Dan's Papers - June 20, 2008 -

One day last winter, my husband and I were leaving for work in what was considered one of the season's most miserable days to be outside. As we were leaving the house, we turned and looked at our four Standard Poodles resting comfortably on the sofa in front of the television, with gourmet food, filtered water, toys, blankets and snacks close at paw. We looked at each other and stepped out into the cold. I couldn't help laughing as we said goodbye and told them we'd be back soon. I wondered if they figured out how to use the remote to change the channel.

We already know that our dogs have worked their way into our hearts, but they have MORE than worked their way into our homes. Long gone are the days when the family dog came in from the cold night to sleep on the kitchen floor only to be sent back out the next morning.

They have their own celebrity brand food, designer dishes, beds, sweaters, carriers, combs, and toys. They have day care, parks, hotels, nannies, trainers, classes, salons and catered parties. Some of my best Jewish pet-owner friends have even had canine Bar Mitzvahs. Okay, you say...been there ...done that...but come with me and take a look behind the scenes when no one else is around.

Let's face it. We all puppy proof our homes to some degree, so why not push it up a notch and do it with style too? Not only can you replace that unsightly metal kennel with something so much more pleasant to look at, but I bet you will be moving it from an out of the way place like the mud room to the den where your dog can enjoy more time with your family. Take a look at some of the great things I've found that will fit right into your home and alleviate the distaste we all feel when we step over the gates and bang into the crates that are there to make our lives easier!

This solid wood adjustable friction fit gate is one of my favorites. Rubber stoppers save your walls and trim from marking. The small 21" high, easy to step over gate adjusts from 28" to 41" wide and features a separate built-in pet door. The part that I like is that the distance between spindles is 1". The 35" tall gate has a door that allows people and dogs to pass easily. It adjusts from 28" to 36" wide. The wide gate is similar to the tall gate and fits doorway or hallway openings with widths of 35"-37", 47"-49", and 59"-61". Distance between spindles of tall and wide gate is 1".

An American made, handcrafted crate that doubles as an end table is a welcomed addition to your home and a great room for your small breed dog. Airy and open, this piece of crate/furniture features one usable top drawer.

This freestanding, solid pine, nail-free gate is designed for large openings 56?_" to 75" wide and 25" to 371/4" high. It's adjustable, sets up fast and folds down for storage

This handcrafted pet crate looks great in any room - you can keep your dog safe wherever you'd like without having an unattractive pet crate in the living area. The solid pine, water-resistant finish has an easy-to-clean metal floor.

Of course there are some limitations with this piece of furntiture. Clearly, it's not ideal for your Great Dane. I recommend this type of crate be used for small to medium size breeds.

A unique idea in dog crate/furniture is an antique dresser piece that I do have some reservations about. It's not as open and airy as the others, but would not be any more confining than a Vari-Kennel or Pet Taxi plastic crate. However, it certainly has aesthetic appeal and is quite roomy - measuring 35"H x 42"W x 28"D. This would make an ideal solution for those of you that would like to bring your smaller breed dog into your bedroom.

Frontgate's bronze finished barrier provides walk through convenience for you and adds a contemporary accent to your décor. Freestanding barriers are available for openings 27" - 40" wide and 40" to 70" wide. For those Big Kahunas, check out the 38" high-pressure latch gate.

Also, replace that ugly metal crate with a mahogany finish. Luxury Pet Residence features a raised base to protect floors. The base is easily removed for cleaning and the crate pad is made from ergonomic, washable micro-fiber. I think this one looks good with almost any furnishings in your home or office.

Bay Isle Collection Wicker Crates from MidWest have exclusive window openings on the sides, as well as the back panel to provide proper ventilation and visibility. The attractive square pattern accent weave looks great just about anywhere.

MidWest also offers machine washable beds that are comfortable, durable, easy to clean and stain resistant, and are also wonderful to use in crates.

As with all other canine related subjects, the general rule is that not all things apply to all dogs. So with that in mind, I urge you once again to do your homework as I have done mine and make sure that the products you use are a good match for your dog. If your canine family member is a chewer, I do not recommend a tempting chewable wicker or wood crate. If your dog is a full grown Rotti, Mastiff or even a bouncing bundle of retriever, I would not choose a more confined enclosure meant for much smaller and milder mannered breeds.

In many homes, a gate or kennel confinement is necessary, but may cause a conflict with your interior design. We must keep our dogs safe, train them to adhere to the conditions of the human habitat and to add to the mix, we want to keep close to us at all times. Fashionable dog products are a way to bridge the gap between person style and canine contentment.