5 ways to live with a beloved pet who messes up your home.

​OMG. Look. At. That. Face. 

It says "I love you and I'm sorry you didn't take me out in time, so I peed on your favorite area rug, again. Literally not my fault, human. But I'm so darn cute, you'll keep loving me." Yes, that is the scenario I have lived every day for 26 years (2 dogs, Kiwi pictured above with guilty looking face). Many area rugs later, I ask myself, how could humans live with pets without sacrificing style at home? 

1. OFFER PETS ONLY A PART OF HOME TO LIVE
Installing a retractable gate keeps Fido from cozying up on your fancy designer living room sofa, reserved especially for eyes only. (Why do we do that anyways?)

2. RUGS - CHOOSE NYLON OR WASHABLE 
Choose manmade rugs made of nylon (never wool), which clean up pretty well. Purchase a carpet cleaner to hit spots as needed, or reserve a large part of your income for a professional cleaner. Quality rugs clean better than cheap. Conundrum. Also, there are great rugs you can throw in the washer. My fav is the most stylish Lorena Canals. Great for kiddie spills too. 

3. COVER YOUR FURNITURE 
Fur everywhere? Eww. Like washable rugs, you can also find stylish washable slipcovers to protect your furniture. (another blog post will go deeper into this, but for now look at Pottery Barn)

4. BRUSH YOUR BABY
Embrace your grooming responsibilities. Keep lint rollers and dog brushes tucked away in each room in a tidy basket or drawer. I recommend the FURminator. Just be careful not to shave Fido too closely. Grrrr. Watch TV and brush.
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5. WIPE PAWS
Speaking of responsibilities, leave Zwipes at the door to wipe off Miss Fluffy's pet paws and bath Mr. Meow regularly. If they don't come back indoors with icky paws, your job is 1/2 done. 

Now go take Tiny for a walk. She's sweetly waiting with those little doll eyes!