Pet Purrrfect: The Ultimate Cat-Friendly Interior Design

If you are a cat lover, this cat freindly home might be the closest thing your furry friends can find to Heaven on Earth. Even if you are not as pet-friendly as this design, it is worth appreciating for the way in which it integrates the needs of two species in a single interior layout at vastly different design scales.

This creative set of interior spaces comes complete with everything to high-up cat walks and climbing steps to nooks, crannies and cubbies for lounging cats. An enclosed deck space allows cats to roam outside without wandering off and the custom bathroom clearly has a dedicated cat zone and litter box in mind.

The common spaces such as the living and dining room areas are the most impressive and versatile, encouraging the cats toward maximum interaction with their owners. Like any good design, this is built to scale – one could easily imagine any number of cats from one to dozens residing side-by-side comfortably in this house. One might even imagine they would be just fine taking the place over entirely.

This blog and pictures are not my own…….but i had to share regardless. Please see this actual blog and other great ideas at:

 Doorknob Design Ideas Daily

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

How to design and or buy a  home with your Pet in Mind

For everyone frustrated with that big clumsy cat tower in the middle of the living room. The big poofy dog bed that is the ugliest design but it was on sale. The dark spots on your light color rug that you just cant get out and keep telling people it is coffee stains! It’s time to face the fact that if a house doesn’t work with dogs, it won’t work with children or guests, either. You can have the beautiful house, and a fur friendly environment too!  Many people ask me how i know all of this….i used to work in the New Home Sales Industry and was well informed on all the products being used in my clients homes…..who knew it would stick after all this time:) I have also built 3 new homes for myself and having had cats and dogs i have experienced most of these issues for myself first hand. You live and you learn…..here is hoping you don’t have to!

Use stain-resistant fabrics. Some people say a leather chair is fine around pets, but beware if you have cats. My dogs are fine on my firm leather couch, but they also only weight 15 lbs combined. Large dogs may tear holes in the leather sofas and chairs if they are allowed up on the furniture. A dog’s nails are blunt instruments compared with those needles at the end of kitty toes. Cats will scratch most any upright surface that lets them dig in. For them, microfiber is the key, with the bonus of feeling as smooth as suede and being extremely moisture- and stain-resistant. Ultra-suede is a a fancy name for a particular microfiber that’s machine washable. It comes in dozens of colors and can be made into pet beds, pillows, and sofa and chair slipcovers. This means you pick which designs and colors compliment you and your decor ideas and dreams.

 Match colors to your pet. Use your pets as design inspiration and see what magic you can create. Start with the pet bed, choosing a black one for your black Lab or a cream-colored one for the Siamese. This way when your pet sheds the fur or hair will blend in and not seem so messy all the time……especially for those of us that were born with the “Neat and Clean Freak” genes. Look at furniture covers and walls for more coordination.

Use washable fabrics on your bed. If you are like me then your fur friends sleep with you. You want to be able to wash the duvet, comforter or bedspread. Some coverlets are surprisingly durable, with tight quilting that resists pet toenail snags and looks good after repeated washings. I like to go for white sheets no matter what as I have an obsession with bleach, but you can use color on top and it can go a long way to brighten a room and disguise pet hair.

Rethink wall-to-wall carpet. It absorbs odors, traps pet hair and soaks up stains. If you must have carpet, choose a low pile and a stain-resistant synthetic fiber. Stay away from continuous loop carpet because pets’ claws can catch in a single loop and easily unravel a wide area.  Hardwood floors are simple to clean and add a warm glow to a room, but large dogs can scratch wood.There are a variety of awesome laminate floors that are more durable and have great wood effects……you would never know. The best floor is easy-to-clean ceramic tile. It’s impervious to claws and gives your pets a cool place to nap during hot weather. Marble, granite and other natural stones are porous even if they’re sealed, and are susceptible to stains.

  Set up an entry space with pets in mind. Make sure they can come back in from outside through an area where you can get the dirt and wet off before they come into the main house. Even a small condo can accommodate a bench with cubbies for towels, leashes and treats. Consider special mats that are very absorbent and will soak up wet feet and mess. I personally don’t have a bench or cubby but hung some hooks on the walls to accommodate leashed and a Norwex pet cloth that hangs from a hook. They are super absorbent and disinfection with no soap or chemicals…….but that is a whole other story!

