I agree with the above posters. Dig out the old soil about 2 inches deep, put in some good topsoil and lay sod over the area. Then spray paint them "cammo" green. Tear out all of the shrubs in front, then put down some pine straw mulch in those beds. Shape up the big shrub on the corner. Remove all of the garden ornaments. Hide the hose. Consider staining the front steps a grey/brown color and spray painting the railings black. Put a couple of tall narrow planters (darker colored) on either side of the front door and plant with colorful annuals that will spill over the edge (petunias?) Remove the screens from the windows (amazing how much better the house will look) Store them in the attic. Take off the glass screen door. Take away the door mat. Hope that helps.

I just noticed fur on my bathroom walls, and in the sunlight I can see pet hair on the lower half of my stainless appliances in the kitchen. Yuk. I have three cats and two dogs, and I can definitely relate to your dilemma. I have a Hoover Windtunnel upright with a special attachment for pet owners. It attaches to the end of the hose, has a brush that spins on the end to pick up hair and works great for stairs, pillows, bedding and places that you wouldn't normally use the vacume cleaner on. I used to do it by hand with the standard brush attachment at the end of the hose, a lot of work, so this invention is a lifesaver. I purposely use bedding and throw pillows that will not attract animal hair. Satin or silk is great, but you can get 350 thread count cotton that won't attract animal fur like a fluffy cotton blanket. I buy bedding for the animals that is all machine washable with removable covers. Nothing furry or fuzzy. One of my dogs is an Australian Cattle dog mix - blows his coat a couple times a year. I found that adding a spoonful of olive oil to their dry food (I mix it in whenever I fill the bowl), helps alleviate skin problems, aids in digestion, and keeps their coat shiny. They are less likely to shed as much. I do this for all my pets. I also give a thorough washing, and then most importantly I condition his fur. I don't use cheap store bought products that are high in perfume content - this is bad for their skin, and could make them shed worse. Get a product from your vet or local pet store. I use Vet Solutions Aloe & Oatmeal Skin & Coat Shampoo & Conditioner. Believe me, the use of the conditioner REALLY helps cut down on the shedding, and keeps their skin from drying out. I do this once every couple of weeks at the beginning of summer, or when I notice that he's blowing his coat, and then it's managable for the rest of the season. I then only bathe maybe once a month or when he starts to get that dog smell again. I never brush him except after a bath. I don't think bathing them every 2-3 weeks is bad for them, as long as you aren't using harsh shampoos with heavy perfumes. Using good quality dog food can make a big difference as well because their coat has a lot to do with their diet. Eukanuba is really good, but our dog prefers Nutro. Both are very good quality products. They are sold at most local pet stores - Pet World, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, etc. Hope this helps!

You seem to know what you want to do with the fur coat. As long as you're comfortable with how you're using it, that is all it matters. As for myself, I feel creepy wearing real fur. I'm not comfortable wearing one at all. However, I am fine wearing certain type of leather such as cow or sheep leather. At an earlier post, someone posted that's all in the food chain. I disagree, we eat beef, pork, chicken, lamb, etc. but we normally don't eat beaver, chinchilla, etc.. So, if it's snake skin, leopard leather, etc.., those too I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it. That's just me though.

Besides our large fenced in yard, we have room enough between the island and stove top so he can be there and not trip me when making sure no spills are missed. Our master bedroom has plenty of room for his bed but of course he will choose to sleep with us unless it gets too hot. The master bath is large enough for him to come lay by the shower when I am in there, he likes to know where I am at all times. And the shower is large enough with a bench so we can sit and bathe him when needed. We may put a dog door in the dining room that will go out to the covered patio and out there he will have another dog bed to lay on when he doesn't want to lay in the grass or on the concrete. However he will NOT be allowed in the hot tub, silly pup. As much as I love the idea of my large wrought iron staircase being the gorgeous hardwood of my foyer I know it's safer for him to have carpet on it especially because of the landing halfway down that turns 90 degrees. He loves to run down stairs and I don't want him slipping and getting hurt. And speaking of hardwood yes will we have some but there will be area rugs for him to lay on. There is a valet area between the garage and house where his leash, harness, and other things will go. With a large bench so I can sit down and put his stuff on before walks or rides in the car. The garage is also large enough to not feel cramped when opening a door for him to get into the truck. The last thing I want to get is one of those inside carmeras you can set up to check on your dog and talk to them, any good suggestions for one?