Dear Heloise: As the director of the Siouxland Humane Society in Sioux City, Iowa, I was happy to see the tips on animal shelters written by Susan R. from Missoula, Montana.

However, it mentions using old rugs or blankets inside these shelters. Although I’m sure that this is well-meaning, it is a huge “no.”

Rugs, blankets, towels and similar items get wet easily from the rain, snow and wind, then end up freezing. So, they do not protect or keep an animal warm, and the animal could freeze to death.

Straw is best as it resists wetness, keeps the shelter warm, and has good insulation and bedding.

This time of year, small straw bales are usually on sale at landscape or craft stores now that the fall season is almost over. — Jerry D, Sioux City, Iowa

Jerry, this helpful hint was backed up by an other reader below. — Heloise

KITTY CARE

Dear Heloise: I just read your suggestion on putting rugs and old towels in feral cat shelters. This isn’t recommended. Old towels, carpets and clothing will gather moisture, and this moisture will get cold due to the freezing temperatures.

It is always recommended to only use straw for animal shelters. — Kitty-Lover, in North Carolina

GETTING SHOTS

Dear Heloise: I’m a retired registered nurse who gave thousands of flu shots through the years. Interesting fact: Lots of nurses and physicians hate shots, too. I didn’t know this. One nurse gave the best shots, so I interviewed her to learn her secrets. This is how to give and get the least painful shot in the arm. Ready?

She stated that she tries to use the least dominant arm. She has them drop the shoulder of that arm, and she doesn’t allow them to lift the sleeve or assist her in any way.

She makes sure the arm is hanging down as best as possible, without the person having to extend their arm to help. Remember to use as few muscles as possible.

She gives the site a little massage with the alcohol pad, then gives the shot. It usually doesn’t hurt because the body is remembering the soothing pleasure of the massage instead.

I followed her suggestions and was told that I gave the best shots. Try to remember these steps when getting or giving shots. — Loy, in Lincoln, Nebraska

Loy, thank you for this information. So many people hate getting a shot or a blood test because of the needle. I’m embarrassed to say it, but I’ve been one of those who always dreaded a shot. This information is very helpful. — Heloise

WHERE DID MY DINNER GO?

Dear Heloise: I recently went to a formal banquet. I was called away from the table for a phone call, and when I returned to the table after being gone no longer than a few minutes, my plate was missing.

I asked the waiter what they had done with my dinner, and he politely got me another. But he told me that in the future, I should take my knife and fork and cross them on my plate, with the knife under the fork and the fork prongs facing downward. This signals that you’ll be right back. — Dorothy W., in Detroit

ENLARGED CLOSET SHELVES

Dear Heloise: My closets have the usual narrow shelves that make storing larger objects a problem. I solved the problem by using plastic clothes hangers. I put them on the shelves vertically. It works perfectly. — J.M., in Connecticut

REPLACEMENT BULBS

Dear Heloise: One of my frustrations during the holidays is finding replacement bulbs for strings of lights, because they are mostly unavailable.

Now when I buy strings of lights, I buy an extra string of the exact same kind so that I have plenty of bulbs to replace the ones that inevitably burn out. Joy to the world. — L.G., via email