Dear Heloise: In regard to Jim R.’s office birthday system, I worked at a place that only had 12 employees. On the first working day in January, a small piece of paper with everyone’s name, birthday, and favorite flavor of cake went into a bowl. Everyone would then draw a name, and you were responsible for that person’s cake and card.

It was the same concept as Jim’s office; you only had to bring one cake and card once a year, but you got to eat many different flavors of cake all year long. There were a few that were store-bought, but most were homemade since many employees were bakers.

— The Crawfords, via email

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS

Dear Heloise: Some people are filling their flowerbeds or boxes with plastic flowers. But hummingbirds need real nectar-producing flowers for fuel, especially during the end of summer and beginning of fall. If you want to set out fake flowers out, please consider placing sugar water without dyes in hanging feeders and carefully refreshing them with regular cleansing and fresh sugar water. One site that has great, simple recipes is Audubon.org.

— Jennifer C., via email

A FREE PUPPY

Dear Heloise: My son brought home a beagle puppy. Someone was handing out puppies in front of a grocery store and asked him if he wanted one. My son is 9, and he said, “Sure!” He placed it in the basket on the handlebars of his bike and rode home. So, now we have a small, cute puppy, and my husband had to have a serious conversation with our son about accepting gifts from strangers.

I’ve never had a dog before. Can you please tell me some of the first things I should do?

— Tiffany R., in Houston

Tiffany, take the puppy to a veterinarian and make sure that the dog has a clean bill of health. He’ll need his shots, and I encourage you to have the dog microchipped. Do not neuter him before he’s 6 months old, but by all means, when the time comes, have this done. (He won’t be tempted to go after other dogs if he’s neutered.)

A beagle is a sweet dog breed, and with good food and care, this new family member will be with you for many years. One last thing: Never hit or spank your dog. You’ll just teach him to be afraid of you. Reward him when he does something right and take him to a training class so that he can learn how to be obedient.

-- Heloise

ADOPTING ANOTHER PET

Dear Heloise: You gave the perfect response to the reader who lost their cat. When I lost my baby boy, I went to the shelter. There are so many animals who need homes; it’s hard to choose just one. However, I can’t afford more because I want to make sure that they all get the proper care. Heart worm meds and annual shots get pricey. Anyways, go get another rescue!

-- Susan B., via email

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.