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WAUWATOSA — When remodeling, homeowners can take their pets into con- sideration. Callen Construction, Inc., serving south- eastern Wisconsin since 1986, has complet- ed a number of pet-friendly projects, The full-service remodeling company offered these ideas: Think outside the (litter) box ■ If you have a heated garage or mud- room, Tracy Grosspietsch, a designer for Callen, suggests incorporating a convenient dog-washing station. It is particularly help- ful for owners who have active or muddy dogs. You can clean off your pooch before dirt is tracked inside. A shower pan with a drain, enclosed on three sides and with a wall behind it, will do the trick. Easy-to- clean ceramic tile is best, and you should also have a handheld hose that runs both hot and cold water (although temperature should be lukewarm, for the pet's comfort). Add a shelf or two to provide a place to store shampoo and towels. Also lay down a non-slip mat inside the stall and a non-skid rug on the outside. ■ A cat's litter box can be unsightly and is often preferred tucked away. Make use of the open space in the bottom of a coat clos- et by building a boxed-out enclosure. Grosspietsch notes that the set-up is prefer- able rather than having a box out in the open, because it contains stray litter. Tidi- ness can be further enhanced by installing a central vacuum system. A built-into-the- house system may even cost less than con- ventional, portable vacuums, and they can be installed in existing homes. ■ Many dogs are fearful of storms, and an indoor doggie door might help a pet to stay calm. Consider cutting a small window into the door of a bedroom closet, said Grosspi- etsch, and creating a cozy den for your pooch. A compact nesting area beneath soft clothes can provide safety and security for a dog that is unsure. ■ If remodeling the kitchen, incorporate a pet's food supplies and water bowl into the cabinetry design. "Raise the dishes 4 inches off the floor, in the toe-kick area, to be ideal for a variety of sizes of dogs," Grosspietsch said. "An elevated feeder and water bowl is more ergonomic and reduces the stress on your pet's neck and back. It also helps with digestion and reduces ingested air." Keep materials in mind Consider all aspects of living with an ani- mal. Grosspietsch recommends choosing microfiber upholstery and furniture when- ever possible. "Any sort of material that has an open weave, where you can see the individual fibers, will inadvertently be ripped up by your dog or cat. Save yourself the stress and plan ahead when you make your selections. Similarly, if you're picking out new floor- ing, tile is the most durable surface to with- stand wear and tear. Even bamboo can get scratched by your dog's nails. And though it's not as warm as wood, I always recom- mend tile as the best choice," she said. JUNE 2015 HOMES PLUS 7 18 Full-size Doors On Display, Our Installers Are Licensed & Bonded 16'x7', 25 Gauge...Non Insulated Steel $ 725 Lifetime Door Co. TRUCKLOAD SALE on Garage Doors & Door Openers Installed Tax Included $ 895 • Lifetime Warranty • Other Sizes Available • 2000 Garage Doors in Stock Special! - Take down and haul away old door for FREE! 16x7 SAVE $ 240 NOW Model 8365 ORDER A LIFTMASTER 1/2 HP GARAGE DOOR OPENER & GET 2 REMOTES & KEYPAD. $ 329 Installed Tax Included • Two-Sided Pre-Finished Galvanized Steel • R-10 Insulated • 5 colors to choose from 12645 W. Townsend (2 blocks N. of Burleigh, enter off 124th St. only) Free Estimate 262-783-4004 Mon. - Fri. 7am-5pm • Sat. 8am-12pm www.lifetimedoor.net 2 4 2 2 4 8 0 0 3 Full Year Warranty, parts and service on installed operators. Family Owned & Operated 920.261.9325 920.988.2085 www.badgerpestcontrol.com FULL SERVICE • Green Products • Competitive Pricing • Residential & Commercial • Senior Discounts • Free Estimates Jerry Tracy jtracy@live.com 244541018 INSECTS, RODENTS, LIVE TRAPPING & MORE FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPING Free Estimates Competitive Pricing • Mowing • Spring Clean-Up • Fall Clean-Up • Fertilization • Lawn Reseeding 262-337-2600 243363010 Remember your woofer when remodeling Submitted photo Integrate your pets into the design when remodeling your home.