Your dog may love taking a ride in the car with you, but the American Humane Society says there are some rules to make sure they’re safe and sound. First, never let a dog ride in the back of a pickup truck; the organization estimates nearly 100,000 dogs die each year in accidents involving riding in truck beds. Leashing your pet in the truck bed can be deadly; many dogs accidentally strangle themselves this way. And as much as they may love it, try to limit the amount of time your dog sticks its head out of the window. The nonprofit says “wind can seriously irritate mucous membranes and blow pieces of grit into their eyes.”

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Charcoal from the backyard grill can have a myriad of detoxifying uses around the house. When arranging flowers, a few briquettes in the bottom of the vase can help keep the water fresh and clean. Place a few briquettes in an old sock and tie a knot; tuck it into cabinets or drawers to help deodorize them. And lay a few pieces on top of a household orchid plant to help it thrive; the flowers love the alkalinity of the charcoal.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Clothing and household items are commonly accepted at charity stores like Goodwill, but these organizations will also happily accept items that they need to run the shop. You can help your local Goodwill by donating hangers, sturdy shopping bags (both disposable and reusable), bubble wrap and leftover office supplies. They'll use them to display items, package up purchases for customers and to maintain the store, which means the Goodwill spends less on supplies and more money can go to its charitable efforts.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION