’t cause you any pain. If it is painful, tell your doctor or nurse – there are things they can do to try to make it more comfortable. Where can you go for a Pap test? Make an appointment for a Pap test with your doctor, or with a women’s health nurse at your local family planning clinic, community health centre, sexual health clinic or Aboriginal medical service. Choose the person and place where you will feel the most comfortable. What about the results? Most Pap tests are entirely normal but a small percentage of women will receive abnormal results. An abnormal Pap test can mean there are changes in the cells of your cervix that may require further examination. This is usually done using a microscope, called a colposcope, placed at the entrance to your vagina. Not all abnormal cells need to be treated, but if required, the cells may be removed by freezing, burning, laser or biopsy (removal of a small amount of tissue). In most cases, the abnormal changes can be treated and are not cancer. Cervical cancer generally takes years to develop. That’s why Pap tests are so effective, as they can pick up changes in your cells before they become cancerous. Removing abnormal cells before they’ve become cancer is fairly straightforward; it typically involves a minor operation without a general anaesthetic. Once the cell changes turn into cancer, more serious surgery is usually needed to remove the cancer. WHO SHOULD BE TESTED? All women who have ever been sexually active should have a Pap test every two years. For some women – such as women who have had abnormal changes – more frequent testing may be recommended. Many women over 70 do not need to be tested any more and should talk this over with their doctor. Women who have had a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the womb) do not need to be tested either. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Early changes in the cells of your cervix rarely cause any symptoms. But if early cell changes develop into cervical cancer, signs or symptoms may appear. See your doctor right away if you experience unexpected pain or bleeding – between your periods, after they have ceased, or during or after sex. These symptoms are common to many conditions and may not be cervical cancer, but they should be investigated.