INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your dog is behaving in an unusual manner, it is wise to get them checked out by a vet. There is often a cross over in symptoms between depression and sickness, and it is not always easy to tell the difference because both sick and depressed dogs tend to be off their food, and are reluctant to exercise. A healthy dog is unlikely to become depressed for no reason, therefore it is helpful to know if a recent event has impacted your dog's mental well-being. Dogs are routine driven, so the most common trigger for canine depression is a change of routine. Changes in routine that can trigger depression may include: Stress: In doggy terms stress includes anything that stops him from getting the attention he is used to. A stay-at-home owner who now goes out to work. A new baby, or puppy, in the household. The sudden loss of a companion (human or canine). Moving house. Being re-homed. Major building work or renovations in the home. Go for more walks, play games your dog likes (fetch, tug-of-war), try a canine sport like agility, train your dog to do tricks, head to the dog park. When you watch TV, sit on the floor at your dog's level instead of in a chair. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is fun for both you and your dog. Spending enjoyable time with you is the best way to help your dog overcome his depression. If your dog has recently lost a canine companion, consider getting a new one. If your dog is home alone for long hours, try daycare a few days a week or having a walker come by. Also plan trips to the park so that your dog can socialize. The mistake many owners make when dealing with a depressed dog is that they fuss over them when the dog is behaving abnormally. For example, if you make a fuss out of your dog when they don't eat, you inadvertently send them the message that they are doing a clever thing by not eating. A much better way of handling the situation is to put the food bowl down and ignore the dog until they decide to eat. Then once they take a mouthful, heap them with praise. This reinforces positive rather than negative behaviors and will help to lift your dog from their depression. Try to keep a depressed dog in their regular routine, since this helps them feel secure, and reassures them that all is well with the world. It is possible that your dog has a chemical imbalance and may need drugs like Prozac, as well as a behavioral modification program, to overcome their depression.

SUMMARY: Ensure that your dog is not sick. Understand what may have triggered the depression. Spend more time with your dog. Socialize your dog more. Reward your dog's positive behaviors. Make your dog feel more secure by maintaining a normal routine. See a veterinary behaviorist if your dog's depression continues.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Steering wheels are made of multiple different materials depending on your car. While faux leather is the most common material, it's possible to have a plastic, wooden, or genuine leather steering wheel. When in doubt, check your owner's manual to find the material and the best practices for cleaning them. Make a mixture of 3 parts all-purpose disinfectant and 1 part water if your steering wheel is made of plastic or faux leather. Use wood polish if you have a steering wheel made of natural wood. Look for a wood grain texture on the wheel. Work with a leather cleaner or conditioner if your steering wheel is made from genuine leather. Faux leather and genuine leather are difficult to differentiate, so check your owner's manual to be sure. Put your cleaner in a spray bottle if it's not already in one. Squirt the cleaner into the center of the towel until it's damp to the touch. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the steering wheel or else it could get trapped behind the dashboard. Place the towel on top of the wheel and place your hand on top of it. Turn the towel around the wheel to clean the front, top, and back. Work around the entire circumference of the wheel and wherever you notice built-up dirt and grime. Don't apply too much pressure while you're cleaning or else it may lift some of the color from the material. Make sure to clean the center of the wheel as well. Wet a clean washcloth and wring out the excess water. Go over all the areas you've cleaned to pick up any excess dirt or cleaner. This way, you avoid any prolonged contact with any chemical cleaners when you start driving again. Use paper towels if you don't have an extra cleaning cloth. Immediately after wiping the steering wheel with water, use a dry microfiber towel to remove any water. Once the steering wheel is dry, it should look shiny and new.

SUMMARY: Choose a cleaning solution meant for your type of steering wheel. Spray your cleaning solution on a microfiber towel. Twist the towel around the wheel to scrub it clean. Wipe the cleaner off with a damp cloth. Dry the steering wheel off with another microfiber towel.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Poke holes in the top of the lid. Then, fill it with water, screw the lid on and use it as a watering can. Set it on your desk and place your laptop on top. It will keep your laptop cooler, so the fan doesn't have to work as hard. Write on bread bag tabs and attach them to the end of cords so that you can keep them straight. Wash it and dry it, then flour the surface thoroughly before rolling out your dough. A metal cookie sheet with a lip works well to store wet galoshes or shoes near the entryway to your home. Fill them with seeds and shake them on your garden beds when it's time to plant. Store your spaghetti and fettuccine pasta inside to keep it fresh. Fill with batter and your pancakes can be perfectly proportioned.

SUMMARY:
Don't recycle your next empty jug of milk. Save a large square egg crate, like the ones you find in bulk stores. Use twist ties to secure cords together behind a computer or desk. Reuse a wine bottle as a rolling pin. Paint or enamel an old cookie sheet. Clean out old spice containers. Save Tic Tac or Altoid containers to hold bobby pins. Keep old Pringles cans. Clean out an old ketchup bottle.