Pet tips

If I can borrow from today’s business parlance, we’ve done our due diligence. We cannot be more ready for another dog. We’ve slowly introduced our daughter to dogs; first, while out in public meeting neighbors out on walks. And, more recently, since Audrey’s become steady cruising around on her feet, we’ve agreed to dog-sit for a few friends and relatives - another way to test the waters with a little one. She’s learning how to pet gently, how to offer treats and can say "puppy" and "dow," which we’ve been taking to mean "down," a great command for a child to give a dog, especially if the dog obeys. We’ve decided which areas of our home will be off-limits to a new four-legged friend and are absolute pros when it comes to proofing. When the special day comes, we’ll definitely have to deal with Audrey trying to eat the dog’s toys and visa versa. I’m sure mothers all over just gave a collective yuck! We’re just being realistic. We have a daytime plan in place: The dog will come to work with me, naturally. When we’re at home, there will be accidents, which is why Nature’s Miracle, a post-pee neutralizer, is at the top of our pet supply shopping list. Cruising down the same aisle, we’ll also pick up a spray bottle of Bitter Apple, the stuff that can be sprayed on things like table legs to make them less appetizing to dogs who like to chew, which, in my experience, is all of them. We’ve been holding onto a few used areas rugs, runners, towels and sheets, which we know will come in handy as protection for our carpeted rooms and cars. Finally, the backyard fencing is reinforced. Now, all we need to do is fall for the right guy or girl. And, I happen to know just where to look.