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Casey Mare Hosting a yard sale can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, allowing you to declutter your home while making some extra cash. However, the success of your yard sale depends on more than simply displaying your items on a blanket and hoping for the best. With a little planning, creativity, and organization, you can throw the best yard sale ever. Here are some tips to ensure your yard sale is a hit:
By following these tips, you can turn your yard sale into a memorable event that attracts a steady stream of shoppers and leaves you with both a lighter load and a thicker wallet. Happy selling!
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Casey Mare Water is one of the most vital resources on our planet, sustaining all forms of life and supporting various ecosystems. However, its availability and quality are increasingly threatened by a combination of factors, including climate change, population growth, industrialization, and pollution. As we venture into the future, the way we manage and utilize water will play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of humanity and the environment. One of the most pressing issues related to water is freshwater scarcity. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use also increases. Concurrently, climate change is altering precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts in some regions and intense rainfall and flooding in others. These changing weather patterns exacerbate the challenges of water availability and distribution. In response to these challenges, the future of water will necessitate a focus on water conservation and efficiency. Technologies such as smart irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling will become more prevalent to optimize water use in agriculture, landscaping, and urban environments. Additionally, water pricing and regulatory policies will likely evolve to encourage responsible water consumption and discourage wasteful practices. Another critical aspect of water's future is ensuring water quality. Pollution from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and untreated wastewater poses a significant threat to water sources. Contaminated water can lead to serious health issues and ecological imbalances. Advanced water treatment technologies and stricter environmental regulations will be crucial in safeguarding water quality and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, the future of water will see an increased emphasis on integrated water resource management. Rather than viewing water sources in isolation, governments and stakeholders will need to consider the interconnectedness of various water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers. This approach will facilitate sustainable water allocation and reduce conflicts over water usage between different sectors. Desalination, the process of removing salt and minerals from seawater, is another potential solution to water scarcity. As technology improves and becomes more energy-efficient, desalination may become a viable option for water-stressed regions. However, challenges related to cost, brine disposal, and environmental impacts must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of desalination projects. Furthermore, protecting and preserving aquatic ecosystems will be a critical aspect of the future of water management. Healthy aquatic ecosystems not only support biodiversity but also provide essential services such as water filtration and flood control. Implementing measures like establishing protected areas, restoring wetlands, and promoting sustainable fishing practices will help maintain the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Climate change adaptation will also be central to the future of water. As the planet continues to warm, communities must prepare for more frequent and intense weather events. This may involve developing resilient water infrastructure to withstand floods and storms, implementing early warning systems for droughts, and relocating vulnerable communities away from rising sea levels. International cooperation will play an instrumental role in addressing water-related challenges on a global scale. Many river basins and aquifers cross international borders, necessitating collaboration between countries to manage and allocate shared water resources equitably. Diplomacy, treaties, and water-sharing agreements will be essential in fostering cooperation and avoiding potential conflicts over water. In conclusion, the future of water presents both challenges and opportunities. As the demand for freshwater increases, innovative and sustainable approaches to water management will become imperative. Emphasizing water conservation, improving water quality, implementing advanced technologies, and fostering international cooperation will be key in ensuring a water-secure and sustainable future for generations to come. By acting proactively and collectively, we can navigate the water challenges ahead and build a world where water