Some of the hardest animals to adopt out of shelters are cats who are shy or are in need of socialization with humans. To help cats come out of their shell, you can donate time at your local animal shelter to spend an hour or more petting cats. Just playing with them and showing them that humans can be fun and trusted companions can help shy cats adjust and become more desirable candidates (cat-idates?) for adoption.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you want to help shelter dogs, but don’t have the time or room in your life to adopt one yet? Here’s the next best thing you can do: Become a dog’s Uber driver! Local animal shelters are often in need of someone to transport dogs to other shelters or rescue facilities, or for a veterinarian appointment. You’ll help the shelter by being a driver, and you’ll get to spend some quality time with an adoptable pooch. Just reach out to your local shelter and offer your driving skills to help them out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Dry cleaning a suit can be expensive if done on a regular basis. To save money (and make fewer trips to the dry cleaner), try this trick to “freshen” your suit. Fill a small spray bottle with the cheapest unflavored vodka you can find. Then spritz away on the inside and outside of the suit on a mist setting. The vodka does two things: It deodorizes the suit and it dissipates quickly without harming the fabric. Instead of masking odors with fragrance, you’re neutralizing them naturally.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION