Home and Pet Lovers Articles and Tips

Housecarers housesitting now has a very active facebook page

2011-07-14T17:09:00.001-07:00

You can follow opportunities and trends in the booming live-in housesitting arena. An active community of users are contributing to a better understanding of housesitting worldwide.

House Sitters community facebook page. Trends and feedback on House sitting worldwide

What do you do about fighting Cats?

2010-03-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

If you have two cats and they are often fighting with one another you may wonder what is wrong and what the best course of action is. Separate them? Let them fight it out? It can be distressing to watch as your cats roll around on the floor wrestling with one another and even more worrying when you see claws and hear lots of hissing. This article will offer an insight into what to do for the best.

Read entire article - on cat fighting solutions

Should you adopt a dog from the dog pound?

2010-01-05T03:32:00.000-08:00

Is this a good idea. You might be surprised at the good dogs you can find at a pound, They are abandonded for many different reasons,

Should I adopt a dog from the dog pound?

Top sites in Pet_Sitting by ranking.com

2009-08-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a listing of top pet sitting sites according to ranking.com

Great idea to get a live-in pet sitter or visiting pet sitter so your
pet can stay at home when your away.

Top sites for pet sitting

How do I know if my dog is sick?

2009-07-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

How can I tell if my dog is sick? When do I take them to the vet? What are the signs
my doggy is not well?

This is a dileman for many dog owners.

Find the answers to these questions at this excellent article below.

How to tell if my dog is sick?

Coffs Harbour homeowner finds wonderfull housesitter and looks forward to her overseas trip

2009-07-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

hi

"I have just used your service for the first time and have been amazed at the response to my add.All the applicants sounded so nice and it was difficult to choose just one.

I have recently met the successful applicants and feel they will prove to be wonderful house sitters for me. I will let you know after I return from my overseas trip.

I look forward to using your srvice in the future and have passed on your details to several friends.Kind regards."
Jenny (username Kalmiah)

Coffs Harbour North Coast NSW Australia housesit details:

I need a caring person/persons to look after my 2 dogs and cat.

Sprat is a small terrier cross and Tiffy a look alike Disney shaggy dog(clipped at the moment) Tootsie is a geriatric Birman cat who sleeps most of the time.

I live in a nearly new 3 bedroom townhouse 2 minutes from the CBD of Coffs Harbour. With beautiful mountain views from the front and back of the house I am only 5 minutes from main beach and Jetty areas. There is an enclosed dog park 2 minutes away and I walk the dogs there every morning.I would like you to be able to continue to do this.Other than that your time is free to enjoy this beautiful area.

Does your Dog start growling when eating and someone comes near?

2009-07-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

Dogs can get very protective when eating - growling when some one comes near. Here is an article that sorts through the issues and comes up with a solution. Very important - especially if young children are involved

Read entire article on How to Handle a Dog That's Aggressive Over Food

House Sitting in the United Kindgom - leave your pets at home, or have a rent free break in the UK

2009-04-16T22:00:00.001-07:00

I have discovered a site with a wealth of tips on how to find a housesitter in the UK or become a house sitter there. Your pets can stay at home, and if you want to visit the UK this is a great way to see the country for free. Also has some inside infomation on Historic Pubs and secret locations in London.

House Sitting In UK

A great way to see the UK and truly enter the local community.

House Sitting Checklist

2009-02-27T18:18:00.001-08:00

Here is an interesting forum discussion on what to take to a house sit.

House Sitting Checklist

You can register there to add your own checklists to help others.

Have you considered this very affordable home security alternative

2009-02-24T01:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a great home security service that will surprise many with its simplicity and
effectiveness.

Check out this Home Security alternative

Though the business is in Merewether - the service is available worldwide

Tell-tale signs for a sick Dog

2009-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

How do you know if your dog is sick - off colour? The article below will give you all the tell tale signs. Then take prompt action and see a vet.

Is your Dog sick? - how do you tell

A new resource for house sitters to swap ideas

2008-01-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

A new housesitting forum has opened at:

Housesitting forum

House Sitting Video Presentation - benefits of having a sitter

2007-11-28T23:22:00.000-08:00

Housesitting means your pets can stay in their own environment and your home is more secure.

View video on how house sittin works.

View House Sitting Viedo

Resources for Home Safety

2007-07-12T17:29:00.001-07:00

Safety around your home. Here are a list of great resources:

Home and Family Safety

Travel and Explore the world with rent free accommodation

2007-07-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a great opportunity to see the world via house sitting. Here are some
current opportunities.

House Sitting Opportunities France

House Sitting Opportunities New Zealand

House Sitting Opportunities United States

House Sitting Opportunities Australia

House Sitting Opportunities Canada

House Sitting Opportunities England

House Sitting Opportunities South Africa

Find a house sitters in Australia's leading directory

2007-06-17T05:34:00.001-07:00

Find a house sitters in Australia's leading directory

2007-06-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

"Thank you so much for a wonderfull professional website.

My Business could not have done without it, I will recommend this site to anyone. My business has grown so much. In addition to that I have met wonderful people hwo lover their pets so much that I can not respect them enough for putting their pets needs in order. By hiring a pet sitter their pets are more at ease.

Dog walking has saved the doy for most of my clients - saved them gas and time from not coming home on their lunch break, And they notice a big difference when they ome home and their pets azre more relaxed, The owners get a chance to unwind from work.

Thanks so much again."

Vanessa Ditta... WALK N WAGGLES UserName: kelsee - Erie county Western New York

View Profile for WALK N WAGGLES, Erie New York

South Austalian House Sitting Directory

2007-05-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

The South Australian Governemnt has recognised the importance of house sitting by
creating a house sitting reference

South Australian House Sitting Directory

House sitting is a great way to see the world rent free.

2007-03-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Travellers and Retirees can register for house sitting below:

See how to get rent free accommodation as a housesitter

House sitting is a great way to see the world rent free. You get to experience being part of the local community - and living like a local.

Sitter potter lines up 3 housesits

2006-11-21T19:46:00.000-08:00

I find your site to be very user friendly. We are pleased with your service and have found 3 very good matches as housesitters.

I would recommend your site to anyone either looking to housesit or find a housesitter. Thank you. .. potter

View profile for sitters Potter

An interesting artlcle on living rent free

2006-11-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

I recommend you check out this artcle from savingadvice.com on living rent free.

Living Rent free through house sitting

Puppy Potty Training: Little Drops of Wisdom for New Owners

2006-10-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Puppy Potty Training: Little Drops of Wisdom for New Owners

Puppy potty training is an action phrase that on thought alone could give new owners bouts of stomach pains and fits of frustration, or actually sway a nay decision for would-be dog owners. Yet, to think that way about puppy potty training is to be a “glass is half empty” type of person. A “glass is half full” person would see puppy potty training as a one-on-one, bonding experience with a new canine friend. That is exactly how we want you to look at potty training—a bonding experience, albeit a sometimes stinky and wet one. Will there be accidents? Yes. Will you, at times, feel your puppy will never grasp potty training? Yes. Will your puppy ever be trained? Yes, if you following the tips in this article.

Puppy Potty Training: The Challenges

If puppy potty training had a creed it would be that potty training gets worse just before its get better. For dog owners the most challenging part of puppy potty training is the period just before the puppy “gets it”, so please keep that in mind. One day you may think all is lost and see nothing is your future but the back aches of wiping up accidents, then one day you realize that your dog hasn’t peed in the house for three days. When that day comes, trust me, you’ll feel like you just inherited Bill Gates’ fortune. It will take a minute to sink in, but then you’ll rejoice and tell everyone who will listen.

Puppy Potty Training: You’re in it Together

Remember, you can’t expect your puppy to train himself, or to get the hang of things with a half-hearted training program on your part. This is a full-time commitment. This isn’t like that oath you made to work out five days a week, which is now actually two days a month (okay, that was my oath, but you get the picture.) Also, don’t forget to train yourself to read your puppy’s signs and when he’s making a plea to pee. Puppy potty training is not only for your dog (and your floors), but for you as well. It is an exhilarating feeling when your puppy runs to you with puppy dog eyes and in dog speak says, “I need to go out,” and you respond. It is a sign that you’re making progress. A puppy that knows he can rely on a dependable owner to respond to his signs is a happy, healthy, responsive puppy that is going to let you know. On the flip side, if you don’t respond, your puppy will know you’re not there for him, and he’ll go to someone who listens—the floor.

New Puppies: No Training Required

Some puppy potty training guides advise new owners to buy puppies that were already trained by a breeder or handler. We say, phooey—get whichever dog you like. Besides, anyone who has ever searched for a new pet knows that we don’t pick them, they pick us. Why should a puppy that wasn’t “bred” to sell, or dog from a shelter be deprived of a good home because his former owner didn’t train him? Dogs are smart and easily trained, so commit to whichever puppy or dog you want, and see how rewarding it is to train or retrain your new buddy.

The Difference Between Potty Training and Housebreaking

The term potty training is used today instead of housebreaking. You’ll notice this “term” when speaking with vets, trainers, or reading books. Housebreaking was often a process that involved scolding, sticking your dog’s face in accidents, and other animal cruelties. The old way of housebreaking was a mind set that the dog was going to do what the owner wanted, when the owner wanted him to do it. If the new puppy messed up he was punished in a way that would make him think twice before doing it again. That treatment is not acceptable today. If you are researching trainers, and he/she uses the term “housebreak” that can be a clue as to their methods and mindset. As it should, treatment of animals has evolved, and so a smarter more humane approach to training is used.

Let me give you a quick example of one aspect of puppy potty training. You walk into your kitchen and see a puddle on the floor. Your curious puppy is soon by your side to see what you’re up to. You point to the puddle while looking at your puppy and say, “no.” You’re not yelling, or touching your dog, you’re just showing your displeasure. Immediately take your puppy outside to the place you want him to pee. After he pees, praise him, give him a treat, pet him, and let him see how happy you are. Your puppy’s tail is probably up and wagging, meaning he is happy. This is just one part of the training process, but it gives you an example of how positive reinforcement works. Puppy potty training today is a combination of training your puppy, training yourself to read your puppy’s signs, establishing your rank in the “pack” without abuse or cruelty, using a crate at specific times, and feeding your puppy at specific times of the day to establish a regular schedule. Of course, rewarding your dog for his successes is a huge part of the program.

Congratulations on finding your new puppy, and good luck with potty training. Use the tips in this article to find the right puppy potty training routine or program for the both of you. Remember, there was a time when each and everyone one of us was “potty trained” and we all eventually got it.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Make Your Own Christmas Cards

2006-10-18T21:51:00.001-07:00

Are you tired of sending the same old Christmas cards depicting boring baubles and dreary bells year in and year out? Have you ever thought that you could design better Christmas cards yourself? Why not have a go this year?

The best time to begin collecting material for making Christmas cards is during the previous year’s yuletide season. Collect as many seasonal clippings, ribbons, bows and small decorations as possible from magazines, wrapping paper, gift tags, Christmas cards, advent calendars…the list is endless – you won’t have to look far for inspiration during the Christmas period.

Once you have amassed all of your material, store it in a special craft chest. You may wish to divide your material into different themes and put it into individual drawers in your craft chest.

You can then decide when to begin making cards for next Christmas. This will depend on how much time you have throughout the year and how many cards you wish to make – do you want to make a card for everyone on your Christmas card list or just a few for close friends and family?

Before starting to make the cards, you will need to buy either some card for cutting, folding and making your own card blanks or some ready-made card blanks with envelopes - this is the quickest and easiest way. Look in the crafts-paper crafts-card making section of eBay for good value packs of card blanks and matching envelopes or try your local craft store.

White or cream is a good background color as it enables you to use a variety of colors on top but you don’t have to restrict yourself to this color, you can be as creative as you like. Red and green also make good background colors for Christmas cards.

You may also wish to buy peel-offs, which are stickers with such greetings as ‘Happy Christmas,’ ‘Season’s Greetings,’ etc. They are useful for giving your cards the finishing touch but are not essential, as you could write a greeting using a silver gel pen, for example, or not include a greeting on the front of the card at all.

Sticky pads are another useful addition to your Christmas card craft making kit. These small foam pads with adhesive on both sides give certain images a slightly raised effect, allowing them to stand out from card slightly. They are excellent for giving more prominence to centerpieces.

You could also buy other materials like handmade or mulberry paper but these are not necessary if you have amassed a lot of your own Christmas material.

Alternatively, if you do not have any materials for making the cards, you could buy a Christmas card making kit. This will include several card blanks as well as many bits and pieces that you can use to design and make cards. It may even have suggested designs and instructions, which are great if you lack a little inspiration.

As far as tools are concerned, the only essential tools are a pair of scissors, a ruler and some glue. A glue pen is very useful as it allows you to apply glue very finely to small decorations.

Now the fun begins…just sit down and let you imagination run wild. Try out different designs on the cards without sticking them down. If one design doesn’t work, discard it and begin again but don’t be too judgmental – the idea is to have fun. Some designs will be better than others but you won’t develop your own style if you don’t give your creativity full rein.

As a finishing touch, you could add a little sticker on the back saying ‘handmade by…’ These stickers are available to buy or you could print them yourself from your computer. If people like your cards, you could have orders coming in for next year’s cards and before you know it, you will have set up your own card making business. You could even sell your surplus cards to friends, at local groups and fairs or even on the Internet. eBay is a good place to start selling hand-crafted items online.

If you do begin selling your cards, bear in mind that you can only sell your original designs. If you have copied someone else’s design either from a book, magazine, website or another source, you cannot sell it as it would be a violation of copyright, unless it is explicitly stated that it is a copyright-free design.

So, sit down, relax and enjoy a creative pursuit in the run-up to Christmas. The rewards could be greater than you expect.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Choice Magazine article on House Sitting (Australian Consumer Association)

2006-10-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

Choice Magazine (Australian Consumer Association) has produced an objective report on house sitting. What to look out for from the home owner viewpoint.

See full article from Choice Magazine on House Sitting Agencies

Twenty Tips That Make Painting Easier

2006-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

Twenty Tips That Make Painting Easier

Summary: A list of twenty tips and hints that will make painting easier. Tips include ways that will make clean up easier, how to protect surface, etc.
Key Words: painting, house painting, interior, hints, home improvement

Painting is a hard enough job without any extra labor. The following is a list of tips you should keep in mind before you start painting. They might not make you enjoy it, but they will make the job easier.

1. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started—especially enough paint. In general, a can of paint covers about 400 square feet.

2. Try to avoid painting on rainy days. The extra humidity in the air will cause the paint to dry slower. If this can't be avoided, use a dehumidifier to help speed the drying process.

3. If you are painting a large room, don't try and same money by purchasing the cheap rollers and brushes. The money you save will be minimal and won't make up for sore hands. Plus, better rollers and brushes will help you work quicker.

4. Have your primer tinted the same color as you intend to paint. This will ensure that the paint covers well and could cut down on the need for an additional coat.

5. Use a nail to tap about five or six holes in the retaining grove of the paint can. This will allow the paint to run back into the can. If you need to reseal the can, you can put the nails into the can or put a little play dough or clay over the holes.

6. Glue a large paper plate to the bottom of any open paint can you are using to catch any splatters or drips.

7. Flattened out corrugated boxes are perfect to cover the floors with when painting.

8. Have a wet rag and paper towels handy to wipe up any drips or mistakes. Most of them—including accidental dabs on the ceiling—can be removed this way.

9. Keep some patching compound and a spackle handy. You'll be surprised at all the little holes and marks you can find on your wall. They might not have been visible with the old color, but they can stand out with the new.

10. When stopping for short periods, seal your paintbrushes inside a Ziploc or plastic bag. This will keep them "fresh" without having to spend the time cleaning them. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil work almost as well.

11. Line the inside of your paint tray with aluminum foil or plastic. It will make the clean up easier.

12. To make cleaning your brushes easier, use an old baby-wipe container. Poor paint thinner into the container and push the handle of the brush through the hole in the lid. This will allow the brush to soak without bending the bristles. If you don't have any baby-wipe containers, try cutting a slot into the lid of a coffee can or similar container.

13. Wipe paint rollers on old newspapers before cleaning. Getting rid of any excess paint will make them easier to clean.

14. Rub hand lotion on your hands and arms before you begin. It will make the paint easier to wash off your hands when you're finished. Also, baby oil is sometime better at removing paint from your skin that soap.

15. If you have a steady hand, you might not need masking tape to cover the edges.

16. Wet newspaper can work great at protecting windows. You can use one-inch long strips of newspaper to protect the windowpanes around a window. Dip each strip into water. Pull the strip between your thumb and index finger to remove the excess water. Press the strips onto the glass close to the wood. Do only two at a time and remove them as soon as you're through.

17. If you're painting a bathroom, use wet newspaper to cover the bottom and sides of the tub. The newspaper will click and keep your tub paint-free.

18. Wrap hardware (doorknobs, hinges, pulls, etc.) in foil before painting.

19. Use old milk jugs to store paint. It will keep just as long and the paint is easier to access if you need to do some touch-ups.

20. Write the date, brand and color of paint used under the light switch for a handy reference.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Local Community Services Directory for Sydney Dwellers

2006-09-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

We have found a great resource for finding Local Businesses and Services in major Areas of Sydney. It is a handy simple and fast way to find household related services.

Find house hold maintenance and pet related services in Mona Value, Manly, Dee Why, Mosman, Sydney NSW Australia

The lookguide.com.au - online and delivered to households in the above areas.

Pet Sitters forum

2006-09-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Suggest a Poll, Start a discussion (topic), Chat to other pet sitters,
Subscribe to topics, Contribute, Teach, Learn, encourage, Be encouraged, Share, Grow ... its all happening at Pet Sitting Forum

When you go away: Board your Dog or find a pet sitter?

2006-08-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

We came across a very balanced report on Dog Boarding v Pet Sitting. Also gives a very good checklist on what to ask a prospective Pet sitter.

Pet Sitting Checklist and Things to consider when selecting a pet sitter

Home Invasion: How To Prevent Termites From Taking Over Your Home

2006-08-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

They are focused in their pursuits, they are abundant in number, and they are probably nibbling on your home right now. What am I referring to? Termites! One of the few insect colonies to eat continuously, a typical single termite colony can completely consume 2.3 linear feet of 2x4 pine in one single year. If that does not sound like much to you, consider the seriousness of the situation if that 2x4 was also one of the supporting beams of your house. Keep in mind also that where there is one termite colony there are usually others, clustered together in pursuit of food. Suddenly, that 2.3 linear feet seems significant, and it is, especially when it is multiplied four or five times.

Termites are one of the biggest contributors to home destruction, costing a staggering $1 billion in damages each year. Thanks to the importing of the voracious Formosan termite from East Asia, that amount continues to skyrocket. Think about the following numbers for a moment. A termite colony consists of anywhere from 350,000 to well over a million workers, soldiers, and swarmers (termites with wings). A single termite queen can lay thousands of eggs per day and live between 30 and 50 years. That means a queen can recoup her losses and repopulate her colony even after tremendous devastation. This means the best way to fight this foe is to prevent them from ever touching your home.

Before we can look at how to prevent them, let’s look at the conditions that attract termites to an area:

Soil: Most termites are subterranean, meaning that they build their colonies in the ground. They love the soil and build elaborate tunnel systems, called galleries, extending up to three feet below the surface. Termites will often use this versatile building material to create mud tubes leading from their underground colonies to above ground food sources, like the wood in your home.

Wood: Termites will consume any material that contains cellulose, and since wood contains a great deal of cellulose, termites devour wood voraciously. If a single piece of wood touches the ground, be certain that a colony of termites somewhere will know about it. Although some subterranean termites will consume other materials like vegetation, dung, and humus, their primary source of food, and their favorite, is wood.

Water: As with most living things, termites generally cannot survive without a source of water present. Whether in the form of a leaky faucet or the natural precipitation process of rain, termites will always seek some source of moisture to survive.

Now that the three conditions for termite survival have been identified, we can now look at ways to prevent termites from infesting your home:

1. Identify and fix all water leaks in your home, both internal and external. As mentioned above, termites need water, and it does not matter where they get it. If the water source comes from your home, all the better for the colony. It means they do not have to work as hard. Eliminating their water source removes one of the three requirements for survival.

2. Remove any brush or heavy growth from around your home. Vegetation can create areas of intense moisture, which is necessary for colony survival. Termites like it wet, so try and disappoint them as much as possible.

3. Eliminate any standing or pooling water from around your home.

4. Store all excess building materials and firewood away from the house. Remember that wood is their primary food source. Scrap wood touching the ground is an open invitation to hungry termites. If your property is not large enough for wood storage away from the house, create barriers beneath the wood to prevent direct access to the termites. Thick concrete slabs or heavy duty metal stands can be used to raise the wood off of the ground.

5. Use treated lumber for any wooden structures that will have direct contact with the ground. The chemicals in treated lumber do not guarantee that termites will not invade the wood, but they can act as a deterrent for decks and patios made out of treated lumber. Home improvement centers now offer concrete supports that raise the wooden support beams for decks and patios off of the ground. This would be a great way to avoid wood to ground contact.

6. Avoid using mulch near your home. Mulch provides two things to hungry termites: a food source and a water source. The qualities of mulch that make it attractive for use in the garden are the very qualities that attract termites. If mulch is placed near the exterior of your home, it is only a small step for a colony to move into your walls. As an alternative to wood mulch, try using one of the newer rubber mulches now available at your local home improvement center. They have the look of mulch and the benefits of mulch without providing the risks.

7. Never bury waste lumber or wood scraps in your yard. It acts as a magnet to termites and directs them to your property.

8. Remove any dead trees, old stumps, or roots in your yard. As these items decay, they attract termites to the area by providing a food source. When the food is gone, the termite colony will look for new sources of food. This includes your house.

9. Seal any cracks or holes within the foundation of your home. This will help prevent easy access for wandering termites.

10. Keep all gutters and waterlines clean of debris. Clogged gutters and waterlines leak, creating pools of water close to the house.

11. Make sure your home is properly ventilated, including your attic and internal crawl space areas. Adequate airflow prevents the buildup of moisture needed by termite colonies.

12. Periodically, get your home inspected for termite damage. A once-a-year inspection can save your home with early detection. If termites are not found in the home, the trained pest control specialists can at least offer recommendations to help you prevent an invasion. They may catch something you missed.

So what happens if you take all of these precautions and termites still begin to munch on your home? Use a pest control specialist in your area to help you deal with the problem. Here are a few of the treatment options that are currently on the market:

 Liquid Termiticide: This liquid pesticide is generally applied around the foundation of the house, as well as underneath the foundation. For new construction sites, the termiticide is applied to the graded soil as the home is being built, but for existing buildings, the foundation is partially dug out and drilled to ensure proper coverage. There are termiticides on the market that act as barriers and repellents to termite invasions, and there are termiticides that act as nerve poisons, killing the termites upon exposure.

 Subterranean Bait: Rather than acting as a deterrent to termite invasion, termite baits attempt to eliminate the colony at its source. Bait stations are set in the ground every ten feet or so around the perimeter of the home. The treatment begins when untreated wood segments are installed in the bait units to determine if termites are active around the house. The units are checked once a week, and if live termites are found, the wood is replaced with a toxic bait that is ingested by the termites and carried back to the colony. The toxins in the bait affect the termites by preventing the molting process, causing them to die ‘within their shell’. This long acting toxin allows the termites to both ingest the poison and carry it back to share with their colony. Special bait units can also be installed inside the home if termites damage is evident. A new series of bait traps have been developed by Dow Agrosciences to fight the more aggressive Formosan termite, which can penetrate cement, brick, heavy duty plastics, and high-pressure water lines just to get to food and water sources.

The best treatment option is a combination of termiticides and bait units setup both in the ground and throughout the house. Termites are hard to kill, and they are even harder to eradicate, so be tenacious in your efforts. Your best bet is to call a professional to help you. Over the counter solutions do not offer the same level of effectiveness that professional grade products do. Your house is one of your greatest commitments you will ever make. It is worth protecting the right way by getting the help of professionals who know what they are doing. But remember. In this case, an ounce of prevention really can take you far, ensuring a better chance of keeping these nasty bugs from eating up your investment before you have a chance to truly enjoy the fruits of your labor.
©2006 Ian White Access

Author Ian White is founder of Housecarers House Sitting Directory. Find a house sitter to keep your home secure and pets happy while you are away

How to Buy a Home Alarm System

2006-08-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Every year more and more homeowners are experiencing one of their worst nightmares- a home burglary. Chances are that you know someone who has been burglarized, or maybe you have already been a victim. The best step to take to prevent your home from being burglarized is to invest in a home alarm. A home alarm system can make all the difference between peace of mind and the lack of it.

If you are considering purchasing a home alarm system, do your homework. A little bit of easy research is all that it takes to ensure that you get the best possible alarm system for your home. In fact, the first step that you can take is to call your local police station to get some basic information. Find out whether or not they will recommend any companies for the job. If so, check those companies out first.

Next, contact your homeowner’s insurance company. Inform them of your intention to acquire a home alarm system and ask if they have any suggestions or recommendations for types of systems or particular companies. Since a discount is often given to homeowner’s who have an alarm system installed on their home, ask how much you will save on your insurance cost and find out id this differs according to the type of system that you have installed. Even if the amount is minimal, it does make a difference to the total cost of your insurance in the long run.

When you begin your search in earnest, have a representative from each company that you are considering come out to your home for an inspection. Ask for their recommendation in writing along with the cost of the system.

Next, you will need to consider which windows and doors you would like to include in the alarm system. Some systems charge by the number of zones that have been integrated into the alarm system. Each window or door is typically identified as a zone. A basic alarm system may originally be set up for a maximum number of zones. Adding zones onto the system may be possible for an increase in price.

Additionally, remember that not all systems are manufactured in the same manner. Consider whether or not you want your system to be wireless. With a wireless system, no one needs to worry about drilling, unsightly holes, and wires to hide.

Moreover, homeowners need to think about acquiring a battery backup for the alarm system in the event of a power outage. Plus, find out if any additional fees are expected and how often the system will require maintenance. Likewise, check into getting a system with a remote control if that is something that you are interested in getting.

Homeowners will also need to make a choice as to whether they want to have a twenty-four hour monitoring service. Typically, a monthly fee is involved. With this type of system, once a break in is detected, the local police are sent to investigate.

Along with cost features, it is important to consider the family’s lifestyle when deciding which windows and doors to target. Do you have pets? Do the pets frequent particular areas that may interfere with setting up the system in particular zones? What about family members? Will placing an alarm in certain areas cause problems or difficulties?

All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding the location and type of sensors that will be used. Homeowners will do well to select a system that can meet all of their needs. Moreover, it is wise to select a system that can monitor each zone in a single location such as the control panel.

Determine the location for your control panel. Typically, two separate control panels and keypad sets are available; therefore, you will need to decide on two separate locations. The most common locations for control panels are the front door area and the master bedroom area. The control panel is in control of the system, while the keypad allows programming of the system. The keypad also allows the homeowner to turn the system on and off.

When selecting the code to be used for access to the system, a family friendly code, or one that is familiar and readily recalled by the entire family is the best choice. Remember that it might be needed during an emergency, so don’t make it too difficult.

A home alarm system can protect your home and loved ones from the unthinkable. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Begin your search today.

©2006 Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

An extra security measure it to have a house sitter stay in your home while you are away. They house sitter can call you if there are any problems with the alarm, and a lived-in home is more secure. As a bonus they can mind your pets and keep you gardens. All this in exchange for rent-free accommodation.

Find a live-in House Sitter for your home

Emergency Medical Care for Pets

2006-07-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

A topic that has been the subject of great debate in recent years has been that of proper medical care and medical insurance for the human populace. While good medical coverage for people still leaves a lot to be desired, animals stand even less of a chance. Although there are many good veterinarians out there the amount of emergency care that is available for pets is sadly lacking.

When my cat was poisoned I searched the phone book and could not find anyone to care for him because it was after regular office hours. After repeatedly receiving automated messages I finally reached one office that generously offered to schedule an appointment the following week for my desperately ill pet. The only emergency pet hospital we could find was in a nearby city over an hour away traveling at top speed.

I was thoroughly appalled at the total inadequacy of available facilities. For pets in need of immediate medical attention, the time it takes to travel to another town or area where available twenty-four hour emergency care can be found, this can literally be a matter of life or death.

In emergency situations people are usually quite unprepared because the only thing on their minds at the time is the injured or ill loved one, even if that loved one is a pet. They normally aren’t thinking about costs or any other factors that are going to add to the amount of stress they are already feeling. So they might be quite disappointed to find that some establishments won’t even treat your pet unless you can pay the full estimated cost of treatment up front. It is unlikely that many people are prepared to pay these costs on the spot unless you are lucky enough to be carrying around a credit card with a fair amount of credit. Do keep in mind that veterinary costs can be quite costly and the extent of injuries or illness can compound those costs readily.

What can you do? You can ask if there is a payment plan that would be more suitable if the costs are rather steep although this is unlikely since most facilities do not offer affordable payment plans. It may be worthwhile to check into a pet insurance plan. While these plans can be fairly costly as well especially if you have more than one pet, it can still help to offset emergency costs when the unexpected happens. Setting up an insurance plan offers a bit more stability and helps to alleviate the pressure of being financially unprepared. Most plans also cover regular yearly exams, shots and a deduction on the cost of medications.

If you live in an area that is sorely lacking in emergency care facilities the best you can do is to create a back up plan by preparing yourself for emergency pet care. Of course prevention is the best medicine but you may want to become familiar with emergency first aid procedures for pets. There are many available resources in books at the local library and on the internet. You may also be able to pick up useful literature from a local veterinarian. You can check and see if any local animal facilities offer any type of educational first aid classes. If not you can still put together a first aid emergency kit to keep on hand for your pet.

You may also want to investigate alternative healing methods as well such as herbal medicine, and homeopathy and seek out practioners in your area. Good nutrition and vitamin supplements can help boost pet health by strengthening the immune system and making them less susceptible to illness.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access
Author Ian White is founder of pet-sitters.biz Pet Sitting directory. Find a local Pet Sitter to care for your pets while you are away

Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer

2006-07-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

By Ian White

You know that summer is hot. You also know when you need to get out of the sun and cool down. Listening to your own body is easy, but your four-legged friends can’t talk to you. It’s your job to protect them from the heat – and all of the consequences of summer – by providing everything that they need to stay cool.

When temperatures climb and your pets are panting the afternoons away, follow these tips to keep them safe and happy even on the hottest of days.

-If possible, let your animals come inside during the worst heat every day. Early afternoon is the hottest time of day for any living thing: letting your cats or dogs soak up some air conditioning for a few hours every day will keep them cool and stop your worrying.

-Make sure that your pets have access to shady spots at all times. Trees are the best sources of protection from the sun. If that isn’t possible, make sure that your pet can get under a covered area, such as a patio or porch.

-Keep the pet’s water supply cool and fresh. The water will heat up as the day passes, so either change the dish often or invest in an auto-watering system. Many models attach to your outdoor water faucet: as your pet depletes the water supply, the system adds more without overflowing or making a mess.

-Never leave your animal in a car, even for just a few minutes. The temperature inside the vehicle quickly rises to the point where any living thing inside will either die or become very, very sick. Even if you park in the shade and leave the windows down an inch or two, you’re still putting your beloved pet at risk. You should leave your dog at home where he can stay in the shade or inside and have plenty of access to fresh, cool water.

-Don’t expect your pets to be playful or overly active on hot days. They don’t need to overexert themselves any more than you do. Like humans, pets can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat strokes.

-Some pets love to swim. Provide these animals with a kid’s wading pool so that they can cool off whenever they get too hot. You can also take your dog with you on trips to the lake or other body of water. If he loves to swim, the cool water will be great. The time he gets to spend with his human masters only makes the experience better for everybody.

-You might be tempted to shave off all of your pet’s hair, but this isn’t a good idea. The hair protects your animal’s skin from the sun. The hair also helps channel cool air to your pet’s skin, which helps him stay cooler. Instead of buzzing everything, trim the hair to a shorter length. A professional groomer can do this inexpensively and properly.

-If your pet seems sick or otherwise abnormal, call your veterinarian immediately. If your cat or dog is dehydrated or is suffering from heat exhaustion, he’ll need quick treatment to get well again.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Author Ian White is founder of pet-sitters.biz Pet Sitting directory. Find a local Pet Sitter to care for your pets while you are away

So many new friendships formed for Sitter AlnMaggie

2006-07-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Once again I am in touch to highly compliment you on the service you offer. We have just completed a wonderful six weeks at Leith, Tasmania & were fortunate yet again to have great people to sit for & as with all our previous sits will remain in touch & so many new friendships have been formed.

I have given your site to so many people & have nothing but praise for your organization.

Regards
Margaret & Alan (AlnMaggie)

View Profile for Sitter AlnMaggie

House sitting in retirement

2006-07-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

This site has opportunities for seniors to house sitEnjoy travelling the world with free accommodation and really experiencing the local community.

Green Tongues – Quotes about Gardening

2006-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

From the gardener who tends a single geranium in her windowsill, to the one who supplies bountiful bouquets of roses to floral shops, many people have spoken many words about the art and skill and benefits of gardening. Let’s listen in to some of their voices, historical and contemporary, for in them we may discover the gardener deep within the soil of our soul:

Gardening gives one back a sense of proportion about everything - except itself. ~May Sarton, Plant Dreaming Deep, 1968.

The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied. They always look forward to doing something better than they have ever done before.--Vita Sackville-West, 1892 - 1962.

My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. ~H. Fred Ale.

I have found, through years of practice, that people garden in order to make something grow; to interact with nature; to share, to find sanctuary, to heal, to honor the earth, to leave a mark. Through gardening, we feel whole as we make our personal work of art upon our land.--Julie Moir Messervy, The Inward Garden, 1995, p.19.

Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. ~Lou Erickson.

As the biocentric view suggests, the garden prospers when control is balanced by equal measures of humility and benevolence. A balance is struck. Control, servitude, respect, imagination, pragmatism, an ecological conscience, compliance, and a certain measure of mysticism and altruism all meld together to provide nurturance. Try to separate the various aspects into their constituent parts - grant any one of them the status of fundamental gardening definition and one soon skews the entire process. Put them back together again in the service of the two-way street called nurturance, and we express the state of grace called gardening.--Jim Nollman, Why We Garden: Cultivating a Sense of Place, 1994, p. 106.

There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ~Mirabel Osler.

The home gardener is part scientist, part artist, part philosopher, part plowman.
He modifies the climate around his home.--John R. Whiting.

Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it.--Unknown.

Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes, it is a triumph of hope over experience.--Marina Schinz.

The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. ~George Bernard Shaw, The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God, 1932.

Science, or para-science, tells us that geraniums bloom better if they are spoken to. But a kind word every now and then is really quite enough. Too much attention, like too much feeding, and weeding and hoeing, inhibits and embarrasses them. ~Victoria Glendinning.

In gardens, beauty is a by-product. The main business is sex and death. ~Sam Llewelyn.

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. ~Hanna Rion.

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. ~Abram L. Urban.

It is good to be alone in a garden at dawn or dark so that all its shy presences may haunt you and possess you in a reverie of suspended thought. ~James Douglas, Down Shoe Lane.

Weather means more when you have a garden. There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans. ~Marcelene Cox.

God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done. ~Unknown.

I used to visit and revisit it a dozen times a day, and stand in deep contemplation over my vegetable progeny with a love that nobody could share or conceive of who had never taken part in the process of creation. It was one of the most bewitching sights in the world to observe a hill of beans thrusting aside the soil, or a rose of early peas just peeping forth sufficiently to trace a line of delicate green. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mosses from and Old Manse.

Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees. ~Anne Raver.

Take thy plastic spade,
It is thy pencil; take thy seeds, thy plants,
They are thy colours.~William Mason, The English Garden, 1782.

It is a golden maxim to cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes will take care of themselves. ~Robert Louis Stevenson.

Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity. ~Lindley Karstens, noproblemgarden.com.

I know that if odour were visible, as colour is,
I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.~Robert Bridges, "Testament of Beauty".

Unemployment is capitalism's way of getting you to plant a garden. ~Orson Scott Card.

How fair is a garden amid the trials and passions of existence. ~Benjamin Disraeli.

Our England is a garden, and such gardens are not made
By singing: -"Oh, how beautiful!" and sitting in the shade.~Rudyard Kipling, "The Glory of the Garden".

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt. ~Unknown.

Garden writing is often very tame, a real waste when you think how opinionated, inquisitive, irreverent and lascivious gardeners themselves tend to be. Nobody talks much about the muscular limbs, dark, swollen buds, strip-tease trees and unholy beauty that have made us all slaves of the Goddess Flora. ~Ketzel Levine's talkingplants.com.

On every stem, on every leaf,... and at the root of everything that grew, was a professional specialist in the shape of grub, caterpillar, aphis, or other expert, whose business it was to devour that particular part. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination. ~Mrs. C.W. Earle, Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden, 1897.

No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden. ~Hugh Johnson.

We have descended into the garden and caught three hundred slugs. How I love the mixture of the beautiful and the squalid in gardening. It makes it so lifelike. ~Evelyn Underhill, Letters.

I think that if ever a mortal heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the cool of the day. ~F. Frankfort Moore, A Garden of Peace.

Last night, there came a frost, which has done great damage to my garden.... It is sad that Nature will play such tricks on us poor mortals, inviting us with sunny smiles to confide in her, and then, when we are entirely within her power, striking us to the heart. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The American Notebooks.

Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo, gardendigest.com.

Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there. ~Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732.

In order to live off a garden, you practically have to live in it. ~Frank McKinney Hubbard.

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. ~Walt Whitman.

Gardens always mean something else, man absolutely uses one thing to say another. ~Robert Harbison, Eccentric Spaces, 1977.

Gardens... should be like lovely, well-shaped girls: all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations, seductive surprises and then still more curves. ~H.E. Bates, A Love of Flowers.

I never had any other desire so strong, and so like to covetousness, as that one which I have had always, that I might be master at last of a small house and a large Garden. ~Abraham Cowley, The Garden, 1666.

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. ~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show.

Earth is here so kind, that just tickle her with a hoe and she laughs with a harvest. ~Douglas William Jerrold, about Australia, A Land of Plenty.

I have never had so many good ideas day after day as when I worked in the garden. ~John Erskine.

Green fingers are the extension of a verdant heart. ~Russell Page.

There is no gardening without humility. Nature is constantly sending even its oldest scholars to the bottom of the class for some egregious blunder. ~Alfred Austin.

It is utterly forbidden to be half-hearted about gardening. You have got to love your garden whether you like it or not. ~W.C. Sellar & R.J. Yeatman, Garden Rubbish, 1936.

A garden was the primitive prison, till man with Promethean felicity and boldness, luckily sinned himself out of it. ~Charles Lamb, 1830.

Let no one think that real gardening is a bucolic and meditative occupation. It is an insatiable passion, like everything else to which a man gives his heart. ~Karel Čapek, The Gardener's Year, translated by M. and R. Weatherall, 1931.

Most people who possess anything like an acre, or half of it, contribute weekly to the support of a gentleman known as Jobbing Gardener. You are warned of the danger that he may prove to be Garden Pest no 1. ~C.E. Lucas-Phillips, The New Small Garden.

Tomatoes and squash never fail to reach maturity. You can spray them with acid, beat them with sticks and burn them; they love it. ~S.J. Perelman, Acres and Pains, 1951.

I appreciate the misunderstanding I have had with Nature over my perennial border. I think it is a flower garden; she thinks it is a meadow lacking grass, and tries to correct the error. ~Sara Stein, My Weeds, 1988.

It takes a while to grasp that not all failures are self-imposed, the result of ignorance, carelessness or inexperience. It takes a while to grasp that a garden isn't a testing ground for character and to stop asking, what did I do wrong? Maybe nothing. ~Eleanor Perényi, Green Thoughts, 1981.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.~Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts".

I don't think we'll ever know all there is to know about gardening, and I'm just as glad
there will always be some magic about it!--Barbara Damrosc.h

Gardening is civil and social, but it wants the vigor and freedom of the forest and the outlaw. ~Henry David Thoreau.

It is always exciting to open the door and go out into the garden for the first time on any day.--Marion Cran.

Gardening is a kind of disease. It infects you, you cannot escape it. When you go visiting, your eyes rove about the garden; you interrupt the serious cocktail drinking because of an irresistible impulse to get up and pull a weed. ~Lewis Gannit.

Gardening is any way that humans and nature come together with the intent of creating beauty.--Tina James, 1999.

When you have done your best for a flower, and it fails, you have some reason to be aggrieved. ~Frank Swinnerton.

Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.--Alfred Austin.

A garden really lives only insofar as it is an expression of faith, the embodiment of a hope and a song of praise.--Russell Page, The Education of a Gardener, 1962.

The best fertilizer is the gardener's shadow. ~Unknown.

Gardening is a labour full of tranquility and satisfaction; natural and instructive, and as such contributes to the most serious contemplation, experience, health and longevity.--John Evelyn, 1666.

By the time one is eighty, it is said, there is no longer a tug of war in the garden with the May flowers hauling like mad against the claims of the other months. All is at last in balance and all is serene. The gardener is usually dead, of course. ~Henry Mitchell, The Essential Earthman, 1981.

What a man needs in gardening is a cast-iron back, with a hinge in it. ~Charles Dudley Warner, My Summer in a Garden, 1871.

Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas.
--Elizabeth Murray.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Home security - defend your home and possessions against intruders!

2006-06-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

With all of the emphasis in the past few years on Homeland Security, many people have overlooked the importance of home security. While it might not make the first story on the news, when your house is burgled, safeguarding your home soon becomes the most important issue in your world.

Read full article on keeping your home secure

Find seniors to mind your house and care for your pets while you are away

2006-06-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a comprehensive site for seniors interested in exploring the world and Australia through House Sitting.

Australian and international housesitting opportunities for Seniors. Housesitting hints, expert advice, useful documentation and links to special offers for members. Free membership of SeniorSitters for Over 50s worldwide.

House sitting for Australian and New Zealand, Seniors

Success!! Sitter found for old golden lab in gated community Orio Valley Arizona

2006-06-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have found a terrific house sitter so I am no longer in need. Please remove my posting from your list.
Thanks!! I am so pleased with this website and service.

Sincerely,
Mary (marymacmary)

Your House is available from: June 28, 2006 For a period of: 2.25 mos, (10 weeks)
You are looking for a Housesitter for your house in City/Town: Oro Valley Arizona
Rancho Vistoso Area

I have a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a gated community with a clubhouse that features 2 swimming pools, a library, a workout room, billiard room etc. The only reason I need a house sitter is because I have a lovely, old golden lab that is unable to travel while my son and I leave for 10 weeks this summer.

House sit posted at housecarers house sitting website

Home Owner tip

2006-06-05T03:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a great service that keeps your home secure, pets safe and gardens cared for while you travel. It is a win-win for both sides. You get a house sitter for free and the housesitter (many retired or travelling professionals, writers) who are more than happy for the free accommodation. Browse profiles of thousands of house sitters online.

Connect with other Garden ah Home Lovers to keep your home safe and pets happy

Housecarers listing in Ozdoggy directory

2006-05-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

See your directory listing at Ozdoggy.com

Examining 5 Kitchen Design Styles

2006-05-31T02:04:00.000-07:00

As you are planning your new kitchen design, the look and style you select is very important in determining the overall feel your kitchen will portray.

From the country charm of wood cabinets to modern-looking stainless steel appliances, kitchen design styles come in many choices and styles.

So just what determines your kitchen’s design style?

Well many of the more successful kitchen design styles are made up of many components go together the right way. The color you select, and the styles of fabrics, furniture, flooring, windows, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting can help to determine a kitchen design style. You will discover that various design elements of the kitchen provide each style with its own unique flavor.

The type of kitchen cabinets you have are an important consideration in regards to the overall kitchen design style. The cabinetry can have a powerful effect on the design of your kitchen.

The style of kitchen cabinet you choose will give personality and a specific atmosphere to your kitchen.
Some of the popular styles of kitchen cabinets today are:

English Country – Consists of open china display racks, unique paints and finishes.

Shaker – This style is characterized by purity, simplicity, and utility. Uses flat panel doors that are inset and flush with the cabinet frame. Other features include wood counter tops, wooden knobs, and brass hardware pieces. It combines simple furniture design with clear crisp lines, and strength.

Country – This style creates an old farm kitchen look with glazes and layered finishes. Includes open shelves, pot racks for cast iron cookware, butcher block, and multi-colored cabinet pieces that look like they are separate pieces of furniture.

French Country - There are so many elements that go into the French country kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture that are made mainly of light colored woods and can be decorated with ornate carving. Natural materials are an important element in walls, cabinetry and furniture that is used in the design of French country kitchens.

Arts and Crafts – This kitchen design style is becoming a popular style for kitchens. In this type of style glass doors and natural wood tones with a matte sheen are used. The style can be eclectic and artistic.

Contemporary – Kitchens that are done in the contemporary kitchen design style often use plastic laminates, special wood veneers, enamels, lacquers, or metal foil laminate for the kitchen cabinet facings. Cabinet doors in this kitchen design style usually use frameless construction with overlay door and no toe kick panel.

Homes can come in many different styles, and built using a variety of materials. So the same goes for kitchen design styles. However, in most cases, people will want their kitchen to match the overall design and style of their home.

It may not be absolutely necessary to select a kitchen design style that is the same as your home’s exterior architectural style. Although it is considered a good idea that you should really try to select the kitchen design style that will best complement your home’s style.

James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.

Travel Tips from Seasoned Travellers

2006-05-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

We have created a new blog devoted to travel tips. This includes traps for the unwary from seasoned travellers. Be safe, be healthy and enjoy your holiday armed with this information.

Current articles posted by our writers include

Travel Scams And The Unsuspecting Traveler

Navigating the World of Airline Security

Travelling Abroad

Road Trip on a Budget

Travel Tips - Staying Healthy

View them all at:
Travel Tips Blog

Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe

2006-05-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Dogs have been "man's best friend" for thousands of years. Since dogs watch over their owners, it's only right that dog-loving humans keep their pets safe in return. And now, dogs need our extra attention more than ever. With a little thought, you can easily create a safe home for your precious pups.

As you know, dogs have a keen curiosity. Take a look at your home from your puppy's perspective and you'll likely find all sorts of interesting items to check out. You may not realize that dogs first sniff, then mouth things to inspect them. So it's especially important that you keep the following out of your dog's reach:

insect traps
phone and electric cords
ashtrays and cigarettes
open doors and windows
rubber bands
housecleaning chemicals
candles
Christmas tree ornaments
uncovered trash cans
medications
foodstuffs like: chocolate and grapes
plastic bags
batteries
anti-freeze
valuable items, like jewelry, photos, and books

Don't forget the great outdoors when inspecting your dog's area. Dogs, especially puppies, find plants fun playthings. They love to dig in the dirt or pull branches off shrubs. Because of this, make sure the plants in and around your home aren't a health risk to your dog. The following common house and garden plants are toxic to dogs:

English ivy
dieffenbachia
mistletoe
philodendron
elephant ear
caladium
boxwood
holly berry
azaleas
chinaberry trees
oleander
wisteria
hydrangea

Other ways to protect your pup include keeping him or her safely confined to your home. Wandering dogs are more likely to be injured by vehicles or meet up with unkind people.

Make sure your yard is fenced and the fencing is tall enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Many dogs try to dig out under the fence, so it's crucial you regularly check for gaps around the fence perimeter. Teach everyone in your family to carefully close doors and keep gates latched.

Additionally, it's important that your pet wears a collar with an identification tag at all times, in the event he or she gets lost. In fact, most cities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. This way, it's more likely your dog will be returned home safely to you. You may also consider microchipping, where a small silicone chip containing your contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters and veterinarians automatically scan lost pets in search of a microchip. However, an identification tag will be useful if your puppy is found by an average citizen.

If you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit handy. Include a week's worth of food and water, as well as any medication your dog needs. Don't forget a photo of your pet too, in case you're separated at any time.

The author, Jennifer McVey, is owner of www.id-a-pet.com, your guide to pet identification like GPS, ID tags, microchips, and more.

Pet Depression and Separation Anxiety

2006-04-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Pets develop emotional bonds to their human owners and when separated from them, pets may suffer from depression and separation anxiety. There are times when it becomes necessary to be separated from a pet such as when having to be hospitalized or taking a vacation. As much as we may hate being away from a beloved pet, it may actually be a more stressful experience for the animal.

Most people develop comfort zones and tend to resist change because it disrupts their level of comfort even when the change is positive. Many of us don’t realize that our pets can and often do react in similar ways. They also have their own comfort zones and become closely bonded with the people within their home territory.

When separation occurs and the pet deeply misses those he is closest to, depression may set in. It is not uncommon for a pet to grieve itself to death when its owner dies. Pets can withdraw, become extremely quiet or in some cases even be a bit hostile when separated from the owner.

If separation is unavoidable, for instance, when the owner has to be admitted to the hospital, it is best to try and make arrangements for the pet to be kept by someone such as a friend or family member that the pet is familiar and comfortable with. That way the pet’s stay should be less stressful for both the pet and the owner.

Although many pet owners take their pets along with them on vacation, others may not choose to do so or perhaps cannot do so for various reasons. Those who do not take their pets along on vacation will need to find a reliable caretaker to look after their pet while they are gone.

Another option to consider is a house sitter. Pets are likely to be more comfortable in their owner’s absence if they remain in familiar surroundings rather than being transported to the home of a friend or relative. If possible, it may be a good idea to see if someone you trust and that your pet knows well enough to be comfortable with would be willing to be your house sitter in your absence.

Pets that become depressed when separated from their owners may refuse to eat or drink and may become lethargic. When there is a strong attachment between pet and owner even being separated for a short length of time can cause the pet a fair amount of anxiety. The stress caused by the separation can produce symptoms of physical illness.