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

Duke And Duchess Animal Rescue Society

 DDARS is an Edmonton based animal rescue that began its operations on November 12th 2008.

DDARS is a non-profit charitable organization based in Edmonton. Their Alberta license number is #324706.

 What does DDARS do?

• Rescue abandoned, stray and homeless dogs and find them loving forever homes.
• Spay/neuter and provide veterinary medical care to rescues.
• Socialize and rehabilitate rescues in loving foster homes while awaiting adoption.
• Educate the public on the importance of spaying/neutering and proper animal care.

To date DDARS has rescued 245 dogs. 

Interested in Adoption?

The adoption fee is $280 which includes — deworming, vaccinations up to date and spaying/neutering. If you would like to learn about the adoption procedure and meet one of the many special friends in person please call

Justine at 780-222-3969 or Natalie at 780-221-9669

All the dogs go to pre screened homes. Just because there is an application in does not guarantee you the animal. Each animal is places in the RIGHT home and situtation in help ensure that the animal is not returned or discarded of due to issues that can be seen from the start. And if for any reason a family was unable to keep thier adopted DDARS dog they ask that the animals be returned to DDARS and no where else. Once a DDARS Dog always a DDARS DOG:)

                                                        Interested in Fostering?

DDARS is always in need of more foster homes where rescues can stay until a suitable forever home is found. There are always dogs that need to be rescued but they can only take as many as they have foster homes for. DDARS supplies foster families with Food, bowls, collars, leashes, beds and blankets, treats, crates and veterinary care for all their rescues in foster care. All you need to provide is the love, attention and a warm place to sleep.

What You Can Donate?

DDARS receives no government or other institutional financial assistance. They  rely 100% on donations. All money raised goes directly to caring for the dogs.

The largest burden by far is medical costs – vaccines, medications, spaying/neutering, surgeries and veterinary treatments. Many of the animals rescued need treatment for injuries and illness. Adoption fees seldom cover the costs of caring for rescued animals while in their care.

They also accept donations anything animal related. Things like crates and beds can add up so they r always appreciated. Along with food. The girls at DDARS dump around 1000-1200lbs of food every week at First Nation Communities to feed the starving stray animals. They also are sure to make regular trip to a specific dump to feed the stray dogs out there as well. So FOOD is always needed and always greatly appreciated:)

Check them out at www.ddars.com and on Facebook and Twitter!

Additional articles on our “furry” friends…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

8 tips to buying a home that you and your pets will Love.

Most pet owners treat their pets like children. Many who feel that way have chosen to delay parenthood or simply not to have children. When a pet lover is looking to purchase a new home it can be chaos. Like parents who research the best school districts when considering neighborhoods in which to shop for a home, home buyers with pets have specific requirements, too.

 Here are a few tips to help with the elimination process and to help put you in the right place for you and your pet.

 1) City Code Restrictions.

 Many cities restrict the number and types of pets allowed within city limits. In Edmonton you are allowed to have three pets registered to one home at any given time. All pets must be registered and licensed otherwise you can find yourself facing a small fine.

2)  Read Home Owner Association / Condo Documents carefully.

Not every HOA/ Condo allows pets. And if they do there may be a restriction to the size/ height/ Type and numbers of pets allowed. Many HOAs strictly enforce their bylaws. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the bylaws won’t apply to you because the HOA won’t enforce its own rules, or may never know you snuck that little kitty into the building. Many homeowner association carry severe penalties for those who violate their HOA regulations. Not only that but wouldn’t you just feel awful if you got busted and had to get rid of your pet?

3) Consider the Home’s Features

Things such as the type of flooring in the home. Most pet owners prefer laminate over hardwood as it is more durable when you have pets running around on it. It is also easier to keep clean. Perhaps an outdoor faucet is important for bathing your dog? If so, check to make sure the home has exterior faucets; it’s an easy thing to overlook. Most home these days come with one at the front and one at the back. But double check. And what about the winter months when you cant bath your pet outside? Is there a tub or shower you can get your pet into in order to give them a bath?

