Articles by Jessica

For many people the idea of owning a dog is an absolute dream, but one which can be trickier for renters to achieve. Assuming you have a well established “OK” from your landlord (and/or property management board, building owner, etc) and believe that your life is ready to accommodate having a dog, then the question really just becomes which breed is going to work best for your lifestyle.
Ultimately, there isn’t usually one “best” breed. Everybody is attracted to different types of dogs and different canine qualities, such as having their pet be a lapdog or a guard dog. Renters everywhere should try to remember a few key points whenever they’re interested in a particular breed:

• Is the dog a reputed barker (or howler!)? If so there’s a good chance that you want to opt for another breed, as excessive or particularly loud barking is not likely to go over well with the neighbors. Beagles are notorious barkers, to the point where barking considered simply to be a breed trait. Certain other hounds and some types of terriers and larger working dogs are also known to be keen barkers.

• Does the breed require a lot of exercise? Every dog needs regular walks and to engage in playful activities, but while certain breeds are content with daily walks and playing fetch indoors (or at the local dog park), others such as herding and most working breeds require a great deal more activity and do best with a large yard, pasture or farm to spend their day running around in. Before selecting any breed, ensure that you and your family is able to devote enough time to walk your pet 2-4 times daily and provide it with regular play session.

• Does the breed have a temperament that is on par with your own? If you’re a very active person who is always on the go and loves the outdoors, than a breed such as a German Sheppard or Retrieve may work well for you, even if you live in an apartment. However if your lifestyle is particularly busy and finding time even for daily walks requires you to shuffle around meetings, than a low energy dog (and/or one which requires minimum grooming) is far more likely to be the right fit for your life.

• Will the breed get along well with young children or any other pets that you have? Adding a dog into your family circle should be a harmonious and very pleasant experience, not one that consists of constant confrontations between your new pup and any other pets that you may already have. Some dogs get along well with most animals, while others seem to better just with other dogs. Likewise, while most dogs that have been well brought up are friendly around children, bigger or particularly active breeds may have a tendency to unintentionally knock over or jump up on young children.

• Does size matter? While some people are surprised to learn that certain larger breeds can cope quite well as primarily indoor, apartment dogs, it is important to keep in mind that the smaller your space, the less room you’ll have for your new pet to run and play in. If you’re renting a bachelor or small studio loft, a Great Dane is not likely the best candidate for your home. Scale the size of your dog selection in accordance with the available room that you have in your apartment.

• Will you be able to see your pet in their natural environment before you bring them home? This tip applies equally to everyone who is hoping to add a dog into their home. It’s always wise to consult with reputable breeders, and if at all possible, visit the breeders that you’re interested in buying a new dog from ahead of bringing one home. If this isn’t possible however, ensure that you know as much about the person (breeder) that you’re buying from as possible and ask to see lots of photos of your potential new puppy (or adult dog).

• Can you afford your desired breed? This doesn’t simply mean being able to foot the cost of purchasing your pet in the first place, it also means being able to adequately provide for all of its needs, from vet bills to toys, food to obedience training classes. As well, if time is really of a premium to you, the idea of investing in a professional dog walker and/or pet groomer may be one worth considering (again, if your wallet is able to accommodate it). Likewise remember that – unless you live in an area where everything  your dog could possibly need is located within walking distance – you’ll have to ensure that you have a way to transport your pet to places such as the vet and the dog park (some public transit systems allow dog onboard with you, so long as you pay a fair for them; check with your local transit commission to see if this applied to your town) .

Many dogs are capable of making excellent, well-adjusted (primarily) indoor pets, and research is definitely the key to determining which breed would work well for your situation. To help you on your journey towards your new pet, here is a list of ten breeds that are well established as being good indoor, low to medium activity dogs.