remains a life-enriching resource for all living beings. “Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, written in 1797-1798 by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Those who have had to endure a water shortage could no doubt relate to the lines about the scarcity of this precious resource. Though they may not have been completely without water to drink, it has been a trying time, nonetheless. As of August of 2022, more than 40% of the United States and nearly half of the lower 48 were in drought conditions. Sadly, thanks to climate change, this, along with the requisite water restrictions, may become the new normal. Most recently, Junction City has experienced what is being termed “a mild water emergency.” This has been attributed to a combination of heavy water use and an extended loss of power to a well on July 1st and 2nd. It is the hope of officials that by cutting back on water use, reserves can be built back up and the tanks can be filled so water will be available in the event of a fire, with the goal being a 10% reduction in water usage in agreement with Ordinance 1231 and the city’s Water Curtailment Plan. As it is now, fighting a fire will not be easy. This has created much discussion online due to recent housing growth. Over 200 new homes have gone in or are going in west of the city. People are wondering what this will mean for water usage as many feel that adding these homes is irresponsible given the shortage being experienced now. Garry Capping, who works for the city says officials are working on “a couple of things” to be sure that enough water is available once the new housing is complete. It is the city’s hope that these solutions will help the city and those who live and work within it to avoid this sort of thing in the future. Two test wells, Capping says, have been dug, with the paperwork for a million-dollar grant having been recently submitted. Once this grant has been awarded and the money is available, the city will either develop one of the test wells and repair the current well that is not functioning or develop both test wells. Currently, residents and business owners alike have been asked to curtail water use by 30%. Only 750,000 gallons of water a day should be being used, but residents and business owners were in actuality using closer to 1.5 million gallons. The first cutback was voluntary and did go okay, but water usage has started to creep back up again, making the 30% reduction necessary. Capping says that now is not the time for residents and/or business owners to put in a new yard. If they choose to do so, he cautions, it is at their own risk and the yard probably won’t survive. With the water curtailment order there will be enforcement. If Capping learns of someone using more water than allotted, he will first investigate and issue a warning. If the warning is unheeded and he must return, he will then levy a fine of $300 followed by subsequent fines of $300 for each additional infraction. He suspects that after the first citation and fine, people will comply, since nobody wants to keep paying these amounts. He also says he does not enjoy having to do these things, but it is a part of his job and people need to know that the rules apply to them like everybody else. So, how does one go about cutting back on water usage? Gardens need to be watered, laundry needs to be washed, toilets need to be flushed, and we need to brush our teeth, wash our dishes and cook our meals. There are several ways this can be accomplished. It may not be easy, given that updating appliances can be costly and establishing new habits is time consuming. But it can be done, and curtailing water usage is as helpful to your checkbook as it is to the ecosystem. Here are some ways. The bathroom has the greatest water usage than any other place in the home, accounting for over 50% of all indoor water use. Plumbing technology advances have resulted in newer faucets, showers, and toilets that use considerably less water but still deliver on rinsing, spraying, and flushing. Should you wish to replace a bathroom fixture, be sure to look for one that bears the WaterSense label, which means it meets the EPA’s standards for saving water. Older toilets use up to 6 gallons per flush, whereas WaterSense toilets get things done with only 1.28 gallons or less. This translates to a reduction of 20% per toilet for the average family. One can also take showers of shorter duration to save water, limiting them to no more than 5 minutes. It’s also helpful to turn the water off while lathering or shampooing and one should also be sure to turn the water off while brushing their teeth or shaving, rather than allowing it to run down the sink. Replacing the shower head is another way to save. Standard shower heads use two and a half gallons of water every minute whereas WaterSense shower heads use no greater than two gallons. While it may seem insignificant, the savings do add up. WaterSense faucets aerators can also lead to a savings of 500 gallons annually for the average family. Definitely do NOT flush tissues, moist wipes