What would a house sitter want you to know before you place your home and pets in their hands? I share some things I've learned in five years of professional house sitting that just might help you if you've got plans to travel this summer. More

Around ninety-five percent of my travels include stuffing my sweet chihuahua, Grady, into her airline-approved carrier and heading out the door with wee-pads in tow. Travel is tough on pups, but knowing a few good tips will help to make the trip smooth-sailing for you and your pets. More

Name: Tracy Metro, TV host and designer and Marty Metro, Owner of UsedCardboardBoxes.com
Location: Belmont Shore - Long Beach, California
Size: 1975 40' Harbor Master Houseboat
Years lived in: Owned 5 years

Who would pass up an opportunity to photograph a house boat (and not just any house boat)? Tracy and Marty's home away from home is such a nice break from the stress of keeping up in the big city.

More

Dog may be man's best friend, but dealing with an ugly crate can be a small space dweller's worst enemy. Rather than hide an unsightly crate, embrace it with one of these more design-friendly alternatives. More

You're happy with your home decor. The pillows and accessories are just right. The color palette has good vibes. But. There's fur everywhere from your four-legged friend! Many times, keeping fur off your sofa is as easy as giving them a more attractive alternative like a den or bed of their own. Cats and dogs will feel safe and cozy, and less inclined to spread fur all over your fantastic sofa. More

We Americans are ridiculous pet owners, going to great lengths to make our dogs happy. Our furry friends (like the amazingly handsome Logan, pictured here) get treated like pampered children: sleeping in our bed, getting expensive food and toys, and yes, even little outfits. (Lest you think I'm being snarky: my own dog only eats grain-free food, gets allergy shots, and is on Prozac. No judgement.) More

Name: Three generations living together
Location: Beverly Hills - Los Angeles, California
Size: Three bedroom house with connected 1 bedroom guest house
Years lived in: Our family has owned the home since 1957. The current residents are the daughter, granddaughter and her husband and great grandchildren of original owners.

I have driven through the wide streets in Beverly Hills many times, admiring the estates and wondering about the stories of the people living in these large homes. Molly and her family feel lucky to live in their family home in Beverly Hills and they don't consider their situation typical - it was left to them when their grandparents passed away. They often joke that they are the modern day Beverly Hills hillbillies!

More

Did a bark, woof, or ruff (or perhaps a coo from an excited coworker) fill the halls of your office last week? Friday, June 22, was Take Your Dog to Work Day, a day dedicated to bringing man's best friend into the workspace. This 14th annual canine celebration helped promote pet adoption, as well as the benefits of having Fido at work -- which, according to recent research from Virginia Commonwealth University, include reducing stress and making the job more satisfying.
More

In cities like Los Angeles and New York dog walking services are pretty common, thanks to many pet owners with full-time day jobs that can't be home to make sure their dogs are getting regular exercise. For those who really need assurance their canines are getting walked, Swifto makes sure you can track your dog's walks in Manhattan. More