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Q: A houseguest watched me refill my dog's food and water bowls without washing them, my usual proce... Read More

Many Animals Have White Bellies Sep. 04, 2025

Q: I notice that many cats have white bellies and some also have white paws, even when the rest of t... Read More

Borate Can Control Wood Insects Sep. 04, 2025

Dear James: I'm making house repairs and noticed insect damage to the wood. Other than using pressur... Read More

When Your Home Sale Won't Cover All Debts Sep. 02, 2025

Reader Question: I purchased my home in the summer of 2021 for $400,000. To help with my interest ra... Read More

Equity Dispute Shows Why Agreements Need Writing Sep. 01, 2025

Reader Question: I've lived in this house for 12 years. My name is not on it, but I've paid the mort... Read More

Ensure Hamster Is Friendly Before Adopting Aug. 28, 2025

Q: How do we find a nice hamster for our daughter? A friend of hers has a hamster that bites, and we... Read More

Correct Paint Blistering Aug. 28, 2025

Dear James: There is some unsightly paint blistering spot on our wood lap siding. What causes the pa... Read More

Why You Might Own a House You Can't Sell Aug. 26, 2025

Reader Question: I have a home in South Carolina that is in short sale, and we went to close, only t... Read More

Long Fingernails Harbor Germs Aug. 21, 2025

Q: At my Yorkshire terrier's recent wellness visit, we saw a new veterinarian, a woman with surprisi... Read More

Use Paneling in a Storage Room Aug. 21, 2025

Dear James: I need to finally finish the walls in my utility room and add wall storage. Adding panel... Read More

Bought a House -- Found Hidden Graves in the Yard Aug. 19, 2025

Reader Question: I just purchased a new home. It turns out the previous owners buried their parents ... Read More

Tabby a Common Feline Coat Pattern, Not a Breed Aug. 14, 2025

Q: What's the difference between a tabby and a tiger cat? Is a tabby a purebred cat? A: Tabby is not... Read More

Proper Paintbrush for Each Project Aug. 14, 2025

Dear James: My kids want to jazz up their bedrooms with new wall colors. What are the best types of ... Read More

Retiree Eyes Former House -- Smart Flip or Risky Bet? Aug. 12, 2025

Reader Question: I sold my home, and after seven years, my previous home is now for sale (bank-owned... Read More

Keep Mothballs Out of the Garden Aug. 07, 2025

Q: Bradley, our young indoor-outdoor cat, recently experienced a bout of vomiting, lethargy and seiz... Read More

Make Your Own Birdhouse Aug. 07, 2025

Dear James: I am fairly handy with woodworking tools, so I would like to build a unique birdhouse. W... Read More

Can't Mask That Smell? Disclose or Pay Later Aug. 05, 2025

Reader Question: We purchased a property from a bank in March. Now we've found that it has an odor i... Read More

Appetite Booster and Treatment of Underlying Disease Help Cat Gain Weight Jul. 31, 2025

Q: Elmo, my elderly cat, is losing his appetite and getting thinner. A friend told me about a drug h... Read More

Tape Drywall Joints Like a Pro Jul. 31, 2025

Dear James: I have divided a large room to create an office, so I now have to tape the drywall joint... Read More

Buying Next to a School? Perks, Pitfalls and Price Check Jul. 29, 2025