Category Archive

Pets

We know that sometimes a home just isn’t a home without a pet, and oftentimes pets have their own sets of needs, perks and home-enhancing features. These posts cover our furry, scaley, winged, offbeat friends.

Lessons in adopting second-hand dogs: What I wish I had known

In what feels like a different lifetime, but in reality was a mere two weeks ago, we adopted our black Labrador from a rehoming centre. He’s an absolute dream, and we wouldn’t be without him for the world. What I found, however, was that dog owning manuals almost exclusively talked about “choosing your puppy from a litter,” and “bringing your new puppy home.” They were of little help in preparing us to visit a hectic, deafening kennel, adopting an almost-fully-grown, bouncy adolescent who’s almost as strong as me, and dealing with two years worth of ingrained good and not-so-good habits. Here’s what I wish I’d known…

Bringing home baby, reptile edition: a guide to owning your first reptile

Buying an exotic reptilian isn’t an endeavour for the faint of heart. The idea of owning and loving a lizard from the other side of the planet hadn’t dawned on me until my partner did just that. And you can be too, with these helpful tips.

The pros and cons of cedar kitty litter

About five months ago the hubby and I made a big switch for our fur-babies we had been contemplating for a while: from clay to cedar litter. We have discovered many things in this switch-up, and we would love to share some pros and cons with ya! Hope this helps any of you contemplating a switch to a more natural litter option.

Turn a sock into a scarf for your cold little doggy

My California dogs aren’t used to cold weather. On a road trip through some pretty cold weather, I improvised with a scarf for my big dog, Jackson, but I had nothing for my little one. So when my Jackson ate one of my knee high socks, I took the remaining sock and made an infinity scarf for a my little dog.

And if I can do it, so can you!

My dog has separation anxiety. Halp?

I need help. I have absolutely no idea how to calm down my dog that has separation anxiety. Our cat and other dog are his best friends and they stay home with him, so it’s not like he’s totally alone. Can any offbeat homies help me with my dog’s separation anxiety? Someone tell me there’s hope beyond medicating him.

Hutches make great rat houses

Offbeat Homie and frequent contributor Allison just turned a thrift store hutch into a house for her rats! If YOU have pet rats, you’ll want to check out this veritable rat palace, and perhaps get inspired to make one yourself.

DIY geeky fish tank decor

You’ve had to cut back on your spending and can’t justify buying the cheesy plastic plants at the pet store at such exuberant prices, knowing they are bought from China for pennies. Not to mention the possible pollutants you might put in your tank from poorly made décor not meant for underwater conditions with life. Plus they just aren’t your style or taste, and well — you just can’t find any premade tank items that are. Well I’m here to tell you, it can be done safely, and with everyday nerdy items you have around your house! And all you need is hot glue gun and maybe a small clear epoxy kit for aquariums.

Advice for holiday decorating around adventurous pets

Do Homies have any suggestions for pet-friendly holiday or winter decorations? Most pet owners are aware that tinsel and poinsettias can make animals sick, but if you have adventurous pets like I do, even normal decorations can pose a hazard. Any suggestions for pet-proof decorations? How do you attach ornaments to a tree or garland so that a cat can’t remove them?