If you must leave your pet with someone else during a planned absence such as a vacation, take your pet along with you for a visit to the person’s house that will be caring for the animal, several times in the weeks before you leave. This will give your pet an opportunity to inspect the house, become accustomed to the surroundings and also it will give the animal a chance to interact with the people and any pets in the home. It is better to give your pet a chance to get to know the place where he will be staying rather than abruptly moving him to a strange place at the last minute and then leaving him. It will make the transition easier and hopefully more pleasant for everyone involved.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

How to Stop Your Dogs Excessive Barking

2006-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Barking is the dog’s instinctive means of giving a warning and it would be against your interest to discourage it. However, once you have been alerted, your dog should realize that his job is done. So select a word of praise, such as “Good Dog” or “Okay”, or command such as “quiet”, and give your dog a pat to indicate that he must now be still.

Hysterical barking such as during a thunderstorm, can be treated by reassurance, companionship, distraction, or if all else fails by tranquilizers from your veterinarian. Barking at a strange object can be quickly stopped by showing him that there is nothing to fear.

Barking from boredom or in order to attract attention is best treated by eliminating the cause. If you give your dog plenty of attention and exercise, you can insist on quiet behavior the rest of the time. Obedience training is of great indirect benefit due to the self-discipline it imposes and the mental and physical activity it provides.

Whining, barking, or howling when left alone should not be tolerated. It is easier to prevent in a puppy than it is to correct in an adult dog. However, even a lonely barker can be cured in an afternoon or evening if you arm yourself with patience and whatever acting talent you possess.

You must pretend to leave your dog alone, telling him to “Guard the house”, and that you will be “back soon”. As soon as your dog starts to bark or howl, you must burst furiously into your home, saying “Bad Dog” or “No!” A single experience may be enough to make it clear to your dog that his barking displeases you.

When your dog is duly impressed by your dissatisfaction, you should forgive him, settle him down, tell him to “Guard the House” and leave again. Be patient and hope for the best. If your dog has not barked within 5 or 10 minutes, you can be almost certain that he has learned his lesson. But if he resumes his barking, you must repeat the entire scenario, and repeat it as often as necessary.

As a final scene, stay away for a brief time, and when he hasn’t barked, return, greet him fondly and praise him. Then reward him with a treat or a walk, whichever he prefers. The next day you can test him by making a point of leaving him alone for a short period of time. Chances are that he will pass the test.

In the future, if you take the trouble to give him plenty of exercise beforehand, and opportunity to relieve himself, a diverting to or bone, water and food, whenever you have to leave your dog at home alone for an evening, he will never howl or bark without some justifiable reason.

A simple trick to stop your dog from barking with joy when you come home in the middle of the night is to give him his ball or bone or favorite toy. He cannot hold something in his mouth and bark at the same time. He may gurgle with delight, but this will not disturb the neighbors.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest designer dog clothes, dog collars, dog strollers and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com

Traveling with your Pet

2006-04-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

You've decided to take your pet along on vacation. It will be more fun, and you won't have to worry about leaving a member of your family behind in an unfamiliar kennel. With some extra planning and forethought, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip with your pet.

Taking a Road Trip

If you're driving with your pet, you'll need to find a comfortable and safe way for your pet to travel. You can place your pet in a carrier and secure it in the car. Alternatively, you can purchase a seatbelt-like harness for your pet that will allow him to be out of the carrier but still safely restrained. It isn't safe to allow your pet to roam freely in the car. He can be seriously hurt in the event of even a minor accident, and he is much more likely to escape and become lost when you make stops.

Don't leave your pet alone in the car, especially in hot weather. The heat can quickly become life-threatening. If your pet becomes carsick easily, you may want to ask your veterinarian for motion-sickness medicine before the trip.

Carry some of your pet's food along with you, and feed your pet only small amounts of food at a time. If your trip is short, you may want to have your pet wait and eat when you arrive to avoid carsickness. You should also carry some of your pet's water along, or purchase bottled water. Local tap water may contain different minerals or sulphur, which might upset your pet's stomach.

Flying with your pet

Many pet owners do not like to fly with their pets because it can be traumatic for them, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Unless your pet is very small, he will fly as cargo and not in the cabin with you. Check with your airline to determine what type of carrier is acceptable and what rules apply to flying with a pet. Also ask what safety precautions are in place, what conditions the pet will fly in, etc. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is well enough to fly or if there are any special precautions you should take.

International Travel

Taking your pet out of the country requires careful planning. Check the regulations for the country you are traveling to and verify that your pet has the required vaccinations. In some cases, you'll need to have the vaccines administred weeks before your departure date.

Most countries will require a Rabies Vaccination Certificate and a Health Certificate. Your veterinarian can help you obtain both of these. The country you are traveling to may require that you complete paperwork gaining permission to bring your pet into the country. Also, some countries have quarantine regulations that may require your pet to remain in a kennel for up to several months.

Pet Friendly Hotels

A quick search on the Internet can help you find hotels that are receptive to pets. Many travel sites also allow you to specify only pet-frienly accommodations. Check with the hotel to find their specific rules regarding staying with a pet.

If your pet requires walks, ask for a room that opens on the outside. This will be more convenient for those late night trips outdoors.

Many alternative lodging sites, such as resorts, cabins and bed and breakfasts are also open to receiving pets. Check ahead of time for availability where you're traveling. Since many of these vacation spots offer outdoor activities, they can be great options for pet owners.

What Will your Pet do All day?

You know how you'll travel, and you've found a hotel that will welcome your pet, so now what? What will your pet do all day when you're out having fun?

An outdoor vacation is an ideal choice if you're traveling with pets. Consider renting an RV and taking a camping vacation. Many RV rental agencies allow pets with an extra deposit. A trip to the beach is another good choice for pet owners. However, keep in mind that sand can be irritating to some pets, especially dogs with deep skin folds. Some animals are bothered by long sun exposure as well.

If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, keep plenty of cold water on hand and watch your pet for signs of heat exhaustion.

Some restaurants now provide outdoor seating that is also pet friendly. Check ahead of time if any are available near where you are staying. If you'd like to spend mealtime with your pet and no pet-friendly restaurants are close by, you might consider takeout or even picnicing outdoors.

What if you're taking a more traditional vacation? Many tourist attractions will not welcome your pet, and it isn't a good idea to leave your pet alone in a strange hotel room all day. You may be able to place your pet in his carrier for shorter excursions, but for all day trips, consider researching pet daycare centers or kennels available in the area. You can leave your pet for a few hours in a safe environment but still enjoy his company on your trip.

What to Take Along

Bring your pet's food along or plan to buy it as needed. This is not a good time to change your pet's diet, and you should certainly avoid giving your pet any table scraps. Traveling can be stressful regardless of how careful you are, and you don't need the added complication of stomach upset for your pet.

Don't give your dog the local water, especially if you're traveling internationally. It's safer to give your pet only bottled water to avoid possible stomach upset.

Bring along any medicines your pet takes, including vitamins, flea medicines, heart worm prescriptions, etc. You should also bring some basic first-aid supplies in case of injury. Ask your veterinarian what should be included in your pet's first aid kit. These might include medicines for stomach upset and a mild tranquilizer in case your pet becomes extremely agitated. You can purchase pre-stocked pet first aid kits at many pet supply stores.

To make your pet more comfortable, bring along a few items from home. Bring some of your pet's bedding and a few of his favorite toys. Bring only treats your pet has eaten in the past with no stomach upset. Again, this isn't the time to try any new foods. The carrier you bring should be large enough for your pet to remain comfortably inside for a few hours. He should be able to stand, lie down and turn around easily within it. Also, be sure your pet has fresh water available within the carrier.

A Pre-Trip Checklist

Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Have your pet examined and any vaccinations done that are needed. Ask if your pet is healthy enough to travel, and ask for advice concerning any of your pet's health conditions. Remember that if you are traveling outside the country, you may need to plan weeks in advance.

Make sure your pet has current identification attached to his collar, and that it fits well and isn't likely to slip off. You might want to consider having an identification chip implanted before your trip, but you'll need to discuss with your veterinarian how soon your pet can travel after the procedure.

Gather phone numbers for veterinarians, pet emergency care facilities, kennels, etc. before you leave for each place where you'll be staying. If an accident or illness does occur, you'll be grateful that you don't have to take the time to find someone to care for your pet.

Make a packing list for your pet based on his needs and what your veterinarian recommends. Double-check it as you pack his things. Take your veterinarian's phone number along with you in case you need to call and ask a last minute question or have your pet's records sent to another clinic.

Take time to get your pet used to his carrier, especially if it's new. If you're driving, take your pet in the car for practice trips before the big day so it won't be so traumatic. Another benefit to this approach is that you'll learn if your pet become motion sick easily.

If you're traveling with your cat, bring a litterbox and litter along with you. It's easier to purchase cheap plastic litterboxes and throw them away rather than try to clean and transport them. If traveling with a dog, be sure to bring baggies to clean up after your pet's walks.

Embarrassing and Alarming Moments

Pets get stressed when traveling, so accidents can and will happen. Bring some disposable wipes and plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. Another good idea is bringing a small bottle of enzyme based cleaner. If your pet selects the hotel carpet as the perfect spot for his accident, this can remove the odor and stain before it has a change to set.

Never open your pet's carrier unless you're in an enclosed room. Pets can move much more quickly than you can, and nothing will ruin your vacation faster than losing your traveling companion.

Traveling with your pet can be challenging, but with some planning ahead, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Trying a short weekend trip before a longer vacation can also help your pet acclimate to travel, and you will learn how well your pet travels.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Dog Treats - A great guide for affordable and free treats for your pooch, an essential read for all dog lovers.

2006-04-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

A great guide for affordable and free treats for your pooch, an essential read for all dog lovers.

Dogs are a member of the family in most homes. This means they are rewarded for good behavior with dog treats. But that is not enough. Remember to praise the dog as you give the treat so it associates the praise with food. Use dog treats to reinforce or teach good behavior.

Dog treats can be anything that dog enjoys if he is easily motivated. They also help train the dog to do the things you ask him to do. A visit to the vet or a dose of medication can be made into a pleasant experience if they are followed by a dog treat each time.

Dog training involves use of dog treats or some type of snack after it has obeyed your commands. The training method is right to teach dog manners and obey commands; as long as the owner is in control of the treat box. Treat training is one of the methods of motivational training that encourages the dog to do It helps develop an obedient dog, who sits at commanded, comes at your call, and waits to be petted. It is also an easy way to make him take medicine, and learn tricks like jumping to catch a stick.

This procedure sometimes leads dog to expect a treat each time or it will not listen to your commands. So it is essential to slowly wean him off dog treats, while increasing number of commands given before a treat. This also helps the dog loose the expectancy of food. Instead, he will be happy by just a word of praise or petting as a treat for obeying a command.

However, most people appreciate the unconditional love they receive from their canine friends. And desire to reward them with only dog treats as a sign of appreciation. It also used to housetrain and correct bad habits.

David Cashman is an online dog expert, he specializes in dog health and methods to look after and communicate better with dogs. For more info on dog treats please visit Dog Treat.

Buying a New Puppy? How to Avoid the Pitfalls

2006-04-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

In this article you will find tips on how to avoid the contractual pitfalls of dog co-ownership.

Many books and articles have been written regarding the art of choosing a puppy (i.e. performing puppy tests, looking for parental OFA certifications, and so on...), but few, if any, discuss the contractual end of purchasing a puppy. I can tell you through personal experience that purchasing a quality show puppy from a famous breeder can be quite a stressful experience because no breeder would give up the pick of the litter to a competitor (for obvious reasons) or to a novice without co-ownership of the puppy. Co-ownership of a puppy entitles the breeder to many rights to the detriment of the buyer. To begin with, the breeder might also be an experienced handler and might contractually require the purchaser to use the breeder as the puppies' trainer and handler. Agreeing to this could be a monumental mistake because the purchaser might be required to pay (even though they might be co-owners) for the breeders time to train and handle the puppy. Agreeing to this can COST you THOUSANDS of dollars.

In the contract, the breeder might require your bitch/dog to whelp/stud puppies. And, of course, they would contractually want the picks of the litter (they may choose either male or a female puppies as they please). Furthermore, you as the purchaser, might be required to pay the costs of breeding and whelping the puppies (i.e. food, vet-bills, housing, AKC registrations, stud fees, breeder's time) even though you may not be allowed to get the picks of the litter. What's more, you may not be able to see nor be with your dog for the duration of gestation and delivery. Some breeders have been known to switch animals when they are sent away for whelping or stud service. Therefore, I would recommend that you microchip you puppy and that you get an AKC DNA ID as soon as possible after you purchase your puppy. This way, you will get back your beloved animal without concern as to the nature of its identity.

When you purchase your puppy, most reputable breeders will guarantee that your puppy will be free of various ailments for the duration of two years. What they may fail to mention, however, is that if your puppy becomes incurably ill, the replacement puppy may be one of their own choosing and not yours; which translates to the fact that you may end up with a new puppy that has a lousy temperament.

So, remember. The devil is in the fine print. Read your contract carefully, otherwise you may become the victim of your own ignorance.

Armen T. Ghazarians offers advice, information, and articles regarding many aspects of professional dog training for all those who are not professional dog trainers themselves.

Visit me at:newdogtrainingsecrets.com

Housebreaking an Older Dog

2006-04-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

by Armen T. Ghazarians

Housebreaking an older dog is not an impossible task. Although it is generally easier to housebreak a puppy, any dog can be housebroken given the proper techniques. First, before you begin, you must know how a dog thinks. I would say that a dog thinks 80% of the time with its nose, and the rest of the time with its other senses. If you look at animals in the wild, you’ll notice that most mammals like Wolves, Lions, Tigers, and Wild Dogs scent mark their territories. This is not only a sign of demarcation, but a place where these animals return to mark over and over again, in order warn other animals or their rivals that this is their territory.

It is precisely this habit that the distant cousins of wolves, our dogs, exercise on a daily basis. That is, dogs know and remember where to go “potty” by mainly using their sense of smell. Dogs a creatures of habit; therefore, they generally like to go “potty” after a meal, after they wake-up from a nap, and after they exercise. Your job is to recognize when your dog needs to “go” and guide it to the pre-designated area before it does its business. Thus, you must monitor your dog for at least 2 weeks until the desired outcome is programmed into your dog’s psyche.
So, what are you to do if your dog makes a mistake and “goes” in the middle of your living room? The answer depends on whether you catch your dog in the middle of the act or not. If you catch it in the middle of the act, you can say something like “no,” and quickly lead your dog to the desired location before it finishes doing its business. If however, you find the mess after the fact, you must NEVER punish your dog. Your dog simply won’t understand what it is being punished for and it will soon learn to fear you instead of look at you as its leader.

The question then is “what should one do if one finds the mess after the fact?” My advice is as follows: take a newspaper or towel and rub it onto the mess; then, take it back to the location where you desire your dog to “potty,” and smear that area. This will teach your dog to use its natural instincts (to scent mark) to go “potty” exactly where you want it to. But you still are not done yet! Now you must erase your dog’s memory of the location in your house where it had gone “potty” by properly cleaning the spot with the right cleaning agent. Cleaning with ordinary household cleaners is a bad idea. Most household cleaners contain Ammonia; the very ingredient in Urine which arouses a dog’s instinct to scent mark. So, instead of using ordinary household cleaners, use a product like “Nature’s Miracle,” which is specifically designed to remove the smell of urine and feces and erase you dog’s memory of the previous location where it had done its business.

The key to housebreaking an older dog is patience. Be patient, and you dog will learn to do what you ask of it in no time.

Ms. Fix-It: You Can Do It!

2006-03-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

My husband is a computer geek. He’s great at his job, but tools and repair work are just not his things. I didn’t know anything about tools or making repairs either. When we bought our house and problems arose, we hired repairmen. After being overcharged and witnessing how simple some of the repairs were, I thought, “I can learn how to do that.”

I didn’t think much more about it until our garbage disposal broke. When my husband suggested I call someone to come out and fix it, I got online instead. I went to the manufacturer’s website and found a troubleshooting guide. I also found a couple of step-by-step websites that told me exactly what to do. It was so much easier than I thought! When I told my husband that I fixed the garbage disposal, he was incredulous. I was so proud of my accomplishment that I then had the confidence to take on bigger projects.

I discovered that the Internet is a great source of information on “how to” projects. Everything I wanted to try was right there with a simple explanation. The next Valentine’s Day, I asked for a circular saw to make the shelves I wanted in the pantry. I was officially a “repair chick.”

I’ve repaired plumbing, installed sinks and faucets, fixed major appliances, tiled floors, painted, wallpapered, installed carpet, and I’ve even dabbled in drywall. My latest project was building our deck, which I even designed thanks to some cool software. I got help on the deck from men who I had to teach how to help me. This is all only six years after picking up my first tools!

