Today’s Sound off is about shopping in a brick-and-mortar store:

Dear Heloise: Four days ago, I went shopping at a large, well-known department store here at the mall. They have stores all across the country, but lately I’ve been reading that they are in financial trouble. It’s not hard to see why.

I used to enjoy shopping at department stores because you could find just about anything, and the salespeople were always so nice. But during this particular trip to the store, I ran into a problem.

The problem was that I couldn’t find a salesperson to ring up the two dresses I wanted to buy. I wandered around to two other departments, and not one salesperson was there. I finally went downstairs to the jewelry department to find one salesperson and six people waiting in line to make a purchase. Another woman came up behind me with an armload of school clothing for her daughters. She was so disgusted that she threw the clothing on the counter and walked off. At this point, I felt like doing the same thing.

Where are the people who will help us with our purchases? Where are the salespeople who’ll bring us the correct sizes and make suggestions on what accessories to wear? Now I can see why brick-and-mortar stores are failing.

I read about thieves who grab armfuls of clothing and race out of stores. It’s no wonder why, because there’s no one around to stop them. — Lisa W., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

DOGGONE

Dear Heloise: I read a recent letter about dog walking in the San Antonio Express-News. What disturbed me was the last sentence of the letter, which was about holding the leash in way that you can “let go, if needed.” This is not a good option, especially if the dog is reactive. One should always be in control of their animal companion when in public. Letting go isn’t safe, and in many places, it isn’t legal either.

If a person is not strong enough to control their pet, they should not be walking them at all. I am a retired physical therapist, and I’ve had several elderly clients who had broken their hips when their large dogs wanted to chase a squirrel.

My solution is to get a smaller dog or hire a dog-walker who can handle your pet. — Rick L., in San Antonio

DONATION HINT

Dear Heloise: If you get a solicitation from a charitable organization that includes a postage paid envelope, mail it back to them. The organization has to pay the postage upon receipt. With all the fraud going on these days, it is difficult to determine which organizations are using the money legitimately. — Claire, in Arkansas

BEDSHEETS FOR DOGS

Dear Heloise: I’d like to share a tip that I’ve found to be very helpful:

Instead of putting my dog’s bed in the washing machine, I purchased a few fitted crib sheets. They can be removed and laundered every couple of weeks. Just be sure to shake out the excess fur before putting them into the washing machine. Bassinet-sized sheets can be used for little dogs or cats. Hope this helps! — Irene, in New York

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.