1. Boston Terrier: Gentle, playful and loving dogs, this well known and very popular dog has a good sized life expectancy (10 to 14 years) and does not require a great deal of grooming, due to it’s naturally short hair. Bostons are bright dogs who can at times be rambunctious, yet they are also known for being calm, sweet and sensitive – as well as for being a breed that requires a lot of human interaction, making them well suited to people who spend a fair amount of time indoors. Their small stature and playful nature make them popular family pets.
2. Clumber Spaniel: This sweet faced English breed has a lovely creamy hued coat and fairly short legs when compared to most other retrieving breeds. While retrievers (and large spaniels) in general can be very active dogs who often get by best when they have a yard or field to roam in, Clumbers generally take on a more relaxed attitude to life and could be considered as the couch potatoes of the retriever world. Being a longhaired dog, Clumbers do shed, though their coat care can be kept on top of with regular brushing. A gentle, good natured and bright dog, Clumber Spaniels have been described as the “big dog that thinks it’s a lapdog”, and they are especially fond of attention and love.
3. Havanese: An adorable little dog with a somewhat dishevelled appearance due to their scruffy fur, these small dogs make excellent companions and have been utilized in fields such as detection and therapy work. Playful toy sized dogs, they’re are both intelligent and highly attached to their families. Havanese are reported to get on excellently with other pets, as well as being highly sociable and quick to learn. They make reliable watchdogs, though the breed is not prone to excessive barking at all.
4. English Cocker Spaniel: Dignified, gentle and intelligent, English Cocker Spaniels make terrific household pets and get along swimmingly with children. These medium sized dogs have been a favorite with families for generations now, and makes for a fantastic companion pet. Described as being moderate barkers and lively, playful dogs, English Cockers make ideal pets for those with some time to devote to excising and can get along quite well in an apartment setting.
5. Lhasa Apso: Bright, alert and somewhat energetic, these non-sporting toy dogs originated from Tibet as guard animals and therefore (as result of their guard dog heritage) often posse a bit of a dominate or stubborn trait, though they are also very loyal. Somewhat diminutive in size at around 14-18 pounds, these silky, long haired dogs require daily brushing, but not a great deal of exercise and can be quite content to spend most of their time indoors as a family pet who will be at the ready as a guard dog.
6. Greyhound: While the first thought that springs to many peoples’ mind when they hear the word “Greyhound” is a that it’s a breed who loves to run and is constantly active, the reality is that only a small percentage of the world’s Greyhounds are actually race dogs, and that as a breed, they are not overly active on the whole. Calm, gentle and devoted, Greyhounds typically get along well with other animals and children, and are not habitual barkers in the least.
7. Boxer: Alert, affectionate and jolly, the boxer is a relatively large sized, shorthaired dog with a fair bit of energy and plenty of love to give. Despite the misconception that Boxers are vicious or aggressive dogs, they are in fact gentle natured and usually get along well with children. This image likely steams from the Boxer’s bulldog origins and traditional use as a hunter’s assistant who that was employed to help track down large game. Today’s Boxers love to play and greatly enjoy a bit of daily activity. They need more space than, say, a Pomeranian, but can adequately live in a good-sized apartment or condo, assuming they receive proper walks and exercise.
8. Scottish Terrier (Scottie): An iconic breed with pointed ears, a shaggy coat and headstrong temperament. Scotties are not big shedders; like most terriers, they delight in taking walks and getting daily exercise, but Scotties are not generally overly hyperactive. Though a small dog, the Scottie fancies itself as a guard dog and is sometimes standoffish with strangers, though they tend to be affectionate and devoted to their owners. Due to its compact size, Scotties are well suited to families with small living quarters, but plenty of time to train and play with their pet.
9. Samoyed: A medium to large sized breed with gorgeous white, fluffy fur and a tail that curves upwards, the Samoyed originally hails from Siberia where it was employed as a sled dog and reindeer herder’s aid. Energetic, attentive, and very friendly, these dogs are not known for being aggressive, though some do have a penchant for barking, which could potentially be a downside if you live in a shared building. Samoyeds, despite their lovely coats, do not require an excessive amount of grooming, though they do shed a fair bit. Sammies like to play and take walks (especially in the snow!), but so long as they get the opportunity to “burn off steam” on a regular basis, they can get along quite well in an indoor environment.
10. English Bulldog: Perhaps the most easily recognized and well known of all “couch potato” breeds; the English bulldog is a compact, stocky dog that’s popular the world over. Though English bulldogs can be prone to certain health problems (such as breathing issues and the need for cesarean births due to the large size of the pups’ heads) and are a rather expensive breed ($2,500 US is a fairly common price, though some breeders may charge a bit less or more, depending on numerous factors), they make for loving, loyal and friendly pets (albeit ones who may be a bit stubborn at times) and are well worth considering. Bulldogs do not require a great deal of activity, but as with all breeds, it’s important to walk and play with your “bullie” every day. As a shorthaired dog they are not particularly big shedders and the majority of their maintenance comes from the fact that owners need to properly clean their bulldog’s facial wrinkles (skin folds) to prevent infections.