or dental floss down the toilet as this results in water waste and can cause pipes to clog. In the kitchen, the water wasting culprit is not the dishwasher as you may believe. It is more than likely you. It’s not necessary to pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, which is designed to do just that. A kitchen faucet can produce between one and three gallons of water every minute when it is allowed to run full force. One should also only wash full loads of dishes, loaded according to the instructions in the owner’s manual, as this will make the most out of the sprays in the machine. Should you want to replace your old dishwasher, Energy Star dishwashers are approximately 15% more efficient than standard models and are also quieter. Pots and pans should be soaked rather than scrubbed under running water. Rather than run the tap until your drinking water is cool, refrigerate it instead. One glass or water bottle per person for the day should be assigned for the day so it only needs to be washed one time. You can also save on water usage in the kitchen by installing a WaterSense aerator on the faucet to reduce the flow to less than a gallon a minute. It’s helpful, as well, to avoid running the garbage disposal and the necessary water by composting food scraps instead. When it comes to the laundry room, front loading washing machines are the most water efficient, followed by high-efficiency (HE) top-loaders and agitator top-loaders. Because high-efficiency washers spin faster, clothes do not require as much drying time. It is important to pick the proper water setting for the load you are washing, though front-loading machines and the majority of HE top loading machines are equipped with auto-load sensing. A few agitator tops have this as well. HE detergents are required for HE machines as regular detergents create too many suds and can result in HE washers using more water by lengthening the rinse cycle. Only wash full loads and use cold water whenever possible to help save on the cost of energy. Also be sure to choose the right soil setting as selecting the heavy-duty setting can use more water and add to wash time. The normal setting works for the majority of loads. Outdoors, the lawn soaks up more water than anything else and homeowners tend to over water in order to keep it green. In truth, an established lawn only requires an inch of water every week during the growing season, so over watering can actually be harmful to it, not to mention the environment and your bank account. It’s helpful to let the grass grow a bit longer by raising the cutting height on your lawnmower. Blades of grass that are longer help shade each other, which reduces evaporation, so it is actually good to keep your grass between three and four and a half inches tall. When you mow, it is advisable to leave the grass clippings on the lawn to retain moisture and add nitrogen. If you use a sprinkler to water, be sure to direct the spray to the grass and garden and not the sidewalk and the street. You may want to set a timer so as not to forget the sprinkler is on. Water early in the day when evaporation rates are lowest and more water is absorbed. If you use a soaker hose or drip irrigation, apply water slowly and evenly. You might even want to reduce the size of your lawn and replace the grass with mulch, ground cover, plants that tolerate drought, or ornamental grasses. Be sure to weed regularly as weeds compete with plants for water. Unless they use recycled water, ditch any water features and consult a nursery or your county cooperative to find the best plants for your area. When you clean off your driveway, steps, or deck, do not use water. Rather, sweep them or use, if you must, a leaf blower. Wash your car using a bucket or, patronize a commercial car wash that recycles it’s water. When it rains, collect the water in barrels or install gutters and downspouts that direct the runoff to your plants and trees. Water in a barrel can also be used for other things, such as flushing toilets when one has a pump and a well and the electricity has gone off for an extended period. Water covers approximately 71% of the earth and in places like the United States we tend to take it for granted until a shortage hits and we realize just how much we depend on it for so much. But, if we take care to use common sense and follow a few guidelines, we can all do our part to conserve and make sure there is enough water for us all as well as for those needs such as extinguishing a fire and growing the crops we also depend on. Even if we all do just one or two of the above suggestions, it helps, and the ecosystem will be forever grateful. For those in Junction City who may have questions or concerns about the water cutbacks, please call public works at 541-998-3125 or City Hall at 541-998-2153. By
