The Ultimate —
Pet Retreat By Amanda Demster, House and Home Writer
Nowadays, pets are a part of the family, and many people are finding new, creative ways to enrich their furry loved ones’ lives. Designing the ultimate at-home pet retreat can do just that. The numerous ways to craft such a space vary as much as the pets themselves, and for that reason, let’s focus on the two most popular pets — dogs and cats.
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DOGS
photos courtesy of Quality Window & Door, Elkhart
18 | Michiana House and Home | April 2021 |
The ultimate dog retreat would incorporate plenty of ways for pet owners to interact with their canines, including Shutterstock.com an abundance of toys. A dog’s mind needs to be challenged, and puzzle toys that dispense treats will keep a canine busy figuring out how to earn that next tasty morsel. With plentiful puzzle options, dogs will stay on their toes for a long time. Regardless of breed, dogs need at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, and a fenced-in backyard accomplishes this. Agility obstacles in the yard allow dogs to tunnel, climb and run off energy. A kiddie pool is another excellent addition during summer. Special doors become gateways to the great outdoors. Quality Window & Door of Elkhart is a LARSON dealer. The manufacturer has created storm doors with trademarked PetSafe pet flaps, which are sized to accommodate dogs of all sizes. Carmen Snyder of Quality Window & Door recommends visiting LARSON’s website for a visual sizing breakdown. “(LARSON’s) website makes it really easy for the consumer to know what to get (for their dog),” Snyder said, noting the company’s dia-
grams show which doors and pet flaps work best for different dog sizes. “Because we are a dealer for LARSON, we have access to these doors.” Several options are available: a full view storm door with a medium pet door; retractable screen storm door with medium pet door; a Reversa Screen door with large pet door, which allows for top or bottom ventilation with tear-resistant WearTuff screen that is three times stronger than traditional screens; and single vent storm doors with either a large pet door or an extra large pet door. The doors offer energy efficiency and weather protection while giving four-legged family members independence. Snyder added, “They are a great option for homeowners with dogs.”
CATS A cat retreat will look very different from one favored by a dog. While some cats love the outdoors, others do not, so continuous access to the backyard is not necessary. Though, if a cat loves the outdoors, an enclosed catio off a human patio or connected to a window is the safe way to go, giving cats a semi-outdoor environment while protecting them from predators and vehicles. Don’t forget to add in cat-friendly plants like wheatgrass and catnip. Of course, a cat will need a litter box, and these range in price in addition to style. Some high-end options blend in with their surroundings, resembling pieces of ordinary furniture like benches or stands. Climbing is also in a feline’s DNA, so cat trees are another essential piece of furniture in the ultimate cat
