Moving With Your Pet...

In the summer of 2000 my wife and I made the 3,000 mile journey home to Marquette from Tacoma, Washington where I had been stationed in the Air Force. With all of our worldly possessions in the back, we set off in a huge rented truck. Our family car was towed at the back and our seven year old son Josh and our two year old dog Buddy sat in the cab with us. Talk about spending quality time together!

I remember both Jen and I being worried about Josh, thinking that the transition might be hard on him. What didn't occur to us was that the transition might be hard on Buddy. Josh had no problems at all. He was excited about the big truck, excited about the travel, and excited about seeing Grandma in Marquette. Buddy, on the other hand, became very depressed. In fact he stopped eating the first day of the trip.

Now, if you knew Buddy, you would know that he is what veterinarians like to call a "ravenous eater". What does that mean - well it pretty much means Buddy will eat anything you put in front of him until it is gone. He doesn't recognize when he is full and he doesn't even care if it tastes good. He likes food - this is fitting being a part of the Italian Cosco family! We like our food! So to see Buddy unwilling to eat was quite worrisome.

Buddy continued not acting like himself and not eating for two days. We finally realized that he would eat only if we got down on the floor and fed him by hand and so we did for several days. I'm happy to report that Buddy adjusted to our new home and got back to his normal spunky self about a week later. He is very much a part of our family as I'm sure your pets are a part of yours. So consider these tips when you make your move with your pet.

10 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network (www.petrealtynetwork.com) in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.

2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.

3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.

4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.

5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.

6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.

7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air, check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size, but you’ll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.

8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.

9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.

10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

Source: The Pet Realty Network (http://www.petrealtynetwork.com/)

U.P. 200 Sled Dog Championship Feb 15-17...

This is the 19th year for our U.P. 200 and over 15,000 visitors are expected to watch alongside trails reaching from Marquette, through Wetmore, to Grand Marais and back. The event has a start time of 7:10pm tonight from Washington Street in downtown Marquette and will finish throughout the afternoon and evening Sunday the 17th at Marquette’s Lower Harbor.

The 200 is a 12 dog, mid-distance race that consists of 240 miles. The teams start one after another in equal time intervals, competing against the clock rather than directly against one another. This is due to logistic considerations of getting teams of 12 excited sled dogs to the starting line for a clean timed start. There will be 27 mushers this year, 25 male, 2 female, 21 veteran, and 6 rookies from all over the U.S. and Canada.

The teams consist of leader dogs, point dogs, swing dogs, and wheel dogs. The lead dog is literally the leader of the pack and is very important to the success of the team. The wheel dogs are the ones that do the “heavy lifting” of the group, they must be strong enough to pull the sled through the snow. Point dogs are behind the leader dogs and swing dogs between the point and wheel dogs. For all dogs endurance, strength and speed are important traits.

The event is an experience unmatched with local shop keepers providing warm cider, coffee, and snacks and an excitement in the air that is contagious. There’s a “Small Town America” feel to the event with neighbors and strangers huddling closely to see the start (and out of necessity to keep warm). It’s a moment in history as well, being that it is a qualifying race for the Iditarod, which has been called the “Last Great Race on Earth” and has won worldwide acclaim. Definitely worth your time! Come out and have fun!

One side note:
“Jim and Ray” will be playing at the UpFront & Co. from 7 to 11. The duo has become a musical fixture in the Marquette area over the years. In fact my wife and I watched Jim and Ray play at Vango’s Lounge (where they still play every Thursday!) 16 years ago on our very first date. Pop on over for a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” along with other classic tunes from Jimmy Buffet, Simon & Garfunkel, and everyone in between – you won’t be disappointed!

Here's An Idea For Sellers....

There are more homes to choose from in today's market. So how does a seller make their home stand out in the crowd? Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Ask yourself what would I want to know about this home. And perhaps more importantly, after living here, what is it that I like best about the home. The idea here is to offer honest and relevant information to prospective buyers. Make a short list of items and leave it on the kitchen table where it can be easily found by the agent and buyers as they walk through the home. Warning - please keep it simple. Please do not write a two page essay on why they should purchase your home. Instead just offer a few little kernals of info that will peak a buyer's interest and make them feel "at home."

For Example...

• Where’s the school bus stop. What's the best place to get a pizza.
• If there's something that they can't see now, but will enjoy later tell them about it. For example if it's winter, tell them about the lilac bush that blooms in the backyard in the summer.
• Is there a little park or ice cream shop around the corner that makes a great family walk?
• If there is a time of day or time of year that your backyard looks best tell them about it and if you have one leave a photo, i.e. sunset from the front deck, fall colors in the back yard, etc.
• Do you have bird feeders? Tell them what birds visit Goldfinches, Grosbeaks, Chickadees?
• Do you have other wildlife visit on occasion - leave a photo of the deer in the woods behind the house.
• Do you have a favorite room or feature of the house. Tell them it's your favorite and why, i.e. We love to sit and read the paper Sunday morning in the sun room, or we've really enjoyed having the big deck for family barbeques.