I bought a couple of “how to” books specifically for women. I have to admit that I hated them both. They were terribly condescending. They said things like, “This is a screwdriver. You use it to tighten screws. It’s OK for women to use them.” I’m only exaggerating a little bit. At first, I did need some basics, but that was ridiculous. In this age of home improvement shows constantly on television, I knew enough to know what projects I wanted to try, but I didn’t know how to do them. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated, too.

You have to be prepared for a bit of patronizing from certain men. When my husband is with me at the home improvement store, the male employees sometimes talk only to him, even if I ask a question. It’s as though they can’t imagine that a woman is capable of using power tools. The best part of learning about home improvement comes when you have to hire someone for big jobs. You’re less likely to be swindled when workmen know that you’re “home improvement literate.” You’re also more likely to get exactly what you want because you can describe things specifically so there’s no doubt.

If you’re intimidated or new to the world of home improvement, start small. Fix the garbage disposal, change out the lint exhaust duct behind the dryer, or install a roll-out cabinet organizer. These are all pretty easy projects, but you’ll be amazed by the sense of satisfaction you’ll have and how empowered you feel once you discover that you can do it yourself.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Prefabricated Home Packages

2006-03-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Prefabricated Home Packages
By Diane Takahashi

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what's available in the area of prefabricated homes and buildings. This article is to introduce you to the world prefab. If you're in the industry, you'll probably be cringing about now at the word "prefab". But, the word is one that has become synonymous with homes and buildings that have been partially or fully assembled in a factory setting.
I for one am excited to see the latest versions of modern prefabs emerging globally. They're well thought out, beautiful, and energy-efficient.

And to anyone who has any doubts about the quality of today's prefab homes, I'd ask, would you rather buy a house whose parts have all been crafted outdoors exposed to the elements -- by hand. Or, would you rather buy a house built in a factory setting to tight specs exceeding that of site-built homes. I say exceeding, because a normal site-built home doesn't have to endure the rigors of transportation.

For your review, here are quick descriptions of 10 of the many categories of prefab homes available for exploring at http://PrefabExpo.com - in no particular order:

1. Manufactured

Single-family residential dwellings consisting of one, two or more sectional units and constructed to Federal HUD code. Zoning regulations and ordinances of the local Municipality or County might not permit use of mobile and manufactured homes in all areas of their jurisdiction.

2. Modular

Modular refers to a method of building a home, rather than a type of home. A modular home can be built in a factory from a stock modular home plan or from a customized plan, to the state, local or regional codes of where the home will be set up. Modular homes have not typically experienced the zoning restrictions and discriminative ordinances applicable to manufactured and mobile homes.

3. Panelized

Panelized homes are factory-built homes in which panels — whole walls with windows, doors, wiring, and outside siding — are transported to the site and assembled. Panels are made from insulating foam sandwiched between two layers of structural material. The panels are lightweight and might already be filled with insulation when they arrive on the site. The homes must meet the state or local building codes of where they are sited.

4. Steel-frame

Steel framing is an equivalent to conventional stick frame or post & beam home design where the structural lumber is replaced by steel studs and trusses or steel posts and beams. Light-Gauge Framing System features screw-together, galvanized stud-and-truss, grid-type construction system built on 4-foot center.Red-Iron Metal Post & Beam Systems features bolt-together, pre-engineered post-and-beam-type framing system that uses the red-iron steel "C" beams on 8-foot center. The prefabricated home built with this method can be single-story, two-story, and even tri-level home.
Unlike conventional wood framed home that requires interior walls to support the roof, the higher strength-to-weight ratio of steel house allows to span greater distances with less material and fewer supports. The result is higher floor layout and interior design flexibility.

Unlike wood, steel won't shrink, rot, warp, buckle, split, or be attacked by insects. This results in greater durability, lower long-term maintenance, higher energy efficiency and overall greater quality of this prefabricated home.

5. Precut

This category includes wood-framed factory-built houses or cabins where building materials are factory-cut to design specifications and transported to the site to be assembled. PrefabExpo.com presents prefab building kits designed as wood-framed (also known as balloon-frame, 2 x 4, 2 x 6 or stick-built construction) as well as prefabricated home kit / cabin kit using post-frame method. The homes or cabins must meet local or state building codes of the area where they will be sited.

6. Cedar

According to Katahdin Cedar Log Homes, cedar is aromatic to people, and problematic to insects: The heartwood of northern white cedar produces organic compounds called thujaplicins – which create that fresh, pleasant cedar aroma. But to insect pests, such as moths and termites, cedar just plain stinks. They’ll avoid cedar homes and instead search out inviting, tasty pine structures.

Cedar home kits include everything you need to build the home, itself. That is to say, the walls, the floor, the ceiling, the windows and doors. But your foundation, plumbing and electrical system are not usually included in a kit.

7. Timberframe

Timber framing is a specific type of post and beam construction in which a frame is created from solid wood timbers that are then connected by any one of the following wooden joints: mortise and tenon, dovetails, or scarfs secured with hardwood pegs. The frame is covered with any one of a number of enclosure systems. Normally the timbers remain exposed to the interior of the building.

Timber frame structures exhibit a strength and aesthetic quality not found in conventionally framed houses. The timbers are pre-cut, shaped, and finished at the factory, then sent to the construction site, where they can be quickly assembled by a crew, routinely using cranes to lift the bents and beams into place. The use of quality wood, enhanced by joinery that compares with fine cabinet making, maximizes the strength of the timberframe structure. Joinery is the heart of the entire structure.

8. Log

Log homes provide their owners with a comforting and relaxing sense of informality and simplicity. The mass of logs produces heating and cooling benefits, and reduces noise transmission into and throughout the home. These are very attractive characteristics, but there are also challenges in construction and limitations in decorating. These aspects require special design considerations and have unusual maintenance requirements.
Basic Kits Are...

WALLS ONLY: The walls-only log home package includes all the logs for the outside walls, including fasteners. Roof beams and staircases may be added.

STRUCTURAL SHELL: Shell This package includes everything that's in the walls-only package, plus all components necessary to keep the weather out, such as exterior doors, windows, and the roofing system.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE: Complete packages also includes interior components required to finish log homes. Such items include interior walls, stairs, closets, interior doors and trim.

9. Circular

The circle is the strongest geometrical shape we recognize, and this factor likely influenced builders of circular homes for thousands of years. Prefabricated circular buildings have been built as cabins, studios, homes, offices or community halls and convention centers.
Most of today's prefabricated circular homes and cabins offered across the country use conventional wood-frame or post & beam construction method. These homes and cabins are ideally suited to take the full advantage of locations offering exciting panoramic views, and to incorporate factor of the surroundings into the home design.

10. Dome

Geodesic Dome is using triangular networks forming hexagons and pentagons and creating a free-span, spacious environment of spherically shaped structure requiring no internal supports. This results in large flexibility for utilizing interior space to implement floor designs not limited by structural restrictions. Because of the structural strength of the shape, the domes have a far better record of withstanding tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes than cube-shaped structures of conventional homes.
Advantages...

MATERIAL COSTS: Geodesic domes provide the greatest amount of floor area with the least amount of surface area, reducing the quantity of needed building material by as much as 30-50%.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: As a result of the shape, the dome has approximately 30-50% less roof and wall area than cube-shaped home of equal floor space. This results in lesser area being exposed to the elements, resulting in reduction in heating and cooling costs of dome shaped structures. Also, the spherical shape of the dome facilitates natural air flow yielding more even temperatures maximizing overall interior temperature comfort.

Disadvantages...

As a result of complicated angles, the interior and exterior finishing of the dome (after speedy assembly of the prefabricated shell) is significantly more labor intensive than finishing the conventional house. Also, the finishing work requires highly skilled or specialized tradesmen which might not be available at every location. These factors might present welcoming challenge for skilled handyman - homebuilder, but would create substantial cost outlay if the hired labor is considered.

This piece was originally submitted by Diane Takahashi,who can be reached at prefabexpo@yahoo.com, or visited on the web. Diane is co-creator of http://PrefabExpo.com a subscription-based online database of prefabricated homes, cabins and buildings and their vendors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Takahashi

SMALL DOG BREEDS FOR SMALL HOMES

2006-03-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

Just because you live in a small home or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. There are many small and toy breeds that make excellent pets for small homes. But even small dogs like variety and exercise, so it is important that you are prepared to spend time with your dog, take her for walks and ensure that she gets the best care. Once you have made that commitment to yourself, you can choose which breed of dog is most suitable to you and your lifestyle.

Small dog breeds make the cutest puppies, and one of the cutest small dog puppies around is the Maltese. This popular small dog breed generally grows to no more than six or seven pounds in weight, and has a beautiful white coat. The Maltese is a very ancient dog breed and has a strong constitution, though it should not be kept in very hot areas, due to the thick coat. The Maltese enjoys walks and is very playful. A great companion if you want a lively little pet and will enjoy the grooming chores.

Another delightful long haired small dog breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This lovely small dog is as courtly as its name and weighs about twice as much as a Maltese. The King Charles is a friendly and sociable small dog, well known for giving a lifetime of loyal attachment. This is the ideal dog if you prefer to lead a quiet life.

Top of the line in long haired small dog breeds is the Lowchen, as long as you enjoy spending long hours brushing, and don’t mind the hefty price tag. The beautiful `Little Lion’ dog can cost around $1000. A true indoors dog, the Lowchen is no exercise fanatic but owners have reported `separation anxiety’ to be a problem, so don’t get this dog breed if you are away for long hours every day.

If you want a pet with a shorter coat, try the Miniature Fox Terrier. This lively little dog will need lots of exercise, and appreciates having a collection of toys. Fox terriers can be yappy, so your pet may need to go to obedience school if she annoys the neighbors. This is a healthy and low maintenance dog breed, suitable for the owner who just wants to enjoy having a pet without all the grooming fuss.

A more sleek and elegant short haired pet is the Italian greyhound, and if you want a pet that enjoys exercise, this is the dog breed for you. Owners report that the Italian greyhound is a very well behaved dog, but prone to stress, so it is not a suitable pet where there are small children. This dog breed grows to a height of about 15 inches but is very lightweight – around 5 pounds.

The Welsh corgi is one of the classic small dog breeds, and very popular with Queen Elizabeth II of England. They will be popular with you, too, if you want a playful, affectionate pet. The Welsh corgi comes in two breeds, the Cardigan and the Pembrokeshire. The Pembrokeshire is smaller and more popular than the Cardigan, but both make faithful pets for small homes.

Finally, there is the ultimate small dog breed for apartment living – the toy poodle. Naturally popular in Europe, the toy poodle is somewhat high maintenance regarding its fluffy coat, but a surprisingly undemanding pet. Toy poodles love to play and appreciate having their own toys, but they are easy to train and adapt to their owners. Like most pets, the toy poodle prefers company to being left alone, but if you spend a lot of time away from home, perhaps you should think twice about getting a pet anyway!

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Obedience Basics for Puppies that Stay Home Alone; a Guide for Working Pet Owners

2006-03-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

So, you’ve acquired a new puppy over the weekend and already you’re in love. But Monday morning rolls around and reality hits. How do you raise a well behaved canine while working away from the home?

In more than 50% of American households wives, as well as husbands, work out of the house, while children depart for school or the sitters. Training “Fido” not to use dad’s favorite slippers as chew toys or to refrain from soiling the carpet has become a frustrating challenge for many.

Though training a puppy that spends the majority of time home alone might be more of a challenge, it is not an impossible feat. You can still raise a well-behaved dog despite your busy schedule by following the insightful tips below.

Serious behavior problems in growing dogs usually develop around six months or older. Biting, chewing, jumping up on people, excessive barking, digging, and soiling are all avoidable bad-behavior habits if training is consistent and begins early.

When a puppy is adopted into a human family it leaves its mother and littermates. The pup leaves behind the security of the known and enters into the unknown. This can be a very scary and confusing time. It is also one of the most important times in the puppy’s life.

As the pup’s care giver, it is crucial for you to provide a sense of security and belonging. By consistently demonstrating love and affection, solid groundwork is laid for a loving, trusting bond between you and the puppy. Puppies so nurtured will grow into happy, confident dogs. Puppies denied the security of love consistently demonstrated and regular, positive attention will grow up fearful and full of anxiety. Training such a dog will be difficult, at best.

The very first “lesson” you should teach your new puppy, then, is that his new home is a place where he is loved and accepted. Once your puppy feels safe and loved, he is ready for obedience training.

Obedience training should begin early, and should become a regular part of your weekly routine until your dog has been properly trained. Sessions should be executed in a calm manner, and should always end on a positive note. Your puppy will look forward to each session if you praise his efforts, and do not yell in anger or frustration.

Physical punishment should not be doled out before the puppy is older and can fully grasp what you want from him. There is a difference between a dog requiring a firm hand because he behaves headstrong and willfully refuses to obey, and a dog requiring patience because he lacks confidence or does not quite understand what it is you are trying to teach him.

Training sessions should be kept to 15 minutes or less. A puppy’s attention span is much like a small child’s; interest soon wanes. Forcing a young puppy to endure sessions longer than 15 minutes will be frustrating for both you and the puppy. It would also be non productive, and sabotage training efforts.

A puppy that must stay alone for an eight hour day requires proper training to learn and accept that without excessive barking or other bad behavior. Since your puppy’s first learning experience begins the moment he enters your home, working people find it is easiest to bring a puppy home at the start of the weekend so that they have a few days to begin training.

Your puppy will need to learn to stay quietly in his pen until you decide he can come out. As difficult as it is, you must resist his cries and baby antics to get his own way. Resist the urge to pick the puppy up whenever he cries for attention. Be gentle, but be firm.

The easiest way to train your puppy that there are times when he must be confined to a pen, or certain area of a room, is to sit in the pen with him at different intervals during the first few days. This will help assure him that he will not be ignored while he is in his pen.

Go in and out of the pen as much as you wish, but firmly push the puppy back and close the gate when you leave. Praise the puppy when he is quiet in his pen; when he whines or barks, tell him “No” in a firm voice. Never allow the puppy out of the pen when he is noisy or barking. Allow him out of his pen only when he is quiet.

If he continues to bark after you have told him “No,” slap a rolled newspaper on your open hand while repeating with more emphasis, “No!” The noise will startle the puppy and distract him long enough for you to praise his silence. Be consistent, and this training will pay off. There’s nothing neighbors dislike more than a dog that barks continually every time he’s left alone.

Dogs often respond to aggressive provocation and fear in the same way; by biting. Many dogs also bite and nip during play. Puppies especially are notorious for playfully biting and nipping. While some care givers feel such “rough housing” is harmless, or even cute, puppies should be taught early not to bite or nip. They also have to learn not to struggle or squirm when picked up.

Even a puppy that will be too large to pick up once fully grown needs to learn this lesson. There will be various times in his life – during an examination at the vet’s, while being groomed, or when sick or injured – that he will have to accept being picked up or held down patiently, without struggling or biting.

Start the lesson by sitting on the floor and picking up the puppy. While holding the pup firmly, speak in affectionate, soothing tones. Tuck the pup’s back end under your arm, with your elbow tight against his outside rear hip. This provides a good, strong hold that will make the puppy feel secure. Any puppy will attempt to free himself for fear of falling, if he is not held securely.

If he is small enough, grasp his front paws with the same hand. This will leave your other hand free to pet or discipline the dog.

Some puppies love to be picked up and held, and will immediately relax. Other puppies will squiggle, squirm, and nip to be released. They must be taught to endure being handled.

If the puppy struggles, pet his head and continue to talk to him in soothing tones. If he does not quiet down, give him a little shake and firmly say, “No.”

If he tries to nip or mouth your hand, hold his mouth closed for a few seconds, and repeat, “No,” then release his mouth. Continue this lesson until the puppy learns to remain calm and accept being held. The minute the pup becomes quiet and accepts your handling, praise him. Remember, praise for obedience is one of the most important tools for successful obedience training.

Training a young puppy to accept handling is always done gently but firmly. Under no circumstances handle the puppy roughly, or strike the puppy. Older puppies and dogs can be trained more firmly when they resist handling. (Note: Don’t confuse the terms “young puppy” and “older puppy” with how small or large the puppy is. Distinctions are attributed to age relevancy, not size.)

Until your puppy is completely toilet trained, he should be confined to a certain area of the house and not allowed to roam at will. This can be in a particular room, or cage. Not only will this save you frustration by not having multiple areas of the house soiled before the puppy is completely toilet trained, but dog psychologists agree that puppies feel more secure in a reasonably small enclosed area.

