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Keeping Clean

© Joan C. Fremo

It's almost Summer!! The kids maybe home from school, and the "puppers" are spending more time outside playing. Every time you turn around, Rover's paws are muddy--and, gee--what's that stuck in his coat now? Aren't we having fun trying to keep up with house cleaning? Looking at the muddy tracks across your kitchen floor, don't you sometimes feel like there is more dirt there, than in your yard? And just where are all these leaves and twigs coming from??

I'm afraid I can't help you much with the two legged members of your family, but keeping your Pet clean is easy--once you know just a few "tricks", and these tips will cut down on your house cleaning too!

PAWS
The pitter patter of of little feet may be a joy, but cleaning up muddy paw prints can really become a major chore.

First, keep your pet's nails trimmed nice and short, (if you're not comfortable with doing this yourself, a quick trip to the Groomer or Vet will make this easier for you). Second, and this is the key, remove and trim the excess hair on the pads and top of your dog's feet. Keeping your Pet's paws nicely groomed will keep mud from accumulating there, and will cut down on what Rover tracks across your floors. I also keep a towel near the door!

My Mom and her dog Ursa have a little ritual---one I discovered quite by accident. A few years back, I was pupper sitting for my parents while they were out of town. Each time I let Ursa outside, and then called him back in, he'd stand in the door and offer me his paw. "That's nice Ursa. Now Come in." Poor dog would hesitate, looked confused, and had to be coaxed to enter the house. Each day, each time he came in, this little drama was repeated.

When my Mom telephoned to check in, I mentioned this odd behavior. My Mom was amused, and explained what was happening. It started one rainy season. Tired of mopping muddy paw prints, my Mom began grabbing a hand towel each time Ursa was let out. When she'd call Ursa to come in, she'd make him stand just inside the door while she wiped his feet, before letting him come fully in. Poor Ursa! He was just waiting for me to wipe his feet. This explained both Ursa's behavior, and how my Mom manages to keep her floors spotless--but I think I'm glad she didn't think of this while I was young! Sometimes, just

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