In the above list we’ve highlighted ten dogs which can make for good apartment dwelling pets, but it’s important to remember that there are many other breeds out there which may also suit your house and lifestyle. Rescue dogs and mixed breeds can also be well suited to apartments, assuming their size and breed(s) are known to be appropriate for indoor living. Assuming your dog lives a healthy life, you can expect to have them with you for anywhere from 8-15+ years, depending on the breed, and it’s important to pick a type of dog that will continue to suit your lifestyle not only today, but in the future as well.

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An ever-increasing stack of neatly arranged boxes stare back at me as I gaze up from the computer, well into the throws of packing for our upcoming move, I can’t help but think of some of the useful lessons I’ve learned from the many I’ve moves I’ve made throughout my life.

From across town to across an ocean, I’ve moved houses quite a fair number of times, and with each new journey towards another stage in my life, I’ve gathered firsthand knowledge of what it takes to make a move – any move – more successful, straightforward, and yes, perhaps even enjoyable. Here are twenty useful moving tips that have served me well through several moves.

1. Plan! This might sound blatantly obvious, but as soon as you know with any shred of certainty that you’ll be moving, start planning as many steps as you possibly can. Write out (on paper or online) everything and anything that you think may be important. Remember the milk and Ta-da Lists are two terrific sites which can help make the task of keeping everything straight a whole lot easier. Update your list often and make sure that everyone whose involved with the move (aka, family members who live with you) are all on the same page when it comes to knowing about what’s going on regarding the move.




2. If you rent (lease) and are required to give a certain period of notice (of your intent to move) to your landlord, ensure that you do so. The amount of time that a person is legally required to adhere to when giving notice varies slightly from state to state (or province to province), but generally it is 1-2 months before the exact date that you plan to vacate your current premises (this information should be included on your lease or rental agreement). When submitting your written notice to your landlord (and/or property management office) ensure that you date it, sign it in your own handwriting (as opposed to just typing or printing out your name), and make a copy or photocopy for yourself.




3. Know your budget and try to stick to it. Will your new monthly rent or mortgage be more or less than your current one? Do you need to hire a moving truck/rent a van? Will you need to allot funds for airline travel, gas, railway tickets, hotel accommodations? Can you source boxes easily or do you need to purchase them? Draw up a realistic budget based on your current income and/or financial situation.

   Remember to account for expenses such as any fees that you might incur for canceling and/or hooking up (or in same cases transferring) services such as utilities, phone, cable and internet, a new insurance policy (be it renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance), temporary storage (if you’re going to need to house a substantial chunk of your belongings before moving them into your need home), and the cost of hiring professional movers or renting a vehicle, if you’re transporting your items yourself.

   It’s always wise to set aside a percentage of your budget for ‘miscellaneous expenses’ (such as last minute cab fares, buying maps, laying in for some extra cleaning supplies to ensure that you get your damage deposit back, etc) and another for ‘emergency expenses’ (those sorts of things that no one ever plans for, but which often seem to spring up at the most inopportune times). To help ensure your budget stays on track try using an online system such as Buxfer or Mint. On the day of your move, make sure that you have cash and personal cheques on hand, and that you know exactly where all your credit and debit cards are.




4. Learn as much about your new property/home as possible. If you are buying, chances are that your realtor will have told you a fair bit about your new home, but even if they have, it never hurts to ask about anything that you may be curious about. If you’re renting, make sure that you find out up front if things like utilities, cable and parking are included in the monthly rent, if the property has any sort of security system (alarm system, close circuit TV, doorman, etc), if your unit/suite/house/etc has fire alarms in place (as it legally should), what kind of laundry facilities are offered, what the policies are regarding subletting, if you need to provide your own garbage/recycling bins, and where the nearest public transit stops, grocery stores and hospitals are – amongst other things.




