Taking care of the loved ones, summer version

Published 1:30 am Sunday, June 24, 2018

Now that it’s summer, many of us are looking for the right way to enjoy hotter temps, vacations and the wedding season. (That last one’s a stretch, but you’ll see how we tie — pun intended — it all together.)

1. Hydrate right.

As temperatures rise, so too will our furry companions’ need to drink water.

You could remind yourself often to refill your pet’s bowl to keep him hydrated. Or take the easier route and get a pet fountain.

PetSafe sells the fountains for cats and dogs, which are innately attracted to running water, to encourage them to drink more.

Pet Hydration Month is July. Symptoms for pet dehydration include sunken eyes, a loss of appetite or lethargy. More at www.petsafe.net.

2. Pack right.

Road trips are fun, but packing isn’t.

Packing for a trip with kids can be even more overwhelming.

Planning ahead can help. Lay out clothes, rent a stroller and check weather forecasts a week in advance. Make sure everything is packed and electronics are charged the day before the trip.

Use plastic zip-close bags to pack your kids’ clothes by day and label them with a marker.

Bring drawing paper, pillows, blankets, snacks and paper towls for the car ride.

See more tips at www.yourmodernfamily.com.

3.Tie right.

Whether it’s for a wedding or an outdoor adventure, tying knots can be handy.

If you only know how to tie one or two kinds of knots, consider learning some of the need-to-know variety.

“The Ultimate Book of Everyday Knots” by Geoffrey Budworth, now with more than 5,000 copies sold, unties the mysteries behind more than 80 knots with easy-to-follow instructions, photos and diagrams for fishing, boating and household uses.

Try learning a new knot every day.

— Evan Thompson, Herald writer