Meet Louie 🐾
Meet Louie 🤍
Louie recently joined our family. He enjoys snuggling and does an impressive dive-and-roll maneuver when he wants a belly rub. His arrival was unexpected, so we jumped into action to make him feel at home. Gigi was skeptical, but now they do everything together.
As our lives change, our homes need to adapt.
In honor of Louie, here are a few organizing tips for life with pets. No matter what type of pets you have, the key is organizing around your daily routine.
Walking.
I rise early and Gigi lingers in bed while I get ready. So I was surprised when Louie bolted out of bed as soon as my feet hit the ground. I now put the leashes on my dresser at night so we’re ready to roll as soon as I get dressed. Gigi wasn’t thrilled at first, but now she expects it.
The routine: On the way out the door, grab the leash with a loaded bag holder, slip on shoes and a jacket or grab an umbrella. On the way back in the house, drop the used bag into a lidded trash bin in the garage or carport. Then reach into the treat jar by the door for a quick reward.
The set up:
-A hook for the leash on the coat closet door, next to the door in your mudroom or front entry.
-The Elfa system can be customized with shoe holders and baskets for bags, dog jackets, and towels for drying off. It can be installed on the wall or door.
-Local tip: I found adorable dog gear at Downtown Pooch on Canton Street in Roswell.
Feeding.
-Keep a grab and go container of kibble with a scoop in an easy to access cabinet, closet or shelf near the feeding station. Label it with serving instructions so that everyone knows the amount and times for feeding.
-If you shop in bulk, put the bag of back stock in an airtight bin, out of the way.
-Each evening put the bowls in the dishwasher so they’re clean and ready when you wake up.
-training tip: We’re in manners training mode with Louie, so I have a container of extra special treats (spinach leaves and frozen blueberries are favorites in our house), for quick lessons.
Pet care.
-Designate a bin(s) for medications and grooming supplies. Pick the spot where it will go, and then (and only then!) select the bin that will fit.
-Keep a cute basket (with low sides for smaller dogs) in your living area so they can grab their toys.
Declutter.
Pets outgrow things, too. And you inevitably buy things that your pet ends up ignoring (I’m looking at you, cat owners). Only keep what they actually use. Check with your local animal shelter to see if they would like your donations.
Pets love all things home! Follow along for more organizing tips — and of course, more Gigi and Louie. 🐾
— Holly
