Decorating with Dogs

I have always thought that a business called Gardening with Dogs would do well. The idea is to provide gardening and landscaping services to people who have dogs that do what dogs love to do outside: run through flower beds, dig holes and generally be dogs.

Well I had the right idea just the wrong business. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, designers are now paying attention to demands from the clients with pooches who want chic and comfortable surroundings that stand up to pets and their lifestyles.

Standard procedure seems to be camouflaging pet crates, liter boxes and creating stylish pet beds. More creative ideas include the use of baby-proofing devices like safety corners for tables, to prevent puppies gnawing on them. Also baby gates are indispensable, as any puppy owner knows.

I have long used indoor outdoor fabrics and rugs in my family room--the one that seems to get the most use and the most dog presence. The indoor outdoor fabric resists stains and fading--these days you'd be hard pressed to know that it was specifically designed for outdoor use. And the indoor outdoor rugs are fabulous for pet paws since they can literally be hosed off.

It also helps to choose colors that blend with pet hair--you know this from your clothing. I would never, for example, get a car with a dark interior with three blond dogs. Also, leather is so much better than velvet when it comes to dog hair--velvet and velour, for that matter, seem to hold and attract pet hair like a magnet.

Fancy ideas include designing specific drawers to hold water dishes and pet gear that slide away when company rings your doorbell. Some pet bowl holders conceal food in the bottom but I always thought the smell would be too distracting for my dogs. Trust me, my dogs would find a way to eat through the wood.

In general, it seems that decorating for children is very similar to decorating for dogs--choose fabrics that wash easily, paint that is washable, and furniture that can either stand up to abuse or is expendable.

Gee, maybe I should start that business and do indoor/outdoor work!