4) Home Floor Plan

Aging pets might have trouble climbing stairs, so for some home buyers with senior pets, a single-story home is ideal. Cats like windows, and those with window ledges or low to the ground are purrrrrrrfect!. Plenty of closet space for storing pet supplies? Your cat will appreciate a private place for a litter box, and you may prefer to keep the cat box out of sight. Pets love to run and chase each other in circles. Does this home allow a race around the house?

 5) Street Traffic

Sometimes, even the most well behaved dogs bolt when the front door is opened. Cats are inquisitive, and a curious cat can find a way to push open a screen door to get outside. In an unfamiliar surrounding, pets can dart into the street. To prevent tragedy, it’s better to pass on buying a home that is located on or near a busy street or intersection.

6)  The Yard

Something to also look at is the exterior and the space of the yard. Is it fenced so your furry friend cant escape? Is there enough room for your pet to play and use the washroom? Ensure there are no holes or lose boards for your pet to escape through. Also that there is nothing in the yard that can injure or harm your pet.

7) Is it a Pet Friendly Neighborhood?

Drive around the area to see if you can spot neighbors outside walking their dogs or notice cats sleeping in sunny windows. Look for community-placed receptacles for your poop bags when walking your pet. Consider an area or building close to a great dog park for you and your pet to enjoy.

Pet Services

It doesn’t hurt if your new home is within close proximity to pet services such as:

• Pet food store
• Veterinary clinic
• Doggie day care center
• Pet sitter
• Groomer

 As these are not necessities for most people they are a bonus:)

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

How to Sell when you have pets

Almost everybody loves pets except the home buyer who is buying your house. We home sellers love our pets and therefore have a hard time understanding why others don’t. So, while this might be a bitter pill to swallow, if you want to sell your home for the best dollar then read these tips carefully:

Why Home Buyers viewing your home don’t like Your Pet? 

• Nervousness. Pets make some people very uncomfortable. Not everybody grew up with a family pet.
• Fear. It’s not only dogs that instill fear in people. Some are scared of cats and others small creatures. Most people are scared of the unknown.

#1    Relocate your pets while your home is on the market.

Putting them in the back yard, in the garage or in another room that you keep locked is insufficient, and it’s not fair to them. You need to remove them from the house.

Let a friend or relative care for them.

Board them at a kennel.

This is not the norm or ideal for most people so of course there are more solutions:)

# 2   Overcoming Negatives Associated with Your Pet

Cat Litter Boxes & Dog Pee Pads.  Keep them out of sight and impeccably clean. Nothing turns off buyers faster than opening the door to the laundry room and being greeted by a full or stinky cat box.

Carpet & Floor Pet Stains.  Hire professionals to remove the stains. Buyers will spot them and form unfavorable opinions about the rest of the house. If the stains can’t be removed, then remove the floor covering and replace it.

Pet Odors and Smells. Cat urine and dog urine are terrible. It is a hard smell to disguise so make sure you clean up all spots and sift or empty the litter box before a viewing. A light air freshener is ok, but some people may find the smell offensive or have an allergy to it. Thinks to think of are boiling cinnamon sticks in water to fill the air, or making a fresh pot of coffee, and even lemon. Fresh and simple.

# 3   When you have a Showing on Your House:

Put your pets into a carrier and attach a note simply asking buyers to not disturb your pet. Last thing you need is them getting your pet all excited and sticking their fingers in the carrier. You can’t predict how your pet will react when locked up and alone.

Best solution would be to take your pet with you the day you have a viewing or drop it off for puppy daycare for a fun day of socialization and fun.

Robyn Fisher

Associate | REALTOR®

Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist

Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate

It was a great weekend here in Edmonton and I was fortunate enough to take the time on Sunday and head on down to the Edmonton Pet Expo. Held at the Expo Center this fun filled 2 day event featured many different animal shelters and rescue groups from across Alberta as well as a petting zoo, jungle gym, slide and pony ride for the little ones. There was everything from exotic birds, to bunnies and the Skateboarding bull dog “Butter Cup”. One of the team members at Duke and Duchess was interviewed and you can see the article written in today’s Edmonton Journal by clicking the link provided.

