Dear Readers: What to do when your dog gets skunked? Dogs and skunks, unfortunately, come in contact with each other. Getting rid of that odor can be challenging. In the past, people have used tomato juice or vinegar to try to neutralize that awful smell. These can do a pretty good job, but here's the update:

Veterinarians today recommend this formula: Mix 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent (check to make sure it does not contain bleach or ammonia). Rub this solution into your dog's coat. Don't let any get into the eyes or ears. Then bathe with a mild pet shampoo. Rinse well. If your pooch still has a skunky aroma, repeat the process. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Our neighbor's cat had kittens, and one of them, a beautiful white-and-apricot mix with big blue eyes, kept coming into our yard for handouts. We called him Freddie the Freeloader. Long story short, we asked the neighbor if we could adopt him, and she said yes. Now he is just Freddie and doesn't need to freeload anymore.

Janet and Chuck Gallmeyer, Greenville, Texas

Dear Heloise: Teaching your dog the "wait" command is the most important training it can receive. I never let my dog out of the car until she is told "OK," so she knows to wait for that permission.

Martha MacIlvaine, Waldoboro, Maine

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279, or fax to 210-435-6473. E-mail heloise@compuserve.com.