Page 154 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2024

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story by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
The French poet very eloquently hints at the nature of our desire to connect with animals. We give breath to the better part of ourselves when we love an animal that needs us and loves us back unconditionally. There is a unique joy in our lives when we take responsibility for a vulnerable, living animal.
Two out of every three homes in America have a family pet. While Spot and Socks have always been loved members of our families, since the pandemic, the pet pampering industry has exploded. More pets travel with their owners, dine with their owners, and shop with their owners. Pet spas, daycares, and accessory boutiques are now considered growth industries. The pet food sector has us believing pet food is another food group. We have gone way past kibble, water, and a fenced yard.
You get one guess what the most popular pet in America is. You got it: dogs. The status of the family dog has never been higher, and many homeowners are
stepping up their dog’s comfort level at home. We are seeing more attention paid to dog friendly design in homes than we have ever seen before and we are going to admit right now, that some of these accommodations make considerable sense.
Indoor pets, especially dogs, are influencing decisions from space planning, to flooring, to furniture, and fabrics. Dog owners are building gateways between
the outside and indoors, giving their
dogs more freedom and a comfortable entryway into the house. Most often these gateways lead directly to indoor kennels in the laundry area of the home, giving owners peace of mind knowing their dogs have access to a confined space when they need it. Fading away are the tiny doggie doors of the past that gave dogs access
to the whole house. The very function of the laundry area is changing to include these gateway kennels, dog beds, and safe spaces for dogs to stay while the owner is away from home or otherwise occupied.
Television sets mounted on the laundry room wall provide entertainment for the latch-key dog.
Durable flooring is a smart choice when there are indoor pets. Wood,
vinyl, ceramic, and porcelain flooring offer varying degrees of durability and cleaning ease. Select a product with color throughout the thickness, making scratches from paws less noticeable. Consider stain-resistant flooring for the inevitable accidents. Do not sacrifice style but take your time to create a space that will not be ruined the first time the dog gets ill. Robot vacuum cleaners are a luxury many dog owners find helpful for keeping dog hair and dirt from active paws from building up on floors.
The furniture market is rapidly expanding its dog-friendly options. It is not hard to find furniture with built in dog beds. You can easily find end tables, credenzas, and cabinets with spaces for a dog bed and toy storage. These pieces allow the dog to nap in the family room
154 | June 2024
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