Edmontn Journal Arcticle on the Pet Expo and Interview with DDARS

I spent my time helping at the Duke and Duchess Animal Rescue Societie’s booth with its wonderful girls. They had their doggies up for adoption looking their finest dressed in their black and white “Adopt me” harnesses so that everyone knew who they were and what they’re all about. There was a lot of interest in adopting the dogs that attended, but nothing is final until it is final……so for anyone who had an interest please get in contact with Justine at (780) 222-3969 to inquire about your possible new fur child:) The adoption fee is $280 which includes — deworming, vaccinations up to date and spaying/neutering.

Additional articles on our “furry” friends… 

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

CLEAN & GREEN

Cleaning products are some of the most dangerous items in our home. But there are alternatives that can clean your house just as effectively. There are many earth-friendly options for almost every cleaning product.

Homemade solutions created from everyday pantry items like lemon juice, white vinegar, salt or baking soda are not only less expensive but have multiple cleaning purposes. Although these are nontoxic and more earth-friendly than traditional cleansers, the same care should be taken when using them around your dogs. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pet to ingest.

A solution made of 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar with 2/3 cup of warm water can be used to shine up your sink, clean mirrors and windows, clean a stain from your carpet, or wipe down your backsplash. Lemon makes things smell fresh and another idea for a clean aroma is to boil some cinnamon sticks in a pot of water. This will make your mainfloor smell AMAZING, and wipe out air odours.

Just like adults and children, our pets can also suffer from hypersensitivity and allergies when exposed to heavily fragranced products, which are common triggers of allergic reactions, like sneezing, coughing, wheezing and skin rashes. For example: when you wash your floor with a non-pet freindly cleaner and your dog is waling on it and lying on it……they can get skin irritations and the they can ingest thest oxins as they may start to lick irritations and chew on their paws! So before you pick up that favorite cleaner of yours that makes the house sparkle and smell nice, think…..can and will this harm my pet?

Additional articles on “All Things GREEN”…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time getting my one boy to come in from outside. He loves to go out there and bark at the neighbourhood dogs, tell his story to world all while running back and fourth at the fence just in case our neighbour Mia, the cat, is out for a visit. So what did i do? I went on down to my Summerside Bone and Biscuit to see Angela about a treat that is virtually no calories that i could give him regularly to entice him to come back in the house.

I came home with a box of “Good Boy” natural dog treats. They are a tiny little treat in the shape of a bone. They come in different flavours like chicken pot pie , blueberry cobbler, apple dumpling and peanut butter and jelly! talk about SPOILED!!! My boy has a favorite and it is the Apple Cobbler.

So whenever i call him to come in and he is not wanting to behave, i simply ask him if he wants a good boy treat…..and he comes running in.

 My “bad boy” is now a “good boy” thanks to sojos. Homemade Pet Food Made Easy.

The Bone & Biscuit Co.

The Bone & Biscuit Co in The Market Place at Summerside is the ONLY place i buy pet food, supplements, and treats for my furry children. They carry only the best brands along with many other items not found at your typical pet store. One of my favorite treats that i give my two are called “Get Naked”.

The name is interesting at first, however if basically means getting back to natural ingredients. Taking off all the fillers and additives that are put in everyday human food as well as pet food. These amazing treats are similar to what you may know as a dentabone. They are shaped in order to promote healthy teeth and gums. There are a variety of sizes and flavors. Our favorite is the low calorie one. It has a minty smell which helps to alleviate bad breath. They are wheat free, corn free, and soy free. These tasty treat are a morning ritual at my house. We get up, outside for a pee and then its inside in their warm beddies to ease into the day with their get naked stick. My two know the word “Stick” and come running when it is said.

So pop on down to the Summerside Bone & Biscuit. Angela will be happy answer any questions and help you find what is best for your pet.

Follow them on Facebook 

Robyn Fisher

Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist