DEAR ABBY: Knowing how much you care about animals, I hope you will make your readers aware of how dangerous lighted candles can be where there are pets in a home.
Many of us love to brighten our home with candles. They have become popular accessories due to home decorating shows and magazines. But for people who have pets, candles can pose a real danger. A cat can walk past a burning candle and ignite its fur. A happy dog's wagging tail can knock a burning candle over.
A candle placed too near a curtain can cause a whole house to go up in flames. And a person who leaves a candle lighted while he or she goes out on a quick errand can come home to find a tragedy. Please remind your readers to be mindful and to practice candle safety. -- ESTHER MECHLER, DIRECTOR, SPAY/USA
DEAR ESTHER: Thank you for the timely reminder that candles present a real danger if left unattended in a household with pets -- or small children. The good news is that flameless, battery-operated candles are now available that look exactly like the "real thing."