By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, September 27, 2003
I RECEIVED A FUNNY piece of mail last week, addressed to my dog.
It contained a picture of a dog and cat sleeping contentedly on
a couch, with the message: "Beau, Could you possibly squeeze
us into your busy schedule?" This was the vet's clever reminder
to update Beau's vaccinations.
Our pets depend on us for most of their needs; vaccinations are
just one of them. Being a responsible pet owner requires some
basic organization for the care (feeding, grooming, exercise,
training, care in your absence) and of the space that their stuff
takes in your home. To keep those tails a-waggin', here are some
tips based on lessons learned in caring for our pets, ranging
from guinea pig to bunny and from cat to dog.
Whatever kind or size of pet you have, it's important to keep
the food sealed to protect freshness, and keep pests, including
ants and rodents, out. I like the Pet Food Container from the
Container Store. On casters, it holds 40 pounds (there's a smaller
version as well) of pet food. It's clear, so it's easy to see
when food is running low. Keep a pre-measured cup or scoop inside
and dinner is served. Be sure to keep the food where it's easy
(for the feeder) to access.
Recently friends gave me a plastic dog dish that accommodates
both food and water. The food sits on top of a reservoir for the
water. Another useful bowl is collapsible, which is great for
car rides and hikes. After breaking a glass feeding bowl while
traveling, these two bowls are a better alternative. One of my
clients keeps her dog's bowls on a tray, to catch the spills.
Also, your dog will love having his bowls elevated to provide
better digestion. Spiffy wrought iron or wooden bowl elevators
are available, but you can do the same with a heavy box.
Keep your pet's things in one spot. A kitchen drawer, pantry shelf
or laundry room cupboard works well for grooming aids such as
brush, nail clippers, eye or ear drops, and toothbrush. Don't
forget to store any medications or flea/tick treatments here,
and leave space for some treats.
When my girls were younger, it was normal to have toys strewn
around. But we did have containers for the toys, for periodic
pick-up before bed. Pet toys can be handled much the same. To
avoid tripping over toys in the night, gather them into a basket
before bedtime.
If you have a dog, this is a great opportunity to make a commitment
to exercise yourself. Perhaps one of the most underrated forms
of exercise, walking with your dog can be paws-itively rewarding.
Make it easy to go for a walk with your dog. Before we go for
a walk, the routine is to grab the sunglasses, a house key, and
a plastic grocery bag, all kept in Beau's drawer. Next, we grab
the leash off its hook outside the front door, and we're off.
If you walk at night, you'll want a flashlight.
Keep a file with your pet's very important papers: shot records,
pedigree or bloodline, adoption, pet license, spay or neuter records,
and records of illness or injury. My friend, Eileen, has health
insurance for her dog, which has proved valuable with his multiple
injuries. Also include resources for your pet, such as pet sitters
and training. If you like to travel with your pet, file references
for pet-friendly accommodations.
Regular brushing of your pet's coat will lesson hairballs and
cleanup around the house, and it's good for his health; regular
brushing of your pet's teeth will save bucks on teeth cleaning
at the vet. Ask plenty of questions at vet appointments. If your
vet doesn't send a reminder, designate a certain month for his
annual check up, for vaccinations at least. If you need to leash
up your budget, your pet can see the vet technician for shots
only.
"Mary Lynne, after reading your column (9/13) I decided to
share with you what I have done to keep commonly used telephone
numbers handy. My family was constantly coming to me for a phone
number of a family member or friend. I finally typed up a list
of commonly used phone numbers and put a copy up by each phone
in the house. I also shrunk the list down to a size that fits
on the back of my cell phone since I have never taken the time
to put all of these phone numbers in my cell-phone directory.
I also took this miniature list and taped it to a piece of cardboard
and gave it to my husband to carry in his wallet.
"I really do enjoy your column. I don't always have to time
to read them completely, but I always cut them out. As soon as
I cut them out I put them in a folder labeled 'Organizing.' I
am obsessive about organizing, but looking at my house you would
never know. But the one thing that I have completely organized
are all my books on how to get organized!"
-- Virginia Palmer, Pleasant Hill
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