10 Pet-Friendly Home Additions

reprint from MSN.com:

An estimated 73 million dogs and 90 million cats live in U.S. homes, and Americans are increasingly remodeling not only for themselves but also for their four-legged friends.

"People want to live comfortably in their home, but they also want their home to be a safe haven for their pet," says Charlotte Reed, a pet expert and author in New York. Creating such a pet sanctuary can include some small — and a few large — renovations.

Here are 10 smart ideas on how you can make your home friendly and safe for your pet — and what impact these changes might have on your home if you decide to move out.

end of article.

For many, protecting your pets is just as important as protecting the homefront.  

Here are some of our other pet related blogs:

Pets and the Fourth of July.

Micro-chipping pets.

Make your yard a No-Bite Zone.

Protecting Furry Dependents.

Rescue Dogs.

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarily an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Home Safety: Keep Your Pets Inside This 4th of July

Found this on Facebook.


Every 4th of July, keep your pets indoors.  Fireworks and celebrations often cause pets to run for safety, or hide where you can't find them.

* Create a safe, escape proof part of your home

* Provide plenty of water, and a few favorite play toys

* Leave the TV or radio on to mask the noices and provide them with familiar sounds


In the future, micro-chip your pets so if they do get away, it's easier for them to be located and returned to you quickly.  Click HERE.

Another one of our blogs on the "No-Bite Zone".


Happy 4th.


* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

From the Horse's Mouth: Protecting Your (Furry) Dependents

"What will happen to us when you're gone?"

The following conversation could happen between you and your children, or other dependents, and even with your pets...if they could talk.  

For now, we'll have to let Mr. Ed speak for them all.

Talk with a legal adviser to set up the proper trust document, that way when your life insurance pays out, the money is legally spent to protect and provide for your children, spouse, parents, grandchildren, and yes, pets, as you see fit.  Otherwise, they spend it as they wish.

A will doesn't quite to it right.

Then talk with a Farmers Insurance Professional like myself to set up the life insurance funding (with the right beneficiaries) for those trust agreements.

Kevin Tuckey

3675 Ruffin Rd.

Ste 220

San Diego, Ca  92123

(858) 751-1357

California License #: 0B72553

Some of our other pet related blogs:
Home Safety: Make Your Yard a "No-Bite" Zone This Summer.
Make Pet Micro-chipping a Part of Disaster Preparedness.

Benefits for those who take in Rescue Dogs.  Includes info on "pet trusts".

Other life Insurance themed blogs:
Charitable Giving with Life Insurance.
Life Insurance is Income Protection.
Remembering your Church with Estate Planning.
The greatest need: Single Parents.
Families with Special Needs Children.
British Royal Marine spends a message with his life insurance.
Advanced LUTCF Training for Platinum Elite Team Members.
Life Insurance Awareness Month & Lamar Odom.
The Romance-O-Meter: Insure Your Love.


* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or companies mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarily an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Benefits for Rescue Dog Heroes: "Here Weego!"

The Super Bowl Commercial from Bud Light featuring "Weego", the dog who fetches beer, has gotten Rescue Dogs a lot of attention this week.

If you choose to adopt a shelter dog, please research and consider your decision carefully.  It is a long term commitment.

If you choose to act as a temporary guardian, foster parent, or rescue/shelter volunteer, there may be some benefits for you to consider.  See the "tax" article below ... and the Bud Light commercial too.





Disclaimer: Not every rescue dog you claim from a shelter will be able to retrieve you beer.  Think carefully before you adopt.

Click HERE for the Bud Light / Weego Facebook page.

Home Safety: Make Your Yard a "No-Bite" Zone This Summer

In the classic comedy, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Inspector Clouseau asks the innkeeper at the front desk, “Does your dog bite?” to which the man replies, “No.”

Inspector Clouseau then reaches down to pet the dog, which immediately attacks and bites him.

“I thought you said your dog does not bite?”, Clouseau asks, turning to the man.

“That is not my dog,” the man replies.

With at least 68 million dogs in the United States, many of them a big part of the family, there's a large exposure to pet-related injuries. Every year 800,000 people seek medical attention related to dog bite incidences.

Naturally, many of these injuries result in lawsuits when it's not your dog that does the biting, and especially if a child is involved. And when there's a lawyer, often an insurance company needs to get involved.

"A dog-bite (insurance) claim costs $26,166 on average in 2010, up from $24,840 in 2009."

Avoiding the Dog Bite is of benefit to everyone involved: the victim, the owner of the dog, and even the dog who could be put down.

originally published on Farmers Friendly Voice.

During the summer months, children are playing outdoors, adults are barbecuing, and dogs are frolicking in the yard. Remember this: Even the sweetest dog may bite if provoked — even accidentally. With their natural curiosity and exuberant behavior, children are often the most likely to provoke a dog — usually quite unintentionally. Of the 4.5 million people who suffer dog bites annually, about one in five requires medical attention. And children — especially those ages 5 to 9 — are most at risk.¹

What can a dog owner do?

• Carefully consider your pet selection — Your veterinarian is a great source of information about behavior and suitability. Remember to consider who visits you as well as who lives in your household. If you have grandchildren, nieces, nephews or friends with children, you’ll probably want a dog that’s good with children.
• Make sure your pet is socialized — Start to expose your puppy or adopted dog to a variety of situations; try to do it a little at a time, under controlled circumstances. Continue until your dog appears comfortable around people and other animals.
• Neuter your pet — Neutered dogs are less aggressive and less likely to bite.
• Train your dog — Teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit” or “stay” can develop obedience and help to build a bond of trust. 
• Keep your dog healthy — Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases, and see your vet on a regular basis.
• Be alert — Know your dog and watch for signs that your dog may be uncomfortable or feel threatened.