5. Check the fine-print on your utilities bills as soon as you know you’re moving to ensure that you call to cancel or redirect utility services well in advance (companies often ask that you call at least 30 days in advance of the date that you want the changes/cancellation to commence).




6. If you’re using a moving company, it’s always a good idea to book as far in advance as possible, especially if you’ll be relocating on a common moving day, such as the first or last day of the month. Call around before settling on a company to find out what services and extras (such as complimentary boxes) they offer, as well as their rates (and what their payment methods are). Always try to go with a company that is licensed and insured. If you have a bit of flexibility in terms of what day you’re able to move on, you may find it easier to get a mover that’s available during the week (as opposed to on the weekend).




7. Keep, toss, sell. If you’ve ever watched the TLC show Clean Sweep then you may be familiar with the “keep, toss, sell” method of organizing one’s worldly possessions. Essentially what “KTS” means is that as you’re organizing your belongings in preparation for your move, you take a moment and decide for each item whether you should keep, toss (aka, throw away), or sell (or donate) it. Moving is truly the ideal time to help rid your home of excess clutter, unwanted junk and anything that’s broken/no longer used.

   If time and your circumstances permit, a yard (garage) sale can be a fantastic way to help unload some of your old goods and rake in a little extra cash. If that’s not possible, then you may want to consider donating any items which are still in good condition to a local charity such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Just think, the less you own, the less you have to pack and unpack ?




8. Give out your new address and redirect your mail. As soon as you have your new address, take a few minutes (I usually find that an hour – during a weekday – is enough time, unless you’re on hold a lot) to call up important services that you use such as banks, credit card companies, insurers, utility companies, schools, doctors offices/pharmacies, lawyer’s offices, and anyplace else where it’s vital that they have your correct address.

   Just to veer on the side of caution, you may also wish to have your mail redirected from your current address to your new one at the post office (if you’re going to be living someplace temporarily between your old and your new house, you might want to have the post office hold your mail temporarily for you, as well). Email, call or write to friends and relatives before the move occurs, so that they’ll always have your correct address as well. Likewise, remember to cancel or redirect any newspapers and magazines that you subscribe to in advance.




9. Source your boxes – lots of boxes! If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the many moves I’ve made over the years, it’s that it is all too easy to underestimate the number of boxes that you’re actually going to end up needing. What seems like “just a little bit of stuff” can quickly fill more boxes than you might expect.

   In many larger cities, there are companies who specialize in selling sturdy boxes (often including wardrobe and mirror boxes) and other packing supplies. Such companies often delivery and can quickly provide you with clean, new boxes for a very reasonable fee. If this isn’t an option for you, boxes can sometimes be purchased from moving and moving/transport van rental companies.

   Alternatively, you can sometimes find boxes at places like grocery, liquor and furniture stores. Another handy alternative is to join your local Freecycle group and write a post asking for clean, strong moving boxes. In addition to boxes try to make sure that you have lots of packing tape, newspaper or packing paper, bubble wrap, blankets (for larger and highly fragile items), zip-lock bags (for sorting smaller items together), garbage bags (I’ve found GLAD ForceFlex bags to be immensely handy when moving), scissors/utility knives, and permanent markers on hand . If you’re going to be carrying your own boxes and furniture, good quality work gloves are a must!




10. Pack with a plan. Even before you have your moving boxes, you can begin organizing (see “Keep, toss, sell” above) your possessions. Once you have boxes, start packing up items ahead of time, leaving out only the most necessary of objects for the last minute. While a small household can (ambitiously) be packed up from top to bottom in a couple of days (assuming you don’t have a ton of possessions), going that route is both mentally and physically draining. It’s best to start packing 2-4 weeks in advance of your move date, if at all possible.

    By getting an early start on things, you’ll also be better able to judge ahead of time if you have enough boxes (trust me, one “last minute”, middle of the night back alley box hunt is all it takes to teach you the hard way that it’s best to start packing early on). While packing, try to keep like with like and avoid putting overly heavy items with smaller, more delicate pieces (in other words, don’t pack the fine china with the bowling balls).




11. Pack creatively. Make the most of your items and put them to work doing double duty, where applicable. Linens and bedding (including pillows) can be used to wrap up breakable items; suitcases, tote boxes, empty tins/decretive boxes, backpacks, duffel bags, sports equipment bags, laundry hampers (and laundry baskets), and (clean) garbage cans/bins can all be used as potential spots to pack items. While packing up, remember to return any library books, rented DVDs, or items which belong to other people.