Helen M. Davis The whimsical clip-ons were supposed to be a one-time thing, a gift for the children at Camp Harlow in Eugene who were going to be riding the horses she has provided for young riders to enjoy for the past five years. But the staff liked the creations and asked Valerie Stinson to make more. She was happy to acquiesce and before she knew it, she was operating under the name of Horse-N-Around and making decorations that can be used by either humans or horses and selling them at places such as the Fern Ridge Harvest Festival, Peach Days at Detering Orchards in Harrisburg, the Fern Ridge Christmas Bazaar and on her Facebook page. After having previously lived in Eugene and having run the Willamette Valley Dog and Cat Motel on Bodenhamer Road, this suits her just fine. The motel was good at first, but the constant red tape combined with the bickering among some of the 15-20 employees had gotten to be too much and after 24 years, Stinson sold the business and moved to a five-acre homestead on Lamb Road in Elmira. Stinson’s dining room table doubles as a workspace as she makes the clip-ons using feathers from the wild turkeys that mill about her yard, a few pheasant feathers she has also found on her property, as well as feathers from her cockatoo Kiwi and the 75 chickens she recently rehomed. Mainly, however, she uses brightly dyed feathers she orders in bulk from Amazon to construct her creations. It takes about an hour to make a clip-on and in addition to the feathers, they also are festooned with tiny daises, hearts, dragon flies, and colorful beads that she also orders online. Her best-selling clip-ons are those with a red, white, and blue motif that are popular with people who participate in rodeo and Stinson also makes green and yellow clip-ons for Oregon Duck fans as well as orange and brown for those who prefer the Beavers. One clip-on even features a small compass, a tiny flashlight, and a little whistle that can be used by outdoor enthusiasts as they spend time in nature. Most recently, she had a booth at the Eugene Pro Rodeo where she found great success. The majority of those who purchased clip-ons from her, however, did so for themselves rather than their equine as they wished to put them in their hair and on their hats. The clip-ons typically sell for $15, though small ones can sell for $9, and an extra-long clip-on goes for $60. Stinson is just getting started in this unplanned but most enjoyed undertaking and doesn’t really know what to expect, but she finds that making these doodads is a fine outlet for her creativity. What started out as a way for kids at Camp Harlow to have some fun decorations has now become a purpose and though she did not plan on starting a business after retirement, it’s happened anyway, and it brings her peace and joy as she works at her table stringing the beads and the tiny objects to mesh with the feathers and create tiny works of art that have given her a new purpose. With her two large dogs for company, as well as Kiwi and red bellied Senagal Bert, she is happy and content and if others can benefit from her creativity, then so much the better. Caption – Valerie Stinson poses at her dining room table that doubles as her workspace.
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Casey Mare During a heatwave, it is crucial to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Here are some tips to help keep your family safe during hot weather:
Remember, prevention and early intervention are crucial during a heatwave. By staying informed, practicing proper hydration, keeping cool, and looking out for vulnerable family members, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your family during hot weather conditions. by
Casey Mare Local government plays a vital role in shaping the communities we live in. However, like any system, it is not immune to shortcomings. In this article, we will explore some common criticisms of local government and examine the factors contributing to its perceived inefficiencies. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: One of the primary complaints about local government is the perceived lack of transparency and accountability. Citizens often feel disconnected from decision-making processes and believe that their voices go unheard. Limited access to information, opaque budget allocations, and closed-door meetings erode public trust. Insufficient mechanisms for oversight and a lack of consequences for wrongdoing further exacerbate the issue, leaving room for potential corruption and misuse of resources. Bureaucratic Red Tape and Inefficiency: Local government structures are notorious for their bureaucracy, resulting in excessive red tape and slow decision-making processes. Obtaining permits, licenses, or approvals for simple tasks can be frustratingly complex and time-consuming. This bureaucratic maze stifles progress, discourages investment, and hinders local businesses and entrepreneurs. The lack of streamlined procedures and the absence of technological advancements in government operations contribute to the overall inefficiency and inertia. Political Infighting and Partisanship: Local governments, like their national counterparts, can be plagued by political infighting and excessive partisanship. Political agendas and personal interests often take precedence over the needs of the community. These