Pet-Friendly Organization in this New Year
January 2010-A new year and a new decade make this January, GO Month! GO Month is the professional
organizing industry’s national event dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of getting
organized. Getting organized is essential to your pet’s health and well being. The following seven
tips will keep you and your pet organized, healthy and happy all year long.
1. Food Storage
To keep pet food fresh and pest free, transfer large quantities of pet food to storage containers; for smaller quantities that can be kept in the bag, use food clips to keep the bag tightly closed. Additionally, regulate your pet’s weight by keeping a clean measuring cup nearby to accommodate proper portions. For pets that eat refrigerated food, use sealed bags, sealed containers or pet food lids to ensure freshness and to eliminate odors in the refrigerator.
2. How to Deal with Too Many toys
Keep your pet’s favorite toys and discard old, damaged ones. Donate gently used toys your pet is not interested in to a local animal shelter. Wash all toys, especially ones that are being donated. Place toys in a lingerie bag in the washing machine or, if the toy is made out of recycled materials, in a dishwasher. Store pet toys in a stylish plastic basket with a cloth liner to keep pet toys contained and off the floor or in a pet toy box purchased at pet stores.
3. What To Do with Pet Clothes
Clean all pet clothes regularly, especially during the winter months. Add fabric softener when washing to give items a fresher smell. Avoid shrinkage by hanging up sweaters and coats to dry. Once dry, give away pet apparel that no longer fits your dog to a friend with a puppy or smaller dog. Often, gently-used dog items will be greatly appreciated by a local animal shelter or thrift store. Remaining pet clothes can be stored in clothing storage bins until they are needed.
4. Leash and Collar Maintenance
Few dog owners realize that leash and collar maintenance is necessary. Discard frayed or worn leashes and collars at least once a year to prevent accidents. Wash nylon leashes and collars quarterly in a garment bag to protect your washer and dryer from nicks and scratches. At least once a year, give your leather leashes a thorough cleaning and polishing by bringing them to a shoe repairman or by doing it yourself. Use non-toxic polish. For convenience, hang leashes on a hook or store leashes in a basket by the door.
5. Keeping Your Pet’s Bed Clean
Your dog enjoys a clean place to sleep as much as you do. Schedule the cleaning of your pet’s bed in conjunction with their monthly grooming appointments or in-home grooming sessions. Use static guard to loosen pet hair and a vacuum to remove the pet hair. Wash the bed cover in the laundry machine and dry on a low setting to prevent shrinking. Add a dryer sheet to reduce static electricity and remove more pet hair.
6. Pet Paperwork
Getting to your pet’s records are equally as important as getting to your own in a time of crisis. Review all pet paperwork, place in file folders (vet, insurance, etc.) and store in an easy-to-access file box or desk drawer. Also, make sure to place your vet’s business card in your first aid kit.
7. Schedule ahead
Planning your pet’s year is a smart idea. Schedule all yearly animal appointments, such as vet visits, groomer appointments and teeth cleanings, in advance and write them in both your daily planner and online calendar. Set reminders for your pet’s appointments one month and one week prior to ensure you both make it to their appointment. Also, make note to re-fill prescriptions and purchase flea/tick and heartworm medications. If you are aware of travel plans in where your pet won’t be joining you, schedule kennel or pet sitting dates and write down details in your date book for easy access.
About Charlotte Reed
Charlotte Reed, a popular pet care and lifestyle expert, is also a notable entrepreneur. In 1995, she abandoned
life on Wall Street as a corporate lawyer to open Two Dogs & A Goat Incorporated, a premiere, full-service pet
care provider in New York City. Reed is the founder of The Business of Pet Writing Conference, and recently has
created PetCentricAuthors.com, the first internet site dedicated to promoting authors and their pet books. She
is the author of "The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette" (Adams Media, 2007). Charlotte is the
First for Womean columnist and The Pet Socialite blogger for NBC's Petside.com. In 2011, she will release her
new magazine, "Canine Culture, Arts and Style." In addition to her writing career, Reed also works as a pet
industry consultant. Although many manufacturers have hired her as a spokesperson, she also works with
advertising, marketing and social media firms as a pet trend expert, providing a unique understanding of what
drives pet consumer behavior. Charlotte is the owner of four dogs, two cats and one parrot. To learn more
about Charlotte and her other projects, visit www.charlottereed.com.
Press Inquiries Contact:
Eunice Farnsworth
212-631-5878
EuniceFarnsworthPR@gmail.com
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