Newspapers should cover the floor of the area. Plenty of clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Using a heavy bowl will help prevent accidental spills. A clean bed (an old blanket or towel works nicely) should also be provided for warmth and for comfort, as well as toys to chew and play with. Like human babies, puppies need toys for entertainment; chewing helps alleviate gum discomfort caused by growing teeth.

When it comes to toilet training, do not expect too much, too soon. No one can expect a puppy to stay alone for a full eight hour day. A puppy under five months old will need to be put outside to relieve himself every 4 – 5 hours. This means that you or another family member will have to go home at lunch or break time to let him out.

This may seem like a hardship, but it is important and will only be for a few months. It is the only way to affectively toilet train a puppy. The puppy will soon adjust to your schedule and will stay clean until taken out of doors at noon, and again in the evening.

By balancing gentleness with firmness, being consistent with patience and love, and by following the above tips, both you and your puppy will benefit. Your pup will be well on his way to becoming the well-behaved canine companion you desire.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Does Your Pet Need an Exercise Program?

2006-03-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Pet owners are being urged to make sure their animal companions get enough exercise to keep them healthy. Purdue University wellness veterinarian Lorraine Corriveau says pets, as well as people, should get 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. Veterinarians estimate that 25 percent of dogs and cats are obese. Those extra pounds can cause a multitude of health problems for your pet.

Obese dogs run the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure just like their human counterparts. Both dogs and cats are also at an increased risk for diabetes if they are obese. Other animal health problems that stem from obesity include difficulty breathing, and skin and joint problems. So it makes sense to put your pet on an exercise program if they are overweight. The question is how do you determine if rover or tiger should shed a few pounds?

Corriveau offers these tips to help you determine if your pet is overweight:
- Does your pet have a bulging waistline when you look down at them from above?
- Does your pet's belly sag and/or wobble side to side?
- You should be able to easily feel your pet's ribs.
- A good estimate of the ideal body weight for a dog or cat is the weight they were when they first reached adulthood.

If you determine that your pet needs to slim down a bit, here are some suggestions on how to make sure they get enough exercise.

- Take your pet for walks – you can leash train cats as well as dogs.

- Dogs love to run after a ball or stick that you throw.

- Take a flashlight and let your cat leap and jump around following the beam of light.

- Treadmills are trendy for both people and pets, but make sure you research the correct way to exercise your companion animal on these machines so you don't injure them.

You may also need to consult with a veterinarian to find the correct weight-management program for your companion animal since you may be feeding your pet too many calories. Your veterinarian can help you determine exactly how much food is needed for your pet to get enough nutrients to stay healthy and still lose weight.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Fight Flea Season and Win

2006-03-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

For those of us who have pets, fighting fleas can sometimes seem like a losing battle. The pesky little creatures can be hardy warriors and when we think we’ve just about conquered them and taken back our territory, we get bitten when we’re least expecting it. We arm ourselves with powders, shampoos, sprays, and collars and end up spending more money than we intended only to find that the enemy camp hasn’t been completely destroyed. So should we throw down our weapons and surrender? Of course not.

You may not be able to eliminate fleas entirely especially if you live in a warm climate where flea season is all year long but good preparation and a consistent routine can help keep fleas under control. Fleas are an irritant to people as well as pets. If your dog or cat has the run of the house so do the fleas. In other words, if you allow your pet to sleep on the sofa or your bed the fleas will be bunking there too. They will be found in your carpet, furniture, bed linen and anywhere else your pet spends time.

Flea infestations in pets can cause skin irritations and even hair loss. It seems as if they prey on pets that are ill, weak or have lowered immune systems. So consequently, the healthier the pet is the less chance of flea infestation. At the first sign of fleas we usually head out to stock up on flea control products but we don’t often realize that many commercial repellants can be just as bad for our pets as the fleas that plague them. These products contain harmful insecticides and by using products such as these, our pets, especially those that may have sensitivity can also experience skin irritations, hair loss or illness of some sort. Flea powders can cause severe skin conditions in sensitive pets and should never be used on young kittens or puppies, sick or weak animals. Cats especially are prone to ingest the chemicals found in flea powders because they are constantly cleaning themselves by licking their fur.

There are natural measures we can take in the fight against fleas. A good variety of herbal flea control products exist that are effective against fleas and non-toxic to your pet. Regular cleaning is a must to prevent flea infestation. Steam clean your carpets and vacuum often and thoroughly. Wash blankets, bed linen, throw pillows, throw rugs and other washable items that your pet may lie on in hot water. Keep your pet healthy and the house clean.

If your pet is permitted to go outdoors it may be best to wear a flea collar on the animal. You may prefer to purchase one of the herbal type collars. The pet should also be shampooed periodically with a mild pet or herbal shampoo. If you have a cat then you know that bathing a feline can be a challenging experience. You may be one of the lucky ones to have a cat that actually doesn’t mind being bathed but most cats have a natural aversion to water. One good thing is that cats don’t normally need to be bathed as often as dogs since they are adamant about self-grooming.

Some people swear by certain home remedies that may have a certain degree of effectiveness. One such remedy is to add a small amount of lemon juice to the rinse water when giving the pet a bath to repel fleas and aid in the healing of fleabites. Other suggestions include the addition of brewer’s yeast and garlic to the pet’s food as natural flea repellants. Although I’ve tried these methods and not seen any significant difference in flea control, I have noticed that a bit of lemon juice in the rinse water does seem to make a pet’s fur shine. Whether you choose to try alternative methods or not, good health and regular cleaning seems to be the best defense against fleas. Before trying any radical methods of flea control or in the event that flea infestation causes health problems consult your veterinarian. Fight flea season and win.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Proper Nutrition for a Healthy Pet

2006-03-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

You may think you feed your pet well but there may be little nutritional value in the daily diet of your cat or dog. We all look for ways to budget and save money but spending a little more on commercial pet foods to ensure your pet’s health is well worth it. Cheap dry foods are usually filled with preservatives and harmful ingredients. Many commercial pet foods, especially the less expensive brands don’t provide our pets with the amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals that they need for optimum health. Often they contain waste products, fillers, artificial preservatives and other ingredients that are not healthy.

Cats and dogs should have raw meat and vegetables added to their diet as these foods contain the most vitamins and minerals. While moist commercial pet foods may contain more nutrients than dry food, vitamin and mineral supplements may still be needed to ensure proper nutrition. While cats are a little more finicky about their cuisine, most cats and dogs eat food items similar to humans.

It seems to be a popular trend these days to cook for one’s pets. I know quite a few people who cook such meals as meatloaf for their dogs to cheese omelets for their cats, not to mention homemade biscuits and other treats. For those who choose to prepare meals for their pets, this is fine but do keep in mind the importance of adding raw food to the pet’s diet as well. We all know that cooking removes much of the nutrients from food so in order for the diet to be healthy it needs to be well balanced.

Vitamins can be essential to keeping your pet healthy especially if they suffer from a vitamin deficiency or a poor immune system. For example, Vitamin E helps to fight disease and Vitamin C boosts immunity and protects against infection. Certain vitamin deficiencies may produce physical symptoms. For instance, a deficiency in Vitamin B may manifest itself in symptoms such as skin allergies or eye problems. Many behavior problems may be the result of vitamin deficiencies as well.

You can add other supplements such as iron to your pet’s diet too. Fresh garlic added to pet’s food can help boost the immune system and also helps to repel fleas. A little apple cider vinegar added to the food or water helps improve skin conditions and keeps the fur healthy. Pet owners may want to consider adding kelp, which can be purchased at a health food store, to the diet. It is rich in most vitamins and minerals.

You can also add new food to the pet’s diet gradually so that their digestive system has time to adjust to the new diet. Abrupt changes in diet can cause stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. When purchasing commercial pet foods keep in mind that labels are sometimes misleading. Try to feed your pet a healthy balanced diet. If you have any concerns about your pet’s diet or adding vitamins, minerals or other supplements to your pet’s feeding schedule consult your veterinarian. He or she should be able to address any concerns you may have as well as make suggestions or provide alternative solutions to any problems your pet may have in dietary adjustments. A healthy diet leads to a healthy, happy pet.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Room Painting 101

2006-03-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

Room Painting 101

Painting a room is the least expensive way to make a dramatic impact. You can change the entire look and feel of a room with a couple of coats of paint. Before you just start slapping paint onto the walls, you should do a bit of planning.

First, determine the color you want. A lot of people don’t put enough time into choosing the best color. Once you’ve painted the room, you’ll realize how much work it is and how much you don’t want to do it again.

Don’t just go by the convenient little cardboard color samples at the home improvement store. Once you find a color you like, have someone mix up a quart, then actually test it out at the store. Let it dry, and make sure you’re happy with the color. Paints can dry in interesting ways that make them sometimes look completely different from the mixture in the container. If you’re not happy with it, keep looking until you find the color you really want.

Buy high quality, easy-to-remove painter’s tape. A lot of people use regular masking tape. It might be cheaper, but it can peel off what you’ve already painted. When it comes time to tape off painted surfaces, this tape is well worth the money.

Buy proper rollers and brushes. If you have a large area to paint, the extended rollers are a good investment. As long as you clean them, you can use them many times. Invest in decent brushes in multiple sizes. You don’t want to paint trim with a giant brush or buy the cheap brushes that will leave bristles on your freshly painted walls.

Paint the ceiling first! If you have a popcorn ceiling, you need to buy a special roller that will give you better cover on rough surfaces. It’s also a good idea to invest in a paint roller extension and a plastic sleeve that fits on the handle of the roller to protect you from drips. Most people keep the ceiling white or off-white. If you paint the ceiling a dark color, it can make the room seem smaller and very dark, even with sufficient lighting. Before you paint the ceiling, tape the edges of the walls. Yes, you’re about to paint them, but you don’t want gooey drips to dry and give your walls strange little bumps.

With painting, preparation is key. Don’t get too excited and skip tape and floor covering. You can buy special tape to put on the baseboards that already has plastic attached. You apply the tape then just roll out the plastic to make sure the floor is covered. Be sure to remove light switch and electrical covers. Don’t be lazy, or you’ll regret it later. Once everything is taped or removed, you can start painting.

You should always do the edges and brush areas first. The main parts where you can use rollers go much faster, so you won’t have to worry about areas drying before you finish your first coat. Follow the instructions on the paint can. Wait the amount of time suggested between coats, and open all the windows to give yourself proper ventilation. Be sure to clean all of your brushes and rollers thoroughly, and let them dry completely before you use them again.

If you want to paint the trim, make sure all coats of your wall paint have dried completely. Tape around the trim, and remove doorknobs and doorjambs. It’s a simple step, and it makes everything look a lot better. Save any leftover paint for future touch-ups, and leave the windows open until the paint is completely dry.

Copyright © 2006, Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Keep Your Dog Heart Healthy

2006-03-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart of dogs. A dog can become infected through the bite of a mosquito and infestation can be transferred from one dog to another in like manner. The worms travel through the animal’s blood until eventually reaching and settling in the heart.

Coughing and difficulty breathing can be symptoms that the dog is infected with heartworms. If left untreated it can lead to heart failure and death. A few worms may not cause any immediate problem and the dog may not exhibit any signs of infestation. Dogs that remain outdoors all of the time may be more prone to become infected than indoor dogs. Although cats may become infected also, heartworm infestation is much more likely to occur in dogs.

If only a few worms are present the dog may not need immediate treatment but prevention is best and early treatment may prove the best course of action for the animal. Heartworm infestation is serious and should not be left untreated for any length of time. It can be very debilitating for an animal that is otherwise ill or elderly. Once diagnosed, hospitalization may be required for the pet suffering from such an infestation.

While there are preventive drugs that can be administered a veterinarian should be consulted since many of these drugs have undesirable side effects that can affect the animal’s well being as well. As with any illness, healthy dogs may have a better resistance to such infestations. A strong immunity is a good defense against illness. You can boost your pet’s immunity by feeding your dog a healthy diet and making sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise. Your veterinarian can suggest vitamin supplements if necessary.

While diet and exercise alone cannot prevent heartworms, proper nutrition can help your dog’s body to be better prepared to fight against infection and infestation. Although there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of heartworm you can talk to your veterinarian about the use of preventive medication and if at all possible try not to leave your dog outside all of the time. Get informed about heartworm and help your dog to live a long and healthy life.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White

Cork: A New Breed of Flooring

2006-03-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

When it comes time for a homeowner to update their flooring many choose from wood, tile or vinyl but cork flooring, which has been used in Europe since the last century, is gaining popularity in North America due to its low maintenance, durability and insulating properties.

A completely natural and renewable resource, cork is harvested by peeling it from the cork tree without the tree incurring any damage. Once stripped of its bark the cork tree will grow another layer of cork within nine years and continue to do so for 150 to 200 years, making it an environmentally sound choice.

For those looking for a long lasting, low maintenance flooring cork fits the bill on both counts. Made up of honeycomb-like pockets that trap air, cork flooring resists wear by its ability to regain its shape no matter how much foot traffic it endures or how long furniture has sat on it. Repairs, should they be necessary, are also done with ease. Instead of having to replace the entire floor the homeowner can simply mix shavings from a spare piece of cork, mix with polyurethane, and fill any divots.

Those same pockets of air that provide durability to cork flooring also impart both sound and temperature insulation. This completely natural product provides a perfect marriage between the warmth and sound dampening properties of carpet with the ease of clean up associated with tile. To clean your cork flooring simply vacuum regularly and wipe up spills with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.

Another benefit of cork flooring is that it is hypoallergenic. With an every increasing number of homeowners finding the need to avoid carpets due to allergies to dust or dust mites, cork flooring provides a healthy alternative. Also, due to cork flooring’s water resistance it is excellent flooring for bathrooms in order to provide warmth to the floor while avoiding allergy inducing molds.

If home fashion is at the forefront of the homeowners mind cork proves to be the chameleon of the flooring industry. Available in a wide array of colors, from the traditional honey tones to green, red or even black, cork can also be stained or stenciled in order to match a future change in décor without having to change your current flooring.

Therefore, with its durability, insulating properties, and ability to fit into almost any décor, cork flooring may just become the front runner in the minds of homeowners looking for the next generation in floor coverings.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White

Preparing Your Home for Storm Season

2006-03-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, high winds, and hail can all do tremendous damage to your biggest investment, your home. While violent weather can erupt at any time, the most severe and damaging storms often arrive between March and August, with the height of the storm season usually occurring throughout the spring months (March through May).

This guide will help you prepare your home, your belongings, and your family to avoid the negative effects of severe weather:

Before Storm Season

1. First, visit your insurance provider and go over your policy to make sure that you have appropriate insurance coverage for your home, property, and belongings in case of storm damage. If you are in a flood prone area, remember that flood insurance is not a staple in homeowner's insurance policies.

2. Trim, or have a professional trim, any trees, bushes, or large plants that are near your home to avoid damage. Strong winds can bend trees, causing them to hit your home, which may damage siding, windows, doors, or the roof. It doesn't take a tornado to cause serious damage or injury. Falling limbs can also be problematic, so have any that are damaged, unstable, or those that overhang your home or garage removed.

3. If possible, replace the glass in your home with wind and impact resistant glass. If replacing the glass is not currently feasible, learn about safety film that can be used to cover glass to help prevent shattering. It is also prudent to install storm shutters. Shutters will protect your windows but more importantly will protect the interior of your home and especially your family, from glass that may shatter during severe weather.

4. Sliding glass doors are especially dangerous, and do not forget about skylights. If you cannot employ any of the above protective methods before severe weather arrives, cover large areas of glass with plywood, a tarp, or winterizing plastic for some temporary protection.

5. Purchase a non-electric radio, preferably one that has access to the NOAA weather band for up to the minute weather information, or at least a radio that can clearly receive a local station. Make sure fresh batteries are available at all times, or purchase an emergency radio that is powered by solar energy or one that features a hand crank to charge it up when needed.

6. Make sure at least one working flashlight with fresh batteries is also available, since the power may go out and you may be left without electricity for several hours. Using candles during violent weather is not advised, in case of gas leaks. A flashlight is also helpful for getting someone else's attention should you need to be rescued. Look for a flashlight or radio that includes a personal alarm or siren for this purpose.

7. If your electric service is frequently interrupted during severe weather, consider purchasing a generator. You may also want to purchase or put together a survival kit. There are many different types of generators and survival kits available in assorted price ranges.

When Storms are Predicted

1. Move vulnerable items to a safe location. Put your car inside the garage, move patio furniture, lawn equipment, bicycles, and other items such as barbeque grills into the garage or shed. Anything that cannot be moved to another location should be tied down to avoid causing damage or injury if thrown by strong wind.

2. Close awnings to avoid updrafts of air that could tear them away from your home and cause them to break windows, slam against your house, or cause injury. Close the garage door to protect your vehicle and other items enclosed within.

3. Unplug your appliances and electronic equipment before the storm hits, if you have warning. Surge protectors only work to prevent or reduce damage caused by power spikes and surges; they cannot prevent damage from lightning.