divisions hinder effective governance and impede progress. Public policy decisions become mired in ideological battles, compromising the ability to find practical solutions to pressing issues. This partisan environment creates an atmosphere where meaningful dialogue and compromise are overshadowed by political posturing, hindering the government's ability to address the needs of its constituents effectively. Lack of Long-Term Vision and Strategic Planning: Another criticism of local government is the absence of long-term vision and strategic planning. Short-sighted decision-making driven by immediate needs and re-election cycles can lead to inadequate infrastructure development, limited investment in education and public services, and a failure to address future challenges. Without a clear roadmap for the future, local governments struggle to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of their communities. While local government is an essential pillar of our society, acknowledging its shortcomings is crucial for growth and improvement. Addressing issues of transparency, streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing partisanship, and fostering long-term vision can help local governments better serve their communities and regain public trust. Through concerted efforts and engagement from both citizens and officials, positive change is possible. by
Casey Mare The Piña Colada, a refreshing and tropical cocktail, has become synonymous with vacations, poolside lounging, and relaxing on sandy beaches. But do you know the intriguing history behind this delightful blend of flavors? Join us as we delve into the origins and evolution of the beloved Piña Colada. The birthplace of the Piña Colada can be traced back to the vibrant island of Puerto Rico. The exact origins are still debated, but the drink's roots can be traced to the 19th century. Puerto Rican pirates and buccaneers, known for their love of rum, mixed it with local fruits, including pineapple and coconut. The result was a tropical libation that soon became a favorite among sailors and locals alike. The Piña Colada gained further prominence in the 20th century. In 1954, Ramón "Monchito" Marrero, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, created a signature version of the cocktail. Using a mix of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and Puerto Rican rum, he blended the ingredients together, creating the iconic drink we know today. The Piña Colada quickly became a popular choice at the hotel, captivating visitors from around the world. The popularity of the Piña Colada continued to soar, and in 1978, it achieved official recognition as the national drink of Puerto Rico. This significant milestone solidified its place in the hearts of the island's inhabitants and tourists. As travelers ventured to Puerto Rico and experienced the tropical delight firsthand, the Piña Colada's fame spread worldwide. The recipe was shared and modified by bartenders in different countries, leading to various interpretations of the classic cocktail. Some versions incorporated different fruits or added additional spirits, allowing for creative adaptations while preserving the core essence of the original. In popular culture, the Piña Colada further solidified its place with the release of Rupert Holmes' hit song "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" in 1979. The song's catchy lyrics and tropical references elevated the drink's status, creating a lasting association between the cocktail and vacation vibes. From its humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to achieving global recognition, the Piña Colada has become an iconic symbol of tropical indulgence. Whether sipped on a sun-drenched beach or enjoyed at a lively cocktail bar, this delightful blend of pineapple, coconut, and rum continues to bring a taste of paradise to people worldwide, capturing the spirit of relaxation and enjoyment. Cheers to the enduring legacy of the Piña Colada! Piña Colada Ingredients: There’s really no need to get fancy with this classic cocktail, though many variations do exist. The original mixture of pineapple juice, coconut cream, cream, and ice became popular for a reason.
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Helen M. Davis Wildfires used to be something that we read about or saw on the news, something that happened far away and didn’t pertain to us directly. Oh, we may have had smoke settle over our area for a few days after it traveled on the wind from a distant fire, but that was about the extent. Not anymore, however. With rising temperatures and longer summers, wildfires are proliferating. The typical representation of a wildfire is a wall of flames barreling towards homes, but wildfires can also be spread via embers blown by the wind, which can travel as far as a half-mile ahead of a blaze, alighting on a roof, grass, or branches to create yet another conflagration. Once a wildfire has ignited, a homeowner can’t extinguish it but there are ways to do what is known as firescaping to make one’s yard more resistant to