Pointing out these features will make your home stick out in a buyer's mind when they are seeing 10 different homes in a day.

Another great idea once you've sold your home is to leave a "Helpful Hints" list on the counter for when the new homeowners move in. This list might include...

• When does the trash collector come.
• Appliance manuals, copies of receipts, and contact info for repair services, warranty info.
• The location of the water main and its on/off valves.
• The location of the well, the depth and gallons per minute it produces.
• The location of the septic system and information who last cleaned it and when.
• Age of the roof, warranty information, and what company installed it.
• The names of the service people you've used, including that of your plumber and your heating/air conditioning service.

Your buyers will appreciate the added effort both before and after the sale!

Selling your home? A little time now may save you a lot of time later...

What You Can Do to Prepare Your Home for Sale...

These are only recommendations, not requirements; however what you do now to prep your home may save you a lot of time and hassle later. It may take seven to ten days to accomplish these tasks and some may be work intensive, but it may mean the difference between selling your home fast and at top dollar or having your home sit on the market for an unnecessarily extended period of time.

De-Clutter: We all collect an amazing amount of "things". If you don’t need it, why not donate it to your local St. Vincent’s or Goodwill store. The general rule is “If you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.” Remove all books and knickknacks from bookcases and shelves and box them up. Clean off everything on kitchen counters. Leave only a few nice looking items on each surface. The idea here is - you will eventually be packing this stuff up for your move anyway – why not get a head-start.

Take Your Personality Out of the Home: Pack up any personal photographs and children’s art projects, trophies, awards. Buyers tend to be easily distracted by such items. Curiosity gets the best of them and suddenly they are looking for clues as to what the current owners are like instead of paying attention to the home itself. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls. Please pack up your favorite sports memorabilia collection, porcelain doll collection, model airplane collection, collectable glassware, etc.. What is treasure to one may be seen as clutter to another.

If Needed - Rent a Storage Unit: Do you have a lot of furniture? Or is your furniture rather large for the room it is in. Many homes show better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that obstruct paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to let the buyer know what the room’s intended purpose is. You want your home to have a light and airy appeal. Too much furniture in any room gives the room a heavy feel.

Remove/Replace favorite Items: Remember – What a buyer never sees, they can’t ask you to include in the sale. If you painstakingly sewed your curtains by hand, box them up and replace them with some economical linen curtains from your local discount store. If the chandelier in the entry is an heirloom, take it down and replace it with an economical one from your local home store. Remove and pack such items if necessary, but you must replace them, or it will look as though the home has been looted.

Make Minor Repairs: Replace cracked tiles, patch holes in drywall, replace burned out light bulbs, replace torn screens or broken windows, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks, fix leaky faucets, fix doors that don't close properly and drawers that jam, etc. Now is the time to do any project that you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to. These small details will make prospective buyers worry that the home has not been maintained well.

Make the House Sparkle! Wash windows inside and out, spray down sidewalks, clean out cobwebs, polish chrome faucets and mirrors, clean out the refrigerator, vacuum (vacuum before each showing if possible), mop floors, dust furniture, ceiling fans and light fixtures, replace or just remove worn bathroom & kitchen rugs.

Pretend You Are a Choosy Buyer: This is the BEST TIP! Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you? Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a new buyer. Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense. Consider repainting any room that screams pink little girl’s room, or lime green kitchen. You want your home to appeal to the masses. Neutral colors - light tan, light beige are good ideas, other colors can be used - just remember that they should be subtle. Have you been considering replacing your worn bedspread or that torn lampshade? Now is the time to do it. Hang up fresh towels and put fresh soaps or potpourri in the bathrooms.

Clean and air out any musty smelling areas: Odors are a no-no. If you are a smoker consider smoking on the back deck or front porch instead of in the home. This has become such an issue in recent years that some buyers will only look at homes that are currently owned by non-smokers. If you can, opt for airing out vs. masking a smell. If a buyer walks in a home and is hit by a wall of rosy smelling room deodorizer - they will assume you are trying to cover something up.

Last but Not Least - Curb Appeal, Curb Appeal, Curb Appeal: Remember! For every one person that will walk through your home, there may be 10 to 20 that drive by just to take a peak. Don’t open yourself up to the drive-by buyer who won’t take the time to look at the interior of a home if they don’t like the exterior. Keep the sidewalks cleared, mow the lawn, paint window trim, plant yellow flowers or group several planted flower pots together. Yellow is said to evoke a buying emotion - and Marigolds are inexpensive. Trim your bushes, and make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

I know it's a long list, but it's a proven methodology. Do the work before you list and save yourself time and money later.