Now to Love

Question: My maremma has a really thick, long coat and I feel so sorry for her in the heat. Is it possible to clip her? I was told it should not be done. Marlene, via e-mail. Answer: I get questions like this all the time from people who have been scared off clipping their pets […]

Question: If you have a dog that loves jumping up and grabbing your clothes off the line (sometimes ruining them), fill some balloons with water and attach them at different lengths to your line. After a few faces full of water your dog will realise that it just isn’t fun anymore. Answer: Carol Matthews, via […]

Santa Kid by James Patterson (Headline $29.95) Best selling thriller writer James Patterson turns his hand to writing for...

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig (Bantam $29.95) An American student, Eloise, comes to London to research a couple of historical spies and comes upon the trail of the most elusive agent of all, the Pink Carnation who saved England from Napoleonic invasion. A breezy historical romance, escapist and enjoyable. My […]

Question: No matter how much sleep I get I always seem to have dark circles under my eyes. I’ve heard this can be caused by dehydration but I drink quite a lot of water. What else could be causing this? Leanne, via e-mail. Answer: Unfortunately, for some this is hereditary. There are a number of […]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of pets in this country whose futures aren’t very bright. Thirty-eight percent of dogs and nearly 60 percent of cats that the RSPCA received in 2002-2003 were euthanised because suitable homes could not be found. According to Say No To Animals in Pet Shops Incorporated, an estimated 130,000 dogs and […]

By Annette Campbell We’ve all heard the saying that giving is better than receiving. And no-one understands that more than 51-year-old Yvonne Sutherland, who has spent most of her working life volunteering her skills both here and overseas. “Volunteer work gives a real sense of community,” she says. “It is amazingly rewarding and a two-way […]

Question: I have really thick hair and have only just started to straighten it. I was wondering if there is any particular product I can use on my hair when I straighten it to prevent it from drying out? Kristy, via e-mail. Answer: Firstly, you need to use a shampoo and conditioner that leaves your […]

I was ecstatic when Andrew agreed to go out with me. I had been crazy about him ever since our boss Lucy had introduced me to the new boy at work two weeks before. I tried every trick to let him know I was interested, yet he seemed oblivious to my flirting. Finally, out of […]

Question: If your dog is off the lead and won’t come back when you call, kneel down, then call. It lowers your dominance to theirs. Answer: Taz, via e-mail.