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Cleaning Tips for Dog Moms Block off a few minutes for daily chores to head off clutter and overwhelm.
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Working Dogs Three ways your dog can help you give back to your community.
W W W . H O U N D S A N D H E A R T H . C O M
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Letter from the Editor Welcome! I'm Carina Thornton, a New Yorker in Virginia, geek, homebody, rescue cat mom, Netflix binger, simultaneously in love with all things Disney and Dracula, on a never-ending quest to control frizz and anxiety. Over the last 10 years I've had the honor of being a part of the pet community in the Northern Virginia and DC area as a professional dog photographer and owner of Fuzzypants Pet Photography. In 2018, I rebranded Fuzzypants to Hounds and Hearth because of my belief that every being on this planet deserves a haven: a place to feel safe and secure. Understanding that not everybody has haven within their reach, providing it became the core pillar of Hounds and Hearth. Through photography I was able to create havens at home using the calming magic of your canine bestie. Because, let’s be real: Anxiety sucks and dogs don’t. But I want to make a larger contribution. I believe strongly in living loudly and resting beautifully; a balance of warrior and haven. My goal is to widen the reach and mission of Hounds and Hearth through courses, memberships, and publications focused on the unique needs and concerns of dog moms just like you. We will partner with photographers and artists and experts from all over the globe to help you create the haven you crave and to actively contribute to organizations worldwide that help put haven in reach of those that may have given up on it.
WE HELP DOG-MOMS SLOW THEIR HUSTLE BY CREATING TRANQUIL HAVENS IN THEIR HOME THAT ALLOW THEM TO BALANCE LIVING LOUDLY WITH RESTING BEAUTIFULLY.
Carina Thornton editor, homebody, pastaholic Hounds and Hearth
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
Table of Contents 12
04
04
Cleaning Tips Avoid overwhelm with our daily, weekly, and seasonal checklist.
12
Working Dog
18
Claim Your Haven
24
Your dog can be a welcome addition to your volunteer activities.
Your haven can be carried with you or manifested wherever you are.
Join the Club Our signature membership will put you on the path to claim your haven.
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Your home is the place you go to feel secure when your anxiety is in overdrive, to recharge after a long day of meetings and traffic, or to just breathe. Hounds and Hearth is dedicated to serving the unique needs of dog moms so they can harness the calming magic of their canine bestie in all aspects of their full, wonderful lives.
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Letter from the Editor: Our Mission Printable Cleaning Checklists 3 Ways Your Dog Can Serve Your Community 6 Must-Haves for Your "Anxiety Relief Kit" Choosing a Pro Photographer Calming Canine Magic
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staying ahead of
shedded hair and muddy paws Blocking off a few minutes every day to keep up with chores will head off clutter and overwhelm.
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Part of creating haven at home is doing my best to keep it clean but sharing a home with a pet can sometimes prove challenging. But looking at cleaning as self-care instead of a chore can help sidestep frustration and overwhelm. Loving your clean house is one thing, but lovingly cleaning it is something else. Getting my hands on my stuff, listening to the stories of the chipped knick-knacks that once decorated my grandparents house, lingering over the photos that are important enough to frame, remembering why I live with the objects in my home makes the task of undoing, polishing, and putting rooms back together so much more than just a chore. Ironically, some of the most toxic chemicals we have in our homes are used to clean.
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Taking every precaution to lock these products away when not in use can only go so far when we’re using them to cleanse our belongings and the surfaces of our homes. Consider making a few minor changes that will make your wallet, earth, and family a bit happier and healthier. Identify what cleaning products pose a risk to you and your furry familymembers. The list below isn’t comprehensive or brand specific, but it does address the most common, most toxic cleaners that lurk in our homes. Bleach and Ammonia Oven Cleaners Drain Decloggers Surface Sprays and Wipes Mildew and/or Tile Cleaners Air Fresheners
Remembering why I live with the objects in. my home makes the task of undoing, polishing, and putting rooms back together so much more than just a chore.
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Consider seeking out alternatives for these products. Still unsure which ones are the most toxic? Read the instructions. If they tell you not to allow contact with skin or require a well ventilated area… I would seek out a more natural alternative.
