Aloha Allure

written by Jessica Brody Some might say that it’s tough to sell and buy a home as a dog owner, but any dog lover knows how untrue that is. Yes, there may be a little extra work, but it’s all worth it at the end of the day. Here is what you need to know when putting your home on the market and shopping around. Staging When selling a home, it will need to be staged. Pets can make it difficult to keep our homes clean. It just means we have to work a little harder, and that’s okay. A good place to start is  repairing any damage to your home. Maybe your dog likes to chew on a particular armchair, or has scuffed up one spot of the flooring near their bed. Whatever it is, make sure it is repaired. You want everything to look immaculate. If you have any carpets or rugs, it’s a good idea to remove them or get them thoroughly cleaned. The average cost to clean carpets in a home is between  $116 and $235 , so it may be worth getting it professionally done. Your home sh...

written by   Jessica Brody If you are a dog owner, you are undoubtedly a dog lover as well. To be a good dog owner, however, you need to be aware of others’ opinions about dogs. While you may pass off your dog barking at night, jumping on visitors and digging holes in your backyard as just normal canine behavior, many people view these actions as nuisances, not usual doggy quirks. If you want your neighbors to share in your adoration of your pup, take some time to follow basic dog etiquette. All it requires is some training, attention to your dog and cleaning up after him. Here’s how to make your dog a well-behaved and welcome addition to your neighborhood. A well-exercised dog is a calm dog Before you embark on an obedience training program aimed at making your dog well-behaved, take a simple step to make him calm. Many dogs suffer from boredom and lack of exercise, which fuel bad behavior. Your dog doesn’t want to act like a jerk - he may just be itching to bur...

How to Bond with and Keep your New Pet Safe by Jessica Brody Ourbestfriends.pet info@ourbestfriends.pet Dogs are wonderful additions to any family, but can provide priceless companionship and a sense of purpose to older adults. Dogs require training and walks, too, which encourages seniors to be more active, both mentally and physically. Adopting a dog requires some careful planning for anyone, but for seniors, there are some additional concerns to address. With a little work, both you and your dog will have a safe environment to flourish and bond. The benefits of dog ownership for seniors Some seniors can be faced with isolation as their children age and become occupied with their families; in fact, there are all kinds of reasons they may not be able to socialize with friends as much as they once did. When seniors retire, they can find their days empty, which can lead to loneliness. Lack of exercise, health problems and even some forms of dementia can follow f...

written by June Duncan As we age, we will probably need help on some level. However, that does not mean you have to move to a nursing home or an assisted living facility. If you have good health overall but need minimal help, such as getting up stairs or bathing, you may just need to modify for your home so you can age in place. Benefits of Aging in Your Own Home Being more comfortable is the most obvious benefit of aging in your own home. Instead of moving to a new place with few of your own belongings, surrounded by people you do not know, you can wake up every day in the place you call home. You will also remain close to your neighbors and friends, so you do not need to worry with making new social connections. These friends and neighbors can check in on you and offer help. Also, you can hire someone to either check in to help with small tasks or someone who can stay with you all day. This is a better option when you consider that a staggering 91 percent of nu...

written by June Duncan Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a stressful responsibility because it’s an unpredictable situation. It can be impossible to anticipate accidents. Cognitive and memory problems mean someone with Alzheimer’s can get into trouble at any time, especially if his or her surroundings aren’t carefully monitored and potential dangers aren’t removed. Attention to detail and constant vigilance are essential. You can go a long way toward reducing your stress level and making life easier for yourself by safeguarding your home for a loved one. Think about your relative’s tendencies, weaknesses, and overall health. What parts of the house need the most attention? Is your relative able to move freely and safely without needing to block off certain areas? Is your loved one likely to fall easily? These are all questions that can help you tailor things to meet your loved one’s needs because it’s easier to manage the environment than to alt...