You may not be ready for
downsizing quite yet, but what are you planning to do with that extra room when
your kids move away for the last time? The classic answer is a sewing room, but
unless you are truly into sewing that probably isn’t going to happen. My extra
room became a studio, but I find that I don’t like it and I don’t use it. I feel much more creative in the living room,
and that extra room has become yet another junk room. If you are a pet lover you can use that extra
room to create a special hideaway for your best friend.
One of my favorite authors
(Lilian Jackson Braun) had an idea. She
writes the delightful “Cat Who” stories that feature a pair of deliciously
spoiled Siamese cats. The main character is human, of course, but his two cats
are featured prominently in the stories.
Mr. Q. renovated an apple barn to include carpeted ramps, a suite of
rooms, and a gazebo for his feline friends. Cool idea. If you are of that mind-set the idea of fixing
up a special area for four footed friends doesn’t sound far fetched at
all.
If you are a fur person you
know that nothing is too good for your four legged friends. RaeJean Hasenoehrl wrote an article about remodeling
trends for the Herald (February 17, .2010) that featured pet projects: creating
space for the four-legged critters in your family.
Today, many pet lovers agree
with Mr. Q. and create actual pet suites for their furry friends. A dedicated place provides them with a
soothing environment for when you are away, hopefully a place that they will
sleep at night, and a place where they can feel safe during storms or when
company visits. Whether you can devote a
small room to your pet or a space within another room, creating a pet spot can
be fun.
Choosing an adequate space
is the first step. Your pet will need a
place with good air circulation and an even temperature. Safety from electrical cords, plants and
chemicals just make good sense. Pets like small spaces but should not feel boxed
in. Most professional pet areas are
enclosed on just three sides so that they have an open view through the fourth.
For ease of clean-up you
will want a hard surface floor. A water
stain and odor resistant epoxy coated floor is ideal. Do-it- yourself systems are available. When it comes to bedding you can use your
imagination. Cots made of PVC and nylon
mesh weave are durable and the dogs seem to love them. If you have several pets who like to snuggle
together or a large dog, a toddler bed was suggested. Another suggested treat is a self warming
thermal bed that reflects the animals own body heat…ideal of soothing babies or
for aging adults.
Cats love kitty hammocks,
window perches or towering cat condos. A
Pet Safe Cat Veranda sounds perfect for indoor cats or small dogs. The veranda is like an outdoor sunroom that
mounts to a window sash. It has a
covered roof and an indoor lounging platform.
I suppose a portable pet tub is a bit over the top, but if you bathe
your dog at home you might find a Booster Bath easier to use than the communal
bathtub. If you look at the projects as
not only being great for your pets but as a way to make your life easier, you
won’t have to feel like you have to apologize for being a “crazy old codger.”
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