Household cleaners you didn't know you had Now that you’ve separated out the harmful products from your cupboards, take a second glance and see if you have any of the following products… Vinegar Baking Soda LemonEssential Oils Natural & Organic Dish Soaps Olive or Vegetable Oil Hydrogen Peroxide Vodka (whaaaat?) Alone or mixed together, the items listed above can clean, disinfect, and bring new life to almost anything in your home.
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I wouldn’t recommend serving any of these on a platter to your pets as none of them are necessarily safe to ingest. However, they are a great deal safer than the chemicals usually found in a cleaning cabinet. A nose pressed against a window freshly cleaned with a vinegar solution will be much healthier than one pressed against a window freshly sprayed with the blue stuff! I’ll let you get lost down the rabbit hole of natural cleaning alternatives, but I will share my favorite multi-surface, petfriendly, homemade cleaning solution. 1-2 Parts White Vinegar 1 Part Water Optional Lemon or Lavender Essential Oil (Follow dilution instructions.) Put this in a spray bottle and clean away! This solution will cut through the grease of a stovetop, clean slobber off of just about anything, brings shine to glass surfaces, safely clean floors, and disinfects.
printable checklists Download them HERE.
DAILY TASKS Take a moment to list the benefits of finishing this list every day. Will it give you a place to relax? Allergy relief? Increased productivity? Jot down your list and then block off non-negotiable time on your calendar every day to do these items.
Make your bed There is no easier way to get a burst of accomplishment than by making your bed!
WHY COMPLETING THESE TASKS IS IMPORTANT TO ME:
Floors Sweep the floor and clean around the pet bowls. Take throw rugs outdoors and shake them out. Clean up any pet stains or accidents.
Everything in its place Sort the mail, toss the junk + put the keepers in one dedicated location like a desk or a wallmounted rack. Put all the dog toys away. Keep a toy box in a corner specifically for pupper's play time. Wash and put away dishes, dog bowls, and utensils. Hang jackets and coats, put laundry in a hamper. Take out the trash.
Clean surfaces Wipe down kitchen and bathroom countertops. Scoop the litter box. Use a lint roller (or some tape) on furniture to pick up loose dog hair.
Laundry Wash and dry a load of laundry. Clean the fur from the dryer. Fold and put away previous day's clean laundry.
MY REWARD FOR COMPLETING MY LIST TODAY
WEEKLY TASKS Block off 2 hours or so to do your larger weekly tasks. I tend to do my weekly tasks very early on Saturday mornings so I can enjoy the whole weekend! Once you're in a daily habit, the weekly tasks will be so much faster.
Floors Sweep (or vacuum) and mop kitchen and bathroom floors. Vacuum carpets. Toss throw rugs and bath mats in the washer.
WHY COMPLETING THESE TASKS IS IMPORTANT TO ME:
Clean pet hair from baseboards and tight corners using sticky tape.
Bathroom and Kitchen Clean and disinfect sinks and toilets. Scrub tubs and shower doors. Clean mirrors. Polish any wood surfaces and cabinetry. Clean out refrigerator.
Living Areas Vacuum furniture. Dust and polish surfaces. Polish any wood surfaces and cabinetry. Wash out dog crate and/or carriers.
Bedrooms Put clean sheets on beds. Wash your bedding and pet beds. Polish any wood surfaces and cabinetry.
MY REWARD FOR COMPLETING MY LIST
SEASONAL TASKS Take advantage of the beauty of every season by doing a deep clean and a decor change. While doing your regular weekly tasks, add in a few of these season-celebrating options.
Pull down your window treatments, wash (or dry clean) and store for next year. Shampoo carpets (DIY or hire a local pro)
WHY COMPLETING THESE TASKS IS IMPORTANT TO ME:
Swap out your throw rugs, blankets, decorative pillow covers, and other accessories. Empty, clean, and reorganize your freezer and refrigerator. Don't forget the porch: change floral arrangements, wreths, welcome mats Take inventory of your closet and donate clothes or shoes that you won't use next year. Swap out some wall art to bring some seasonal outdoor magic inside. Flip/rotate your mattress. Clean the oven. Toss expired condiments and pantry items. Sweep out the garage. Replace worn dog bowls and toys. Launder pet apparel.
