Dear Ann Landers,
ou've printed many letters about whether to keep the toilet lid up or down. Our parrot, Clark, shinnied up the rear of our toilet tank onto our bathroom counter-his favorite roosting spot when we are in or near the bedroom. While putting the groceries away, I was distracted. When I returned to collect Clark, I discovered him-stiff, wet and shivering-floating on his side in the toilet bowl. He was glassy-eyed and appeared to be suffering from severe exhaustion. Clark has one clipped wing and only one foot with a full quotient of toes, so he doesn't balance very well under the best of conditions. My husband and I rushed Clark to the animal clinic for emergency anti-stress drugs and oxygen. He stayed overnight in the incubator and recovered sufficiently so that we were permitted to take him home the following afternoon. From now on, you can be sure the toilet seat lid will remain closed in our house.

Dear Miami,
Several readers wrote to tell me they were stunned to discover rare creatures in their toilet bowls. I mean beavers, rats, skunks, a raccoon and even a snake. Others reported that their cats and dogs nearly drowned in their toilets. A pediatrician wrote to say chil-dren have been known to drown in the darned things. So, folks, the verdict is clear-the toilet seat and lid should be down at all times when the toilet is not in use. Case closed.