4. Unplug your phone. Unplug the phone line from the jack and unplug the power base from the electrical outlet. Stay off land based phones during storms, especially phones with cords. If you have plenty of warning before the storm, charge your cell phone before the storm arrives. You may need access to emergency services, or you may just want to alert family members and friends that you are safe.

5. Move to a safe location in your home (see "Preparing a Safe Zone" below). The basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the home is the best choice. Stay away from doors, windows, and anything that conducts electricity.

Preparing a Safe Zone

Consider constructing a safe room or a storm cellar. There are various plans and kits available to help you prepare a safe location for your family during severe weather threats.

You can also transform an existing space in your home into a modestly safe zone for your family on your own. One of the first steps is to choose an area that does not have windows, or to replace windows with safety glass. Even if you cannot replace all the glass in your home, it should be affordable to do in a single room.

The safe zone should be on the lowest floor, and should be protected by interior walls. There should be enough space for the entire family including pets. Let neighbors or extended family members know where the safe zone is located, in case of emergency. If severe damage occurs, they will know where to find you.

Make sure the room has something that can be used for cover. Supply the room with a heavy table or at least a mattress to hide under to protect against debris. This is a good area to store sleeping bags and heavy blankets, which can also be used for cover, and may be needed after a storm.

Store your emergency items in this room, and develop a family plan for reaching the safe zone in case of severe weather. Keep bottled water, non-perishable snacks, medicines, and a first aid kit or survival kit in this space as well.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White

Get Informed Before Choosing to Get Your Cat De-clawed

2006-03-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

Should you get your cat de-clawed? This is a question that cat owners may find themselves mulling over. Although you may love your feline friend you don’t relish having your furniture at the mercy of your cat’s claws. It is only natural that cat owners become frustrated when feline scratching is ruining carpets, furniture, wood floors or surfaces and other household items. Although providing the kitty with a scratching post may lessen the problem it might not eliminate the undesirable behavior.

Cat owners may come to the conclusion that de-clawing their cat is the best solution. It is not. Many people are totally against such action. Personally, I agree that to de-claw a cat is not an option to be considered. Often people that are thinking of de-clawing are not as informed as they should be. People may have the misguided perception that de-clawing a cat is a simple and relatively painless procedure. It is not. It is a painful amputation. Imagine having a joint removed from your fingers. De-clawing can affect a cat’s balance and leave them defenseless.

You may feel that your cat doesn’t need to defend itself if it is an indoor pet but anything can happen and your cat may suddenly find itself outdoors with no claws for defense. A window or door may accidentally be left open and the cat may wander outside. Even cats that have never been outside before, show no interest or seem to fear the outdoors have been known to investigate from time to time. The sight of a bird or the sound of another cat could be the bait that lures your feline beyond the safety of its indoor surroundings.

Cats that have been de-clawed may begin to exhibit behavioral changes. Otherwise outgoing, friendly cats may become extremely timid or shy. Some may become more aggressive and start to bite. It must also be understood that there can always be complications with surgery although it may be rare. Infection could set in, requiring extended treatment; there is the possibility of hemorrhage or even an allergic reaction to the anesthesia used. Even if all goes well, the recovery is painful.

When we decide to take on the responsibility to accept a feline companion into our homes we have to keep in mind that it is part of a cat’s natural instinct to scratch. We can bring them into our homes, train them and care for them but their natural instincts will remain. Some veterinarians will not perform the de-clawing procedure. The fact is that de-clawing is inhumane. Don’t make the decision lightly. In fact, choose not to make the decision to de-claw at all.

Copyright © 2005 Ian White

How to Cat-Proof Your Home

2006-03-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

If you are planning on bringing home a new kitten it is in your best interest, as well as the interest of the cat, to make a few modifications to your home. Cats are, simply by nature, incredibly curious. However, with a little bit of caution you can keep your home safe for your curious cat.

Plants If you are unable to remove your plants, or unable to place them in a room away from the cat, dust the leaves with cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce. It is also a good idea to place gravel or aluminum foil over the soil to prevent the cat from digging. Eating some plants can be fatal for cats—so check to make sure your plant is non-toxic. If your cat is persistent, try hanging your plants safely out of reach. Stopping your cat from chewing on your plant keeps both the cat and the plant safe.

Breakables Leaving breakables within your cat’s reach can be dangerous for your cat and will most likely result in the destruction of your valuables. Before you bring your cat home, confirm that breakable items are out of the cat’s reach. Jumping onto high surfaces is common cat behavior—and if your cat knocks something over during the process it could easily cut its paw on the sharp fragments.

Hanging Blind Cords Hanging blind cords are tremendously tempting for cats of all ages and can look like a great opportunity for entertainment. However, keep in mind that cats can easily become tangled in the cord and the entanglement can have disastrous results. It is best to keep blind cords up and inaccessible.

Electrical Cords Just as electrical cords can be dangerous for a teething infant, they can be a serious hazard for your cat. To your cat, electrical cords are just another source of amusement. Do your best to keep cords away from your cat by taping them together and fastening them out of your cat’s reach.

Clothes Dryer Cats are drawn to clothes dryers—and it can be easy to forget to check before turning it on. Make certain that you keep the clothes dryer door closed at all times to prevent any accidents.

Windows and Screens Check all of your windows and screens. Screens should be sturdy and in good condition, otherwise the cat could push them out or tear it off.

Bathtubs and Toilets As you know, cats are extremely curious creatures. Your new cat may feel the need to explore, and it is easy for a cat to fall into a toilet or a partially-filled bathtub. Even if your cat could swim, it is possible that they might not be able to climb out. To prevent your cat from injuring itself, or drowning, keep the toilet lid closed and the bathroom door shut while the tub is full.

Reclining Chairs Reclining chairs can seem like the perfect hiding place to a cat, but reclining chairs can trap and seriously injure a cat so make sure you check for your cat’s presence before returning to an upright position.

Candles A burning flame is an enticing site for a playful cat. To prevent your cat from unknowingly burning itself, ensure that your candles are placed safely out of your cats range.

By following these tips, as well as implementing your own knowledge and common sense, you can help guarantee your cat’s safety.

Vacation Safety Tips for Your Home

2006-03-08T23:12:00.000-08:00

It’s vacation time and you are happy to get away, but first remember to prepare your home before you leave. Put your home on vacation while you are away, and your worries will be on vacation as well. As the most expensive possession that you own, the safety and security of your home should take priority.

The steps to securing your home and preparing it for an uneventful return are simple and pain free, especially if you have been good about keeping up with certain things before hand. Follow the simple suggestions in the following strategies guideline to prepare your home during its brief respite from family occupation.

Strategies and Safety Tips for Your Home

Utilities

 Electric- The smallest appliance can cause a fire if the wiring is faulty. Unplug all electronic equipment, computers, televisions, lamps, toasters, microwaves, and unnecessary appliances prior to leaving. Remember to leave the refrigerator plugged in, as well as any appliances that are attached to timer devices that will be in operation while you are away.
 Gas- If the Gas Company will turn off and re-ignite your gas pilot light free or for a minimal charge, then, you may want to consider shutting off this pilot light. Do not attempt to do this yourself, unless you have the proper training.
 Water- Turn off the main valve before you leave. This will prevent inside flooding and damage, should a pipe burst while you are away. Also, turn off outside faucets to prevent small children, in the neighborhood, with idle curiosity from turning them on and leaving the water run. If you have an outdoor irrigation system without its own shutoff valve, then you will have to forego this step. If you are planning to get an irrigation system for your lawn and garden in the future, remember to plan for an individual shut off for it.
 Telephone- Clear old, incoming messages prior to leaving to free up space for any new messages. Do not leave a new away message that tells everyone you are away on a vacation. Anyone who needs to know, already does, and there isn’t any point in alerting potential burglars.

Services

 Trash- Burglars who are casing the neighborhood are sure to notice a change in routine, especially if all of the neighbors have their trash out on the curbside. Ask a close neighbor to take your trashcan down to the curb and to replace it afterwards. If you are going to be away for an entire summer, you may want to check with your trash company for a break in your collection fee.
 Recycles- Follow the same procedure as with your trash.

 Mail- If you are only going to be away for a few days, then ask a neighbor to pickup and hold your mail for you. If you are going to be away longer, call your post office and have them put a hold on your mail delivery. You can easily pick it up when you arrive back from your vacation.
 Newspaper delivery- A pile of newspapers is a sure giveaway that no one is home and hasn’t been for a while. Ask a neighbor to collect and save your newspapers for you on a daily basis. If you do not have someone who can do this for you, call and ask the newspaper company to discontinue delivery for the days that you will be away.
 Ups/FedEx- Ask a neighbor to check for packages that you are expecting and hold them for you. This will prevent possible theft of the package.

Safety Features

 Windows- Windows should be securely locked. Curtains, blinds, and drapes should be fully drawn to prevent anyone from looking inside to see what they can see. If possible, further secure your window by placing a metal rod or wooden bar in such a way that it will prevent the window from being opened, in the event that someone does break the glass pane to gain entrance.
 Shrubbery- Shrubbery should be trimmed away from the window to prevent potential burglars from hiding there. If you have not kept up with this throughout the year, now is a good time to trim the bushes back. Remember to trim any shrubbery near your doors as well.
 Outside lighting- Hopefully, you have already installed motion detector lights on the outside of your home and garage. If not, do so now provided you have the time. Motion detector lights are great deterrents for burglars. Try to position them on the corners of the buildings so that they catch motion from an angle and can detect someone coming around the corner. Remember to position them up high so that someone cannot disable them by unscrewing the light bulbs. Also, if you have previously had the lights installed, remember to check that the bulbs still work.
 Inside lighting- Pick up a few timing devices and set them up in different locations within the home. The minimal expense is well worth the peace of mind. Set the devices up in an arrangement that makes it look as though you are still there. Start in the living room or kitchen and work your way to the bedroom. The devices can also be attached to a radio, preferably on a talk show.
 Doors- All of the doors should be securely locked, including any storm doors that you will not need to use upon returning home. Motion light detectors should have the doorways targeted with their sensors.
 Valuables- Obviously, your valuables are important to you. Attempt to place your valuables in a safe, safety deposit box, or at the very least, a locked closet. It is very important for you to have a list of all of the serial numbers for anything of value that might be stolen, including, but not limited to, televisions, computer equipment, DVD players, CD changers, VCRs, cameras, and any electronic equipment.
 Garage- Remember to lock any doors to the garage upon leaving for your trip. Unplug the garage door opener since it is still possible to use them if the power is connected.
 Secrecy- If possible, pack behind closed garage doors to prevent potential burglars or vandals from knowing that you will be away.

Maintenance
 Cleaning up- Put away anything in the yard that a potential burglar could use. Also, put away anything of value that might disappear while you are gone.
 Mold/mildew- If you live in a home that is prone to mold or mildew, do a once over in the trouble spots with a mild bleach solution. This should help to keep the problem from occurring while you are gone.
 Dust- Dust is simply one of those things that occur naturally in life. Give the house a quick dusting and there will be less of it when your vacation is over.
 Laundry- You will have enough dirty laundry when you come home. Launder and put away all laundry that you have before going on your trip.
 Dishes- Simple task that it is, wash, dry, and put away all dishes, silverware, and pans before you leave.
 Plants- Either prepare your plants to survive alone or ask a friend or neighbor that you trust to come over and water your plants for you. Several strategies for self-watering include purchasing self-watering wicks for the plants or creating your own with strips of felt, placing wet, tightly crumpled newspapers on top of the soil of large plants, and placing smaller plants that are in a container with holes at the bottom in a dish of pebbles or marbles with water. Placing all of your plants together so that they can create and share the humidity is also a helpful strategy. It is actually better to give your friend a key, rather than hide it somewhere outside your home.
 Air freshener- Place a few air fresheners or boxes of baking soda throughout your home if you intend to be away for a while. This will prevent the air from getting too stale smelling or musty while you are away.

Pet care

 Arrange to board your pets or for a friend or neighbor to take them in or visit and care for them. Remember to have a sufficient supply of food available. Also, remember to have the phone number and address of your veterinarian available for an emergency.

Outdoor Maintenance

 Pool- Even if you have a self-chlorinator, it is important to have someone check on your pool while you are away. Remember to latch any gates, remove any furniture that wandering children might use to climb into your pool, and secure any pool chemicals.
 Lawn- Put away all of your lawn and outdoor tools and vehicles in a secure location. Mow the lawn prior to leaving if possible.
 Plants

Savings

 Thermostat- Turn down the settings on the hot water heater and heating thermostats while you are gone. No need to heat what you are not using. The monetary savings will be minimal, but appreciated.
 Unplug- Today’s newer appliances draw electricity even when they are not turned on and in use. Unplugging them will save energy and lower the electric bill, as well as providing a safety measure. Following this step will also prevent damage from power surges also.
 Food- Remember not to overbuy perishables immediately before going on vacation. They probably won’t survive the time that you are away. Freeze anything that can withstand freezing. Throw away anything that will begin to rot while you are gone to prevent unpleasant odors upon your return home.

Following these simple strategies will ensure a pleasant return home. Remember to enlist the rest of the immediate family in accomplishing these tasks to make it as quick and easy as possible. With your home safe and snug, you will be able to relax and enjoy your vacation.

By Ian White ©2006

Organizing Your Garage

2006-03-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

Organizing Your Garage
By Ian White ©2006

Let’s face it, for some people; a car is the last thing that is going to fit into their garage. Many garages are filled with useless clutter and junk that simply has no other place to be stored. Effectively organizing your garage can be an intimidating but very worthwhile task.

First things first, you need to go through every item in your garage inventory and make the decision to either keep it or toss it. You’ll be surprised at the amount of items you’re putting into your junk pile. If you’re not comfortable with simply throwing these items away, you can organize a garage sale and get some quick cash for your unwanted belongings. If you haven’t got the time, donating your items to charity can help free up some space, and you’ll be doing a good deed at the same time. Many charitable organizations will make it very easy for you to get rid of your things and simply stop by and take them off your hands for you.

Once you’ve gotten rid of everything you don’t need to keep, take a careful survey of what you’ve got left. Based on the remaining items, you’ll know exactly how much storage space you’ll need, and more importantly, what kind you’ll need.

Maximizing floor space can be difficult, especially with all of the large objects in your garage. If you simply haven’t got enough room, you can construct an additional storage shed in your backyard to make additional space for your clutter.

The easiest method of organizing your garage is by using shelving and containers. You can construct your own from simple blueprints found for free online, or you can purchase a cheap solution at any hardware store. These shelves will allow you to stack things vertically, taking advantage of precious space you didn’t have before. Boxes and containers can help to organize tools or other related items that should be grouped together. Having an entire box dedicated to your plumbing supplies or your seasonal holiday decorations will make it very easy to locate these things in the future.

If you’ve got a lot of tools, consider purchasing a large tool chest to accommodate them all. Not only will this help improve organization, it will extend the life of your tools by making sure they’re kept clean and away from anything that might damage or degrade their quality. By installing pegboard onto a wall of your garage, you can hang more of the tools that might not fit into the toolbox.

Purchasing cheap Rubbermaid cabinets can help create additional space for whatever else is left. These cabinets can be assembled to the precise size you need, and then either stacked on the floor or fastened to the wall.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to park your car where it belongs in no time!

Ian White ©2006

Home Maintenance Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

2006-03-08T23:09:00.000-08:00

Home Maintenance Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Without a doubt, buying a home can be the largest investment you’ll ever make. With the average home costing approximately $190,000, many homeowners take great pains to ensure that all cosmetic and structural repairs are attended to. However, the truth is that many expensive repairs could be avoided by simply sticking to a routine maintenance schedule. Routinely checking your home for emerging problems will prevent larger, more expensive problems that leave homeowners scrambling for a quick repair—rather than a cost-effective one. Clearly, regular home maintenance is something you can’t afford to ignore.

When to Inspect
Spring is a good time to begin assessing your home for any damage or repairs that need attending to. A good rule of thumb is to check your home at the same time you change your fire alarm batteries—at the beginning (spring) and end (fall) of daylight saving’s time. Doing so will ensure that minor repairs don’t turn into major expenses. Some components of your home may require less-frequent monitoring (foundation), and some may require more (changing the furnace filter). However, taking a walkthrough of your home twice yearly is a good rule of thumb to begin with.

Who Should Inspect
If you feel unqualified to asses every crack and unidentified water leak in your home, feel free to hire a handy man. Not only will he be able to spot any problems, but he can also advise on repairs and costs right on the spot. Do you want a thorough evaluation? Hire a home inspector. Do keep in mind, however, that home inspectors cost much more (around $300) and may not necessarily find every problem.

