Dog door damage

Dear Heloise: My DOG SCRATCHED A PANE in my sliding-glass doors. Is there anything I can do to hide the scratches just a little? -- Mrs. B. Jenkins, Lytle, Texas

What a pane! We called some glass companies in our area, and here are a couple of ideas they suggested:

You can try using a jeweler's rouge for very light scratches. This product can be found at jewelry-supply stores, is inexpensive and is usually sold in bar form. Be sure to get instructions on how to use it from the salesperson.

You really shouldn't use any other product to try to rub out the scratches because you wouldn't want to damage the safety glaze.

It was also suggested that the windows could be tinted to cover up the scratches.

If the scratches are deep, the only safe solution might be to replace the glass. Deep scratches could weaken the glass, and it might shatter, especially if there is enough force applied. This force could come from your dog jumping on the door or from a strong wind blowing through.

You could also call glass companies for ideas. -- Heloise

Here are two good hints from Theresa C. of Plantation, Fla.:

LAUNDRY HELPER

To eliminate having to match socks and hose after your laundry is done, buy a package of safety pins and have each member of the family pin the socks together as soon as he or she takes them off.

CLOSING A PLASTIC BAG

To make it easier for anyone with arthritic hands (like the writer) to close a plastic bag, instead of using the wire ties, buy a box of hair clips for a quick and secure closing of the bag.

TOILET-TISSUE TUBE

Dear Heloise: Take the tube from toilet tissue and cover it with paint, material or wallpaper.

Then use it to hold your extension cords from the coffee maker, waffle iron or grill.

Just fold the cord twice, end to end, and put it through the tube. This method keeps all the cords neat and your kitchen drawer neat. -- A Reader from Taft, Calif.