story by Shannon Stage and Holly Harrison
The French poet very eloquently hints at the nature of our desire to connect with animals. We give breath to the better part of ourselves when we love an animal that needs us and loves us back unconditionally. There is a unique joy in our lives when we take responsibility for a vulnerable, living animal.
Two out of every three homes in America have a family pet. While Spot and Socks have always been loved members of our families, since the pandemic, the pet pampering industry has exploded. More pets travel with their owners, dine with their owners, and shop with their owners. Pet spas, daycares, and accessory boutiques are now considered growth industries. The pet food sector has us believing pet food is another food group. We have gone way past kibble, water, and a fenced yard.
You get one guess what the most popular pet in America is. You got it: dogs. The status of the family dog has never been higher, and many homeowners are stepping up their dog’s comfort level at home. We are seeing more attention paid to dog friendly design in homes than we have ever seen before and we are going to admit right now, that some of these accommodations make considerable sense.
Indoor pets, especially dogs, are influencing decisions from space planning, to flooring, to furniture, and fabrics. Dog owners are building gateways between the outside and indoors, giving their dogs more freedom and a comfortable entryway into the house. Most often these gateways lead directly to indoor kennels in the laundry area of the home, giving owners peace of mind knowing their dogs have access to a confined space when they need it. Fading away are the tiny doggie doors of the past that gave dogs access to the whole house. The very function of the laundry area is changing to include these gateway kennels, dog beds, and safe spaces for dogs to stay while the owner is away from home or otherwise occupied. Television sets mounted on the laundry room wall provide entertainment for the latch-key dog.
Durable flooring is a smart choice when there are indoor pets. Wood, vinyl, ceramic, and porcelain flooring offer varying degrees of durability and cleaning ease. Select a product with color throughout the thickness, making scratches from paws less noticeable. Consider stain-resistant flooring for the inevitable accidents. Do not sacrifice style but take your time to create a space that will not be ruined the first time the dog gets ill. Robot vacuum cleaners are a luxury many dog owners find helpful for keeping dog hair and dirt from active paws from building up on floors.
The furniture market is rapidly expanding its dog-friendly options. It is not hard to find furniture with built in dog beds. You can easily find end tables, credenzas, and cabinets with spaces for a dog bed and toy storage. These pieces allow the dog to nap in the family room and be with the rest of the family, but keep the dog’s belongings neat and out of the way. Customized millwork allows for a great deal of creativity but requires planning ahead. Whether you want to conceal a bed, create a feeding station, or just have more space for supply storage, think through what you really want to accomplish and if your dog will use the space as you intend.
Fabrics allow pet owners to coordinate animal furnishings into their home’s design with a lot of fun and character. Fancy, over-the-top dog beds, with monogrammed pillows and covers that match your décor are just the beginning! But again, durability is a key factor. Fabrics that were previously only used in commercial installations have found their way into the home furniture market. Performance fabrics are now quite common and stylish. These heavy-duty textiles make considerable sense for homeowners with indoor pets.
South Mississippi is a very dog friendly place. We live an outdoor lifestyle and dogs are part of the landscape. On a pretty day, you cannot drive anywhere without seeing a dog hanging out of a vehicle window with hair flying, tongue wagging, and face grinning. They are frequent golf cart passengers and bicycle dog trailers are a common sight. There might not be anything cuter than a pup riding along as if they are driving themselves. The look of pure bliss on the dog’s face will melt anyone’s heart.
Dogs go where the rest of the family goes. If it is a beach day, they come too. Dogs are allowed on the beaches in Hancock and Jackson counties, just keep them on a leash and keep a poop bag handy! There are great dog parks in Harrison County that are welcoming places for getting outside and getting Spot some exercise. At home or out and about, spending time with the family pet is good for the soul. They make us think outside of ourselves. They show us what contentment looks like. And they give us one more opportunity to love.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Sassy Bird Interiors
122 Court St., Bay St. Louis
228.344.3181
www.sassybirdinteriors.com