In most instances, though, simply paying attention to your home is all it takes to spot any emerging problems. For example, if your toilet runs all the time, chances are it needs to be repaired. Have you noticed that your doors don’t shut properly anymore? That could be a sign of foundation settling or warping. Simply making a list of things around your home that seem “off” can make your inspection process much easier. No matter what your plans, the following items are a good place to start when evaluating the condition of your home:

Exterior Items
 Chimneys
Check chimneys for loose or deteriorating bricks or mortar. Make sure that metal chimneys are rust-free. A white, salty buildup on the chimney (efflorescence), indicates moisture build-up, and should be checked out by a professional. It’s a good idea to have your chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected on an annual basis, in addition to you own visual assessments.

 Roofs
Have a leak inside the house? Chances are it’s your roof. Beyond that, look for chipped or missing shingles, or shingles that may be rubbed away by hanging tree limbs. Take this chance to trim trees up away from the shingles. Also make sure to check flashings, soffits, fascia, and any wood trim that comes in contact with the roof for rotting or peeling paint. Touch up and repair as needed.

 Gutters and Downspouts
Clean out your gutters and downspouts twice a year to ensure that no leakage or damage occurs. In addition, you may want to place screens over your gutters (available at home improvement stores) to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutter system. Check for any places that they may be pulling away from the house or leaking. If paint is deteriorating, now is a good time to touch up.

 Exterior Walls and Foundation
Check for any cracks, deterioration, or peeling paint. If foundation cracking is excessive, call for a professional assessment. Otherwise, you can patch it yourself with mortar patch (which can be piped in with a caulk gun).

 Soil Grading
Does water seem to settle around the house—rather than drain away? Check to make sure that the soil slopes away from the house (1 inch per 6 feet is recommended). If it doesn’t, simply backfill with some topsoil until you reach the desired effect.

 Doors and Windows
Look for peeling or cracked caulk and weather stripping. These can easily be purchased at any home improvement store and repaired in a small amount of time. Clean out window wells and check that windows and doors open, shut, and lock properly.

 Porches, Decks, and Patios
Sealing your wooden porches and decks on an annual basis will help prevent against rotting and deterioration. Secure any wobbly rails or steps, and replace or treat any rotting or deteriorating wood. Check patios for cracks or settling, and repair as necessary.

 Driveways and Sidewalks
Check for cracking, and fill with concrete-patch as needed. Taking this time to seal your concrete areas will help prevent any further cracking and deterioration.

Attics and Crawlspaces
Inspect attics and crawlspaces for any signs of water leakage, and repair as necessary. In addition, look for mildew, rot, and fungus growth. Repair any loose or damaged insulation, and check that attic vents are functioning properly. Look for any signs of vermin, and treat as necessary by placing bait or traps—or hiring a professional exterminator.

Electrical
Do you have outlets that are loose? Now is the time to have them replaced—either by an electrician or yourself. Check your main breaker panel for any signs of deterioration. Turn breakers on and off to make sure all are functioning properly, and check all fuses. Do you smell something burning? Call a professional. Also, take this time to check the ground fault circuit interrupters (usually around sinks and other water elements) to ensure they function properly.

Heating and Air Conditioning
Does your heating and air conditioning run non-stop? Now is the time to have it checked out. Having your air ducts cleaned by a professional will help your unit run more efficiently. Check the coils on the air conditioning unit for any bent or misshapen areas. Clear debris out of the fan blades before using.

Plumbing
Check outdoor faucets and supply lines for any signs of leakage. If you have a septic tank, take notice of any foul odors or signs of seepage in the yard. If you haven’t had your tank emptied yet, do so now.

Take time to repair leaky faucets and caulk bathroom fixtures. Check toilets for any signs of leakage—either from the tank or around the base. Check sump pumps to ensure proper function, and test the pressure relief valve on your water heater to ensure that it hasn’t seized up.

Interior Items
 Walls
Look for any signs of mildew or water damage (yellow stains are usually a sign of water damage). Patch holes and cracks in the drywall, and touch up paint as necessary. Monitor any significant cracks, as these could be a sign of foundation problems.

 Ceilings
As with walls, take note of any mildew or water stains, and repair as needed. Look for drooping ceilings, and locate the cause to ensure proper repairs. Monitor and repair cracks.

 Doors and Windows
Open, close, and lock (where applicable) all doors and windows to ensure proper functioning. Replace weathered caulk around windows and check for any signs of moisture infiltration (particularly in storm windows). Broken or loose knobs, latches, or handles should be repaired now.

While no homeowner can possible catch every problem before it develops into an expensive repair, simply taking note of minor “fix-its”—and repairing them—can help avoid many costly repair bills in the future. Without a doubt, regular home maintenance is something no homeowner can afford to ignore.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White

Storage Solutions: Get Organized Room by Room

2006-03-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

Storage Solutions: Get Organized Room by Room

Conquering clutter is easier said than done for those of us who cannot resist—stuff! If you frequent garage sales, antique stores, malls and flea markets—or—if your home has become smaller over the years due to a slow accumulation of things, than there are steps you can take to organize everything. The following article offers strategies to cope with clutter room by room while providing storage solutions and organizational management of your household items.

Generally the living room is where you entertain company so it makes sense to begin there. For living rooms that are truly lived in, shelving makes a big difference provided you keep your shelves organized. Bookcases and shelving units can easily become cluttered so consider well what you need them for. One option is to purchase colored boxes that match your décor and store magazines, photos, candles, cds and other odds and ends in them. This way, guest only see the neat arrangement of pretty boxes punctuated with books and interesting bookends.

Also, instead of pedestal side tables and an open style coffee table, purchase trunks to be used as tables. Many coffee tables are designed to enclose items like books and photo albums. This is a practical way to keep your stuff handy but out of sight at the same time. Try to limit furniture to essential pieces even if you switch pieces seasonally. An overcrowded room is an uninviting space.

Unfortunately, most bathrooms are small—too small for all the stuff that needs to be there like towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc…If space permits, a water-resistant chest at the foot of the sub is an alternative spot for towels and will free up linen closet space for other items you need stored there. There are also inexpensive shelving units that sit above your toilet for additional and attractive storage. And, instead of shoving items all about your medicine cabinet, arrange them in small tins or containers for a more organized look.

The master bedroom should be a place of relaxation. It may be hard to relax when all your clothes are spilling out of your too-small closet. Instead of purchasing another dresser, buy or even make a simple free standing armoire. Angle it in front of a corner. Not only will you have a more space to hang clothes, you’ve created a storage spot behind it where you may store totes of out-of-season clothes. If the top of the unit is flat and sturdy enough, stick your television up there or decorative baskets filled with linens.

Try to make the most of all your space—even under the bed. There are shallow totes available made to fit under the bed. These are perfect for magazines, craft supplies, shoes, wrapping paper, etc…Again, keep furniture to a minimum. If your chair becomes a discarded clothing magnet, get rid of it since it’s not used for sitting anyway. A stack of decorative hatboxes makes a charming and useful storage element for socks, pantyhose, greeting cards, jewelry, etc…

Children’s bedrooms need particular attention on a regular basis. If possible, devote an entire wall to a shelving center. Plain wood works best and may be bolted to the wall in a series of box-like shelves that will hold plastic bins and boxes of toys. Keep soldiers in one, dolls in another. Begin teaching your children how to organize by storing each type of toy separately.

Basements can become extremely unruly with clutter. Best thing to do—take a weekend (or a week) and empty it out. Put up several industrial shelving units available at most home improvement stores. Arrange them in aisles so both sides of the unit are accessible. Then, holiday supplies on one, nostalgic high school and college items for another, household cleaners on another and so forth. If the look bothers you, section off a corner and put up decorative screens.

Finally, treat yourself to a trip to a storage or container store for as many organizing gadgets as you can afford—and then use them. Often the problem of clutter is that there is not an adequate space to keep them. An alternative might be to visit a flea market where you’ll find boxes, crates, shelves and many odds and ends you may be able to fix up and use in your home or garage.

Copyright © 2005, Ian White

Find a visiting pet sitter at pet-sitters.biz. Free pet lover membership to match with pet sitters in your area.
Pet sitting services provide home security as well. Alternatively find a live-in house sitter pet sitter at housecarers.com Visiting pet sitters charge for their services. Liev-in housesitters provide security and pet care in exchange for free accommodation.

Surviving Winter in Style

2006-03-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

Preparing your home to survive the seasons is easy. It is also less expensive to do it yourself. Follow a few simple seasonal, fall and winter, strategies to keep your home in tip top shape and save yourself the headache of costly and time consuming repairs. A man’s home is only his castle if it is not falling down around him.

Fall and Winter Maintenance Tips

Outside Your Home

Using a ladder may be safer, but it also more time consuming, and perhaps even annoying, to get up and down to shift the ladder to a new location. If you do choose to climb onto the roof, do so carefully and be sure to wear footwear with good tread.

Roof and Gutters

 Remove debris- Mother Nature has a way of depositing many things upon the roofs of homes. Remove the debris from the roof. Use a soft bristled broom to gently sweep all of the debris into a pile. Bag the debris and dispose of it properly.
 Clean out the gutters- leaves, roofing grit, and other debris have a way of collecting in the gutters. Carefully remove any large pieces by hand and dispose of properly. Use a small tool, such as a spade or trowel, to remove small, gritty pieces.
 Clean out the downspouts where the gutters meet the walls of your home. An old pair of tongs may be helpful with this task. This will help to prevent a backup of water on your roof.
 Repair minor damage to the fittings- Tighten any of the fittings that have become loose to ensure that the gutter stays attached to your home.
 Replace fittings- Any fittings, that have become damaged beyond repair, should be replaced with new ones.
 Repair minor damage- Silicon caulk and a small piece of aluminum sheet metal may be used to repair small holes that exist in the gutter. If water leaks through the gutters in places that it isn’t supposed to, seepage into the home may result.
 Flush the roof- Flush everything with water from a hose to make sure that you have gotten every bit of debris.
 Cover- If you cover the gutter with hardware cloth, you can prevent buildup of debris in your gutters in the future.

Decks: Pool and Other

 Sweep debris from the decking and place in the trash.
 Put away any pool toys, floats, skimmers, foot baths, thermometers, etc.
 Replace any loose deck nails or screws with new deck screws. First, remove the loose ones.

Windows and Doorways

 For windows sills and doorways where the existing caulk has begun to pull away from the surface, remove the old caulk as completely as possible.
 Be sure to clean the area where the caulking will be applied.
 Wait until the area to be re-caulked is completely dry and re-caulk.

Outside Faucets

 Shut off the inside water valve to each outside faucet to prevent freezing.
 Turn the outside faucet handle to release any remaining water from the pipes once you have turned off the valve.

Inside Your Home

Repairs and preventative maintenance inside the home is just as important as outside the home. Possibly, this is more important if you are thinking about your personal comfort. Plan to spend the lesser half of a weekend investigating needed repairs. Then, plan to spend the better part implementing those repairs. This is where a “stitch in time” actually equates to “a minute now or hours later.”

Insulation

 Purchase and install a hot water heater-insulating blanket to conserve heat. In the event of a power outage, this may decrease the possibility of water damage.
 Prevent the freezing of water pipes that exist in an unheated part of your home by insulating them with special pipe insulation. A more expensive and time consuming effort would be to completely relocate the pipes and reroute them to a heated region of your home. Heat tape may also be applied to the pipes in lieu of the other choices.
 Research the R-value of your existing insulation. Check to see if you have the correct value for each of the areas that are insulated- floors, ceilings, and walls. If you discover that the wrong insulation has been used, replace any areas of your home with the proper R-value.

Heating Systems

 Change the filters to your furnace and put in brand new ones each fall.
 Clean the registers in each room for the best possible efficiency.
 Move furniture, curtains, and loose carpeting or rugs away from the registers so that the air can circulate freely and to avoid a fire hazard.
 Check the gas furnace to make sure that the pilot light is blue. If it isn’t, call and have a repairman from the company out to look at it immediately.
 Hire a chimney cleaner to inspect your chimney and flue and to remove any creosote that has accumulated.

Lighting and Fans

 Check all of your lights, lamps, and fans for loose wiring. Replace any that need to be replaced.
 Clean all of your ceiling fans, lamps, and lighting fixtures.
 Turn the fan’s power supply off and oil the motor.
 Switch the direction of the fan to maximize the benefit for circulating the heat in your home.

Sealing Air Leaks

 Replace sheer curtains with heavier drapes to retain the heat in your home.
 Check for air leaks around electrical outlets, pipefittings that exit or enter the home, attic entrances, windows, and doorways.
 Caulk or add insulation plates (for electrical outlets) to any location that merits it.
 Apply temporary weather stripping to prevent air and heat leaks at the windows.

Safety Procedures

 Purchase smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for every floor. Be aware that these should be replaced every three to five years depending on the model.
 Replace the batteries in your alarms at least once a year.
 Check the alarms to make sure that they are still in good working order.
 Trim shrubbery away from windows, doorways, and water pipes.
 Have a professional trim any shrubbery that is growing too closely to electrical wiring.
 Replace outdoor light bulbs to motion detectors and doorway lights.
 Invest in a few solar outdoor lighting sets for an inexpensive way to add security to your home.

People spend many hours and fistfuls of dollars to maintain their cars every year. However, they often overlook the family home and the necessary maintenance chores that should be done. Considering the large sum of money that is invested in a home, a few dollars more to keep it in tip top shape is well worth it. Remember, a car may take you where you want to go, but a home is the place you want to be. Baby your home with tender, loving care, and it will return the favor.
Copyright © 2005, Ian White

Author Ian White is founder of http://www.petsitters.com.au This site specializes in helping pet sitters and pet owners connect to each other. Find and screen a sitter for your pet or advertise your pet care business. Register for petsitting, find assignments or post free sitter needed ad.

Decorative Floors: Transform Your Space from the Bottom Up

2006-03-08T14:32:00.000-08:00

By Ian White

Decorative floor accents will provide any home with that extra something special that is so reflective of individual style. Plain floors have many makeover options today—and many are not only beautiful, but cost-effective as well. The following article offers ideas and methods to create flooring that will enhance your entire décor and give your home an original stamp of beauty.

Adding floor accents will not only transform a plain floor, but they may even screen or camouflage damaged areas of your floor. While carpeting and decorative rugs are always an option, the subsequent ideas here are specific to your actual floor. No matter what kind of floor you have from wood to cement, there are many design possibilities to give your floor an overhaul in appearance. From designs that incorporate the entire floor to small accents that border your floor, there are many possibilities to consider.

If you were not able to install the expensive parquet floor you had your heart set on at the time you opted for a plain wood floor—you have the creative option of stenciling a faux parquet floor that is not only inexpensive, but utterly realistic and charming. Using various shades of stain a simple design of diamonds and squares would work best on a newly sanded raw wood floor, but it may be beautifully employed on a stained wood floor. Rather than stenciling with paint, you stencil with waterbased stains and may finish however you choose. This design makes a great border for any room, but especially in a formal living or dining room.

This same type of stenciling also works well to create an interesting center point for your flooring or to enhance a special table. Variations on the design could include checkerboard, leaf or floral patterns. Paint may be employed to great effect but it will not provide the look of a parquet floor. Many crafters prefer stamps and these could be used in place of stencils for a similar look.

If you like the look of paint, there are many ways to use it on your floor from single colors that cover the entire floor to patterns that border the floor to designs that are randomly interspersed. Consider a garland motif that rings your living room floor like a wreath or a fun colorful floor of stripes for a children’s playroom. You may even opt for a painted floor to resemble a tiled floor—black and white squares throughout the kitchen perhaps. Of course, paint is also great for a staircase and designs that are very formal to country rustic abound.

Stencils also work great for outdoor flooring like patios and decks. A wood burning tool and some outdoor paint will work magic to spice up your wood flooring. Consider wood burned leaves strewn about your deck and painted with an iridescent green paint. Also, a lilac border is simple to create and will give your flooring a bit of lovely lavender color to perhaps match your deck furniture cushions.

If you are afraid to transform your floor permanently, consider buying flooring remnants or rolls of vinyl to decorate and lay on top of a section of your existing flooring where it can be appreciated as a focal point. Can’t afford an Oriental rug? Try painting or employing decoupage to a piece of vinyl for the look without the high price. Of course, the value is simply a bonus; these methods are lovely in and of themselves and consulting with a professional artist in your area may even prompt you to design an elaborate floor mural.

To find patterns that you like, scour art books as well as carpet and flooring centers. Often you may find something there you can easily reproduce on your own.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White

Author Ian White specializes in helping people who are interested in finding a live-in pet sitter (house sitter) in their town. House sitters provide free pet minding, gardening and home security in exchange for accomodation. To find out about these services, visit the link below. This is a free service for homeowners.

Free registration for confidential matching with house sitters in your area.