Dear Heloise: In regard to the idea of having a dog for security reasons, there is an alternative option. For anyone who cannot have a dog for whatever reason, there are electronic devices that mimic a barking dog.

All you have to do is install a motion-detection device outside your front door. As soon as anyone approaches, they will hear loud barking coming from within the house.

You can order one online. Occasionally, ours goes off with no one there, but it’s usually just a momma bird flying back to her nest on our front porch. — Mary Flowers, Orange County, California

BIRTHDAY AND HOLIDAY GIVING

Dear Heloise: When family members ask for suggestions on what we would like for Christmas or our birthdays, we have started to say, “No gifts. We have way too much stuff already! Please make a contribution to a charity of your choice instead.”

It pleases us when tell us they contributed to a charity, such as a food bank or other organizations that assist people who need help. We enjoy seeing people open presents from us that they have told us they needed or luxuries that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves. — Peggy, via email

A STASH OF CASH

Dear Heloise: You wrote about having a stash of cash for emergencies. After my mother-in-law died, my husband and I went through her house to make sure that nothing valuable was missed. In her china cabinet under some dishes, I found an envelope with six crisp $100 bills in it. There is no telling how long it had been there, and I almost missed it! Obviously, the cash had been forgotten long ago. — Libby Kinder, via email

PROTECTING TOOTHBRUSHES

Dear Heloise: I read your column in the San Antonio Express-News, and I enjoy it immensely. After reading several ideas on how to protect your toothbrush from bacteria in the bathroom, I have the ultimate solution: Close the toilet lid before flushing.

Another idea for keeping bathroom smells at bay is to burn a wooden match. It works like a charm. Remember to wet it before discarding it in the trash can, and if you have small children, keep the matches out of reach. — Maria Teresa Blanco, via email

BUGS IN FLOUR/GRAINS

Dear Heloise: When my late husband, Don, and I moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina, I had a problem with tiny bugs getting into anything that contained grains.

A pest control person told me to freeze anything containing grains as this would prevent any problem from developing. I’ve followed his advice and had no further issues.

Like the person who wrote to you about this problem, I do keep flour and other goods in either plastic, metal or glass containers. Thanks for your great column. — L.R., Hendersonville, North Carolina

HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS

Dear Heloise: When the holiday season is over, and it’s time to pack up, I’m always in a quandary about what to do with my Christmas photo cards.

This year, I decided to save them to my digital frame. I get to enjoy them all year, and there’s no guilt about throwing them away. — K.P., in Louisiana

TWO-IN-ONE HINT

Dear Heloise: When doing needlework, I used to take the printed pattern to the craft store with me to buy extra thread, if needed. Then I started using the thread to stitch its color number in the border of the canvas, which would eventually be covered by a frame.

This was particularly helpful for stamped patterns in case I lost the sheet with the codes, as well as the times when I used a different color number than the one recommended. I can have a hard time reading my own writing.

And here’s a good use for unmatched socks: Stuff them inside shoes to keep bugs and debris from getting inside.

This is very helpful for socks that sit around in the warmer seasons. — D.K., via email

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.