As many of you might know, I live with dogs… five of them, to be exact.
Meet Charlie:
JJ:
Murphy:
Riley:
and Rascal:
We did not set out to have 5 dogs. We love them all to death, but 5 dogs is a lot! When my husband and I met, I had Riley and Murphy. He had Rascal. And along the way we picked up a chihuahua (JJ) who was abandoned at a truck stop outside of Abilene, and a Llasa-Poo (Charlie) who an animal society forgot we were fostering (after 5 months, we decided to adopt him officially).
I get a lot of raised eyebrows and strange looks when I tell people how many dogs we have. Usually, I get a little nervous about it because I think lots of them think I’m crazy. Most of the questions I get have to do with where do they all sleep, who takes care of them all when we go out of town, and how much food they eat. Typically, the answer to those questions is that we just figure it out as we go. Not the best answer, but true.
But, I do have some great advice for living with animals in your home. My first piece of advice is to vaccuum, and to vaccuum often. I usually try to vaccuum around the house at least twice a week. It sounds like a lot, but it makes the job easier the more often I do it. Plus, you don’t have little fur-bunnies resting in the corners.
Even though I vaccuum often, having wood floors (or laminate, or tile) is nice because I can mop up any accidents that might happen. I learned from my mother that ordinary white vinegar mixed with warm water (in about a 1 to 3 ratio) works great for mopping. Aren’t mothers great? It may not smell like citrus (you could add some lemon juice, though, if you like), but it does freshen things up, it’s inexpensive, and it’s doesn’t have any weird chemicals in it that could hurt our dogs.
I do like to layer the floors with rugs, though. The dogs like them too.
I’m also a big proponent of slipcovers and throws.
If your dogs are like mine, they love the couch. And it’s nice to know I can take off the cover and the throw it into the wash when it’s looking a little dingy. Everyone wonders how I live with a white couch, and how I keep it clean. Washing the slipcover regularily and a little bleach.
Really, having lots of things that are washable is key. Dog bed covers, currtains, blankets, and pillow covers…
I can go on and on… a mat by the back door when it’s wet outside so they can wipe their paws, bathing them in turn every other week, having clippers and learning to groom them ourselves when we need to, and having several dog beds to go around – all great tips. Living with pets can be dirty sometimes, but it’s also so rewarding! I have a little welcome committee everytime I come home – even if I only just left to check the mail! The boys (as we call them) definitely always keep us on our toes, but we love them and wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Do you live with any pets?? And other crazies out there like us that have more than one or two?? ;-)
Your babies are darling! I struggle decorating with dogs. We keep blankets on our couch and throw them in the wash once a week. I think slipcovers might make me happier though. At first I wanted to kick them off the couch all the time, but then I realized I love cuddling with them and they are there more often than company.
I wouldn’t mind kicking them out of the bed though ;)
.-= Nikki’s most recent blog post: Hot Tamales =-.
Twitter: @sillylittle
Since you talk about Riley the most I don’t think I knew you had 4 more! They are adorable. Plus you have a yard for them to romp in. I would love to a have a pup but in the apartment I would feel terrible about them not having the space to run.
.-= Linda’s most recent blog post: Portland- Part 2-More Food =-.
your dogs are all adorable! we have one dog and two cats, and two slipcovers that really don’t appear to fit as nicely as yours does. can i ask where you got your couch slipcover and how easy is it to remove and place back on the couch after washing? thanks!
Twitter: @duolynoted
This is GREAT advice- especially the slipcovers! My GSD sheds enough for like 10 dogs, I kid you not, I have to vacuum every day and sweep every day and clean slipcovers once a week (I should probably do it more then that but its just too much!)
Your pups are all so cute!
.-= Melissa’s most recent blog post: Black Thumb =-.
Thanks for all the sweet comments!
Mishy- my couch and chair are from Ikea (the Ektorp series). The couch, including slipcover, was $399. And they have other colors of slipcovers, which you can buy separately. They range in price, but none are too expensive. The couch isn’t the bestest quality – but I’ve had it now for almost 5 years, and it’s still comfy. The slipcovers do wash pretty well, although they do shrink. And while they’re not “easy” to put on (there’s some tugging and maybe a little cursing once in a while), they’re not hard by any means. This is my second set of covers in the nearly 5 years.
And Melissa- Wow! I usually try to wash the slipcover once or twice a month! She must shed more than Rascal! ;-)
.-= Rachel’s most recent blog post: Cleaning Out the Closet =-.
Oh, and I’ve probably talked about Riley the most because he’s been with me the longest! I’ve had him now for 13 years (old man!), and he still has as much personality as ever.
Rascal is going to be 16 this year (no kidding), Murphy just turned 10, JJ is 3, and Charlie is 2.
.-= Rachel’s most recent blog post: Cleaning Out the Closet =-.
We only have two dogs. Border collies. Gotta love them. We do exactly as you with the throws or slip covers and everything washable. We will be having our living room carpet removed and vinyl put down that matches the kitchen as soon as we can get on the list to get it done. Just do not feel like dealing with it ourselves. Not great design bu it is easier and living room kitchen open to each other and I want to stay with the same flooring. I could care less if it is the right thing to do design wise. It will work.
We do have three indoor kitties and 10 out door kitties I am getting fixed as fast as I can afford. They started out being ferals. We just could not let them go hungry. My husband jokes he spent 6K for the front porch to be added for a CAT HOUSE!!
So driving home from town-45 miles we were discussing the only local cafe having prim rib and shrimp for special dinner at $26.00 a plate. We decided we would NEVER spend that kind of money on just food. Then we both started laughing as we had over $100.00 in kitty food dog food bird seed for the wild birds and kitty litter in the car. LOL LOL LOL Crazy us.
Loving your darling babies. Thank you for sharing.
Chris
OH Forgot to say I ended up here from your Rant on MFAMB. GAWD I was howling. Hubby was looking at me as to what was so funny. So agree with all you said. People can really suck some times. Would much rather put my trust in our critters.