Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Last year, my husband was trying to help and misunderstood where I wanted the fertilizing weedkiller granules spread. Unfortunately, he did not tell me that he put it in the backyard, where our schnauzer Muffin runs. Not until she became quite ill did I suspect she was poisoned, but I could not figure out how.

It was then that I found out the granules were probably the cause, since we had no rain nor did we water in the three weeks since it was spread. Muffin can no longer see or smell. My conclusion is that she either ingested it while grooming or, more likely, by smelling for just the right spot to relieve herself, since both her smelling and seeing nerves are damaged.

There is a clear warning on the package not to let pets on it until it is watered in. Please let others know about the danger of lawn chemicals, not only for pets but for others, even those who spread it. – Shirley Perkins, Nixa, Mo.