flames. By slowing a fire’s progress, the odds that your home and yard will survive are increased. Jeff Cope, owner of Home Grown Gardens just outside of Corvallis, has some experience in this. A native of Santa Barbara, California, Cope graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and has used this knowledge in his work managing parks for eighteen years before deciding it was time to focus on a long-time dream of starting his own nursery. Upon his retirement, Cope and his wife Donna first looked in Oakhurst (located in Madera County on the way to Yosemite) at a nursery that was for sale, but the price was far more than they could afford. Then, while online, Donna saw an ad for Home Grown Gardens, and they knew they’d found their dream. Home Grown Gardens has been a family enterprise since 2007 with Jeff acting as general manager and Donna working behind the scenes marketing, merchandising, and performing office administration. Son Opie is a co-owner and plant buyer who works in inventory management as well as a plethora of other jobs. Daughter-in-law Raquel manages the store’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, while granddaughters Kaylee and Kiana are frequent visitors. Jeff still possesses a keen interest in firescaping and is more than happy to share his knowledge with those who ask. This was gained by having been part of a fire safe council while in Santa Barbara and having worked at the Botanical Garden not to mention having been present during the Coyote Fire in 1964 and the Paint Fire in 1977. It is important he says, that “Pretend you are the fire. Clean out the undergrowth and leaf litter.” There are other things one can and should do. To begin, one should plan their yard’s landscaping by zone. Fires that are located more than 100 feet away are not as likely to ignite a home. However, material in that zone can ignite and spread to one’s home. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to manage that space to reduce the chance of fire. Within that 100-foot zone of ignition are three main locales that require different strategies in landscaping to reduce the risk of wildfire – next to the home or up to five feet away, 5-30 feet away, and 30-100 feet away or to the property line. Zone 0, also known as the ember-resistant zone, should have as few non-fireproof objects as possible. This means that one should remove anything flammable which includes trimming trees, removing wood-based mulch, leaves, pine needles, wooden flower boxes, firewood, propane tanks, picnic tables and combustible patio furniture. In place of mulch, one can use pea gravel which is frequently available in a number of colors that can complement one’s landscape. Stone pavers are another good choice for walkways. Gutters should be kept clean as dry leaves and pine needles make excellent kindling for stray embers and gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment. One should also be mindful not to plant trees or shrubs with woody stems too near the house and plants should be limited to those that are well-watered, and low risk “firewise.” For Zone 1 – 5 to 30 feet away, one should remove all dead plants, grass, twigs and branches. Grass near the house should be kept 4 inches or shorter and trees and shrubs should be trimmed so that branches end at least 10 feet away from other trees and buildings and branches should also be trimmed at least 6 to 10 feet from the ground. A telescoping pruner can be a tremendous help in this. Small trees should be moved away from large trees and vegetation, mulch, and fallen leaves or needles should be cleared at least three feet away from large tree trunks. Zone 2 – 30 to 100 feet away, can be slightly more relaxed than either Zone 0 or Zone 1, but not by a lot. Most experts recommend that dense stands of trees and brush be thinned. Flammable plants, which have waxy or oily leaves, twigs or stems, gummy or resinous sap, scented leaves, loose bark and the propensity for trapping dry or dead materials like twigs or needles should also be replaced. Evergreens are notorious for being flammable. The reason they smell so good at Christmas is because they are full of aromatic resins and oils that can catch fire and launch embers. They should be kept within 100 feet of a home and at least 15 feet from other structures and plants. Those plants that are fire-resistant have softer or succulent leaves and tend not to accumulate a lot of dead material and don’t have strong scents or sap. Some examples of this are Lavender, Ice plant, Agave, Creeping thyme, Delphinium, Day lily, Iris, Oriental poppy, and Lemonade berry. If trees and shrubs are preferred, oak, manzanita, cherry, maple, poplar, yucca, and dogwood are great choices. Plants to avoid due to their being fire-prone are pine, juniper, bamboo, rosemary, eucalyptus, cypress, and acacia. These plants look pretty, but they can be lethal if one lives in a zone that is fire prone. Summed up, it takes more than Smokey the Bear to prevent fires. It takes work in keeping one’s yard as defensible against flames as possible. It may not be fun, but when it comes to protecting life and limb, it is worth the effort. Nobody wants to see their home go up in flames. Nobody wants a lifetime of belongings – heirlooms, photos albums, jewelry, keepsakes to be turned into cinders. With a few changes to your yard your odds of being successful over a wildfire are increased and this should be reason enough to do your homework and know how to protect yourself and your home. Firescaping. It’s more than just a fancy word. Firescaping by Douglas Kent has more thorough information on Firescaping your landscaping. By