12. Label your boxes. While different people have different strategies when it comes to how they like to label their moving boxes, I personally like to include the following on each box: the name of the room where the box is to be placed in your new home, a brief description of the contents, my surname (just in case the movers misplace a box somewhere), and if applicable, the word “fragile”.




13. Keep the toolbox handy. For both your old and your new home, you never know when you’ll need a screwdriver, hammer or level, so have your toolkit (and/or tool belt) at the ready.




14. Make it sparkle. Let’s face it, no one wants to move into an overtly dirty house, yet many of us have been in that exact situation before. As such it’s always nice to give your old place a thorough once-over (vacuum and shampoo any carpets, wash the walls and windows, clean out and wipe down the fridge and any cupboards/drawers, defrost the freezer, make sure the yard is tidy, take out any trash, ensure all light bulbs work, leave all appliances in good working order, etc), that way the new tenants don’t have to move into someone else’s mess. If the same courtesy has not been extended to at your new house, you’ll also need to clean there as well.

    Try to have a good arsenal of basic cleaning supplies on hand (floor cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, furniture/wood polish, Windex, dish soap, a broom and dustpan, sponges/rags, a mop and bucket, polishing clothes, a duster, a bottle of vinegar and some fresh lemons, etc). Also remember to shut the windows and doors, turn off all the lights, air conditioning or heaters, unplug any applicable appliances, and dispose of any trash before leaving your old house for the last time.




15. Keep valuables and important items with you. Ok, you might not be able to carry great grandpa’s antique piano in your lap, but many smaller important pieces can travel with you in a suitcase or plastic storage tote. Such items will be highly personal to you, but could include things such as important papers, jewelry, silverware, irreplaceable childhood mementoes, cherished photographs and anything small that’s extremely fragile. If you’re concerned about the an important item getting damaged during the move, consider having it appraised and insured beforehand, if you’ve not already done so.




16. Remember the good old days. Even if you had some less than fantastic times in your old home, it rarely hurts to take a few moments to reflect on what that house meant to you and your family. You may wish to take pictures or video tape your house during the move and when all the rooms are empty, for both your own recollection and the sake of posterity.




17. Use it or eat it. A few weeks before your moving date, start dwindling down the food in your fridge, freezer, cupboards and pantry, this way you won’t have to move as much of it. If you’ve move will involve many hours or days worth of travel, you may wish to eat up everything (or at least all perishable items) or give your unopened food items to people you known or a local food bank/soup kitchen, that accepts donations. If you are moving with perishable food, use a cooler (with ice) to keep your edibles from spoiling before you reach your destination. Similarly, there’s little point in moving nearly empty items like cleaning supplies, toiletries and gardening products. Use up or discard of as many ‘almost finished’ items as possible, before moving day arrives.




18. Don’t forget about Fido, Fluffy, Flippy or Flappy. Arrange in advance to have someone watch your pets on the day (weekend, week, etc) of you move or board them with a kennel/pet hotel. If you are traveling to your new home with a pet, make sure that they’re wearing their tags (if applicable) and that you have their registration papers, vet files (paperwork), medications, a leash and collar, a clean blanket (and/or carrying case), plastic bags and some rags (for any accidents or pit stops), and plenty of clean water and food on hand with you.




19. Always do one last walk-through. No matter how thorough you’ve been in packing, it never hurts to do one finale walk-about of your old home before shutting the door for the last time (especially important if you’ll be handing over the keys to someone else, such a landlord, right then and there). Check all closets, storage spaces, sheds, the basement and attic, and inside the appliances (including the washing machine and dryer, if they’re not coming with you).




20. Last minute details. It’s the day of your move and with a little luck everything has gone pretty well so far. You’re organized (cell phone, laptop computer, wallet, camera, kids, pets, and important paper work? Check!), packed (did you remember to double check the bathroom cabinets and take any medications with you?), and rearing to go. Now is the time to ensure that you’ve got all sets of house and mailbox keys and garage door openers ready to handover/give back. Check the mailbox one last time, do your walk-through, take any last minute photos, and give yourself a highly deserved pat on the back for a move well done!

