wingchee's Profile

We live in a 6th floor walk-up. Our 4 beagles are the happiest 4 dogs compared to either solo dogs or ones which have a backyard. They frequent two nearby dogparks and we take them out at least 3 times a day, much more than most suburban dogs. Also, NYC is surprisingly dog friendly - most stores will allow dogs inside. They are really well socialized and do not freak out about traffic or sirens etc. No, they do not howl all the time and yes, 6 flights is great exercise for them. We are lucky in that one of us is home for most of the day, and also we have a great HUGE doggy daycare down the block.

The fact that i can clean things with just that and warm water with no detergents or bleach makes me think it is safer to use around pets and children. Of course, with ANY sponge - i would not leave it lying around.

Our dogs run the household, I couldnt imagine life without them. A friend gave away her dog on CL because she was getting married. I was shocked.

As someone who has lived in NYC for over 10 years - buying actually isn't worth the trouble of the mortgage - so many other things add up, like co-op fees or condo maintenance, and generally, apartments in NYC are good with maintaining their conditions.

I've now lived in 500sq feet with 3 dogs and my husband, and it works out well, and over time, although we covet space, we have also re-worked our space and systematically decluttered.

I can however, recommend renting storage space, especially if you are able to find something very closeby. Creating an organized archive space is actually money well spent.

I really have to agree that if you are on a great rent deal - especially if you are one of the lucky rent stabilized tenants - stick with the space, spend a bit of money on upgrades. ESPECIALLY if you LOVE the neighborhood.

I have been thinking of doing this on my ceiling for some time...the pictures are going to help me picture it....thank you!!

I have 3 beagles and while my husband works from home - when they do misbehave - i tell myself its probably because they are bored. I started off with 1 - and he chewed through the cable for the tv and pulled out the plug, then when I got the 2nd one, together they figured out how to open the fridge, and the 3rd one, well, she loved the insoles of shoes.

I have never crated any of them. Before I got married and was living with the first 2 - they had a midday walker, but aside from the fridge they were pretty well behaved. The third one seems to add the mischief.

We now have a childproof lock on our fridge. I also try to leave them treat dispensing toys around the apt - but not every day - or their weight will pile on.

I find that they like their routines - and it is only when that is upset that they play up and misbehave.

Treat dispensing toys, a laid back attitude to furnishings, a good routine with walking and playing and a good vaccuum are my only advice to dog owners..

Good luck - Kojo looks adorable

it looks beautiful!! definitely inspired me to do something with my kitchen. I have no soffits - but an awkward space on top which just kind of collects grime - thinking of filling that space so cupboards go all the way up to the ceiling

I made the move by myself from Australia to the US 9 years ago. I strongly strongly recommend that for at least the first 6 weeks - take a sublease if possible, or if you have a favorite hotel - talk to them and see what rate they can give you for an extended stay. Not having to take care of little things such as furnishing a new place can be an absolute godsend - especially if you are also going to start a new job at the same time - and if you are really busy with starting a new job (or transfer to new location) staying in a hotel may add to costs, but it also means you can spend lots of time acclimating to new work environment and any downtime you have - spend looking for that new apt / house.

I cannot stress enough the importance of having your worldly possessions safely stored and sent to you when you are feeling more settled.

Irrespective of how organized you are - moving overseas is stressful - the last thing you need is to have your boxes of family china either go missing or get damaged while you try to find your feet in a new city.

Good luck!!

have to agree with RosieGreenie - Hills Hoists - especially those lime green ones that you can take out of the yard when you want the kids to be able to play...

I adopted an older dog - he was 7 months at the time - so not technically a puppy like your 2 cute ones. I was lucky in that I lived across the street from a dog park, but definitely the wee pads helped a lot. I can recommend the "Little Stinkers" brand - they have a green packaging on the outside. I don't know if its related - but I had a cat at the time - and he saw her go into her litter box, and after a while - he went on the wee pad when she would go.

Two puppies at the same time!! So adorable, but so much work!! good luck!!