Helen M. Davis Adam Rosenthal has always loved dogs. Big, small, in between, he thinks they are all great and he has a way with them that even the shyest of dogs will respond to. He knows how they communicate, and what they react to best. He understands the various breeds and what their particular needs are. It just comes naturally to him, this way he has with dogs. Previously, Rosenthal and partner Krystina Carson ran Why Cook?, the small take-out eatery located on Highway 126 that is now occupied by Joy Cart. It was a mixed bag, this small establishment. While Rosenthal loves to cook, especially Italian food, not everybody was appreciative of his efforts and some even unfairly took advantage of his good nature. It became apparent that it was time to find another venture and in October 2021, after six years of business, Why Cook? was closed. Rosenthal had been volunteering with a local rescue and training dogs for them at this same time and he was aware of the need for doggy day care. He wanted to work with dogs in his next venture and in January of this 2022, The Paw House Northwest opened for business. Located in the home Rosenthal and Carson share with daughters Meggan and Amelia on two acres off of Ellmaker Road, The Paw House offers a variety of services, boarding being chief among them. Dogs stay at the Paw House for as short a time as one night to as long as 15 nights. There is an eight-dog limit, and Rosenthal insists on a “meet and greet” so he can get a feel for the dog’s personality and how it will get along with other dogs in the home. The Paw House is fully insured, and dog owners also must sign a waiver releasing The Paw House from liability. While being boarded, dogs divide their time between crates in the dining area with its well-stocked shelves of dog toys, lounging in the living room, and roaming the large, fully fenced yard, where they are given the opportunity to exercise by playing games like fetch. Higher energy dogs are treated to Rosenthal slapping on a pair of roller blades for a run down the street or even in Eugene along the bike paths. As Rosenthal states, “A tired dog is a happy dog.” Procedures are in place to keep separate dogs who don’t get along as one of the main tasks is keeping boarders safe. However, many clients are regular users of The Paw House and, as a result, their dogs have become well acquainted. Senior dogs are welcome at The Paw House, as are dogs with medical needs. Dog walking is another service offered by The Paw House. During Covid lockdown many people adopted “pandemic pups.” Now that they are back at work, there is a need for their dog to have interaction during the day and this is where The Paw House comes in. Some dogs will be brought to Rosenthal to stay for the day rather than be alone, while others are left at home where he will go and take them for a walk that can last from 30 minutes to an hour. Rosenthal will also visit a client’s home for a drop in visit with their dog to provide care in the comfort of familiar surroundings. “We want people to know that they can trust us,” says Rosenthal. “That we will be like a family member.” For those who wish to have a well-trained dog, but do not have the time or the patience to do so themselves, Rosenthal offers a two-week program to teach basic obedience while the client dog stays in his home. Dogs that need behavioral modification are also welcome as Rosenthal has experience in this as well. Once a person becomes a client of The Paw House, they can use an app to schedule a walk and there is also an app that allows the user to create an account, track payments, see their history, and schedule times for boarding, etc. The Paw House Northwest has a website, www.thepawhousenw.com and can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Rosenthal hasn’t given up on running a restaurant completely, however. One of these days, he may open another eatery. But, for now, he is content to work with dogs and their people and he enjoys the way his work is appreciated by both humans and canines. A waving tail, a slobbery kiss, an exposed tummy waiting to be rubbed, it’s all in a day’s work for Rosenthal and he wouldn’t have it any other way. This is his passion, these dogs who come to stay, to learn, to play, and to just hang out. He loves them all and they love him right back. He is lucky. For it’s not everyone who can work at what brings joy and laughter and gain so much from those of God’s creatures who ask so little in return. |
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