These are 20 important points that I always try to remember and put into action when I move. They have helped keep me sane and my move on track numerous times. What are some of your favorite moving tips, tricks and pieces of advice that we haven’t listed above?

Note: this post was authored by my wife Jessica. She will be contributing to this blog periodically.

Email, meetings, the commute home, surf the web, perhaps a nightcap and, before you know it, another busy day has come to an end. In our ever-increasing dependency on all things computer related, it is all too easy to forget that there’s still a veritable plethora of interesting activities to participate in, beyond the keyboard.

As with nearly everything in this world, the key to having time for both hobbies and the demands of daily life is balance, and the realization that the internet will still exist if you go fly fishing for an afternoon or spend a weekend learning how to weave a rug. When reflecting on what activities you might like to spend time doing, think back to your childhood and the types of hobbies that you enjoyed as a youth. Who knows, perhaps you’d delight in building model cars or going horseback riding again.

With that thought in mind, here is a round-up of seven fascinating and slightly out of the ordinary pastimes for you to explore. If nothing on this list tickles your fancy, don’t worry, the guiding idea here is to try something new, even just once, and broaden your horizons – because let’s face it, no matter how much you love Reddit, StumbleUpon, Facebook or Twitter, life is too short to devote every spare waking moment to internet browsing.

1. Paragliding

Go paragliding. It’s pretty safe to assume that for just about as long as humans have walked the earth, they’ve wondered what it would be like to take to the sky and soar, free as a bird. While evolution has yet to see fit for people to develop wings (darn!), perhaps the next best option is to try paragliding. If the thought of going completely ‘free style’ seems too daring for your tastes, fear not, you can still give this exhilarating activity a whirl, tethered to a motorboat, in which case it’s known as parasailing.

2. Fossil hunting

Make like a paleontologist and try you hand at fossil collecting. Fossils abound the world over, though there are some definite hotbeds of activity where you’re more likely to unearth a truly ancient treasure or two. Check out fossiel.net for a list of over 270 terrific fossil finding spots worldwide.

3. Make your own Olive Oil

Tap into your inner Greek (or Roman!) and experiment with making your own olive oil. Regarded as one of the healthiest edible oils in the world thanks to its rich level of monounsaturated fats, olive oil is a culinary staple with an endless array of uses. Try making your own at home in your kitchen with nothing more than some olives, water and some drinking glasses, or if you’re really into the idea (and you’ve got a reliable source of olives), consider investing in an olive oil press.

4. Learn to pole dance

Once regarded largely as the domain of strippers, in recent years pole dancing (a combo of gymnastics and dance moves) as sprung up across fitness centers nationwide, proving that this workout has more than just visual appeal. Assuming you have the floor space (and possibly a sturdy pole), you don’t even need to leave the house to get your grove on, as instructional videos can teach you all the moves you’ll ever need right in the comfort of your own living room.

5. Pan for gold

Often credited with bringing the American and Canadian populations west, gold rushes were an integral part of the nineteenth (and in some places, early 20th) century. Thankfully, one no longer has to navigate treacherous terrain or put their life on the line if they would like to try their hand at panning for gold. Places such as Barkerville, British Columbia and Tuolumne County, California still yield up gold flakes and nuggets alike each year.

6. Create paper at home

We all know finding more ways to go green is a must, so why not give an eco-friendly craft such as homemade paper making a try. Inexpensive and relatively simple to do, this creative pastime is a great one to involve kids in, too.

7. Re-mix your wardrobe

Gas, food and housing aren’t the only things that continue to get more expensive on what feels like a daily basis, clothing prices are also jetting upwards, which is all the more reason to reinvent your current wardrobe instead of shelling out for a brand new one. With a little ingenuity and a sewing machine (or if you’re an excellent hand sewer, a needle and thread) you’ve got the ground work in place to revamp and re-mix your duds in new and marvelous ways. For some hip inspiration flip through books like Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams by Elissa Meyrich, and Megan Nicolay’s Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt.

This list contains seven fun-filled activities, but there are certainly tons more hobbies out there, just waiting to be explored. When you’re not putting in your daily 9-5, writing blog posts or watching YouTube, what are some of your favorite ways to stay busy, learn new skills and have a blast?