MY REWARD FOR COMPLETING MY LIST
The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to
feel happiness
living within that environment. MARIE KONDO
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g n i k r o W
DOGS
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Kindness... Kindness shows compassion, encourages togetherness, serves where nothing else can, and brings joy to those it touches. If that doesn’t spell D.O.G. then I don’t know what does. There are very few beings who understand how to show kindness as unabashedly as our four-legged friends.
TAKE YOUR FURBABY ALONG WHILE YOU’RE DOING YOUR AMAZING VOLUNTEER WORK
3 ways your dog can serve your community
01 02 03
Pet Sharing Volunteering Dog Events
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01
Pet Sharing
The concept of sharing your dog’s company with those that may not have the resources to care for one themselves can have positive effects on your immediate community. Witness the joy spread by your four-legged friend by visiting a neighbor, nursing home, or children's hospital.
You may even choose to share the company of your dog on a prearranged meetup. Perhaps a friend whose own dog passed recently needs a little fur-time or the neighbor you see walking alone every morning could use the company of you and yours.
These opportunities appear any time you walk out the front door with your trusted companion by your side. From the stranger who stops and smiles as he gives Fido a scratch behind the ears to the kids at the park who ask if it would be alright to throw a stick for him a few times; these happy moments provided by your companion have so many positive effects on members of your community.
Simply put, while you share your time and company with those around you bring your furbaby along so they can have some of the joy in spreading kindness throughout your community.
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02
Volunteering
If Fido has one of those temperaments suitable for all peoples and an unmatched dog-human intuition, consider bringing him along on some more official volunteeroriented visits. While volunteering your time and services to a local hospital, retirement home, or school, ask if your dog can accompany you. Reading and talking with those who may need a little bit of extra kindness and attention is a selfless and wonderful thing to do. Bringing Fido can make a great day into a magnificent day.
For those in need, your company plus having someone to pet, hold, love, and snuggle can do so much more than words alone! Even though we, as humans, know how to care for and love each other, sometimes our dogs just do it better. But don’t worry, your company is still wanted and your efforts to be kind are exactly what this world needs.
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03
Dog Events
Let’s not forget some of the most special members of our communities: the dogs themselves. As we reach out to our human friends to show love, understanding, service, and togetherness, we should also recognize those same needs and desires in our pets. Our dogs are social beings, and while they find our companionship incredibly fulfilling, the company of other canines and the sense of community runs strong through their veins as well. Seek out opportunities to improve the doggy community by attending events for dogs, taking them to the dog friendly bars and bistros on a Friday night, and basically taking
advantage of every opportunity you can find to encourage pet involvement. Without participation and support, these wonderful events, facilities, and open doors may close for good. So get out and get involved. Not only does it provide planned and unplanned playdates for our furry family members, it helps to build a community of togetherness where members and families of all shapes and sizes can feel welcome, included, and appreciated. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
“IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH LOVE AND LAUGHTER THEY BRING INTO OUR LIVES AND EVEN HOW MUCH CLOSER WE BECOME WITH EACH OTHER BECAUSE OF THEM.”
John Grogan
• CLAIM YOUR •
haven When you think of haven, do you imagine a perfectly appointed space with lots of luxurious detail, cozy accessories, and the comforting smell of lavender and fresh flowers lingering in the air? While that sounds idyllic it isn’t always possible and quite frankly, it doesn’t have to be.
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
HAVEN ON THE GO BY CARINA THORNTON Let’s talk about haven for a minute. When you think of haven, do you imagine a perfectly appointed space with lots of luxurious detail, cozy accessories, and the comforting smell of lavender and fresh flowers lingering in the air? While that sounds idyllic it isn’t always possible and quite frankly, it doesn’t have to be. Haven is way more than that I believe havens are portable: they can be carried with you or manifested wherever you are. Just because you aren’t snuggled into a 2foot deep featherbed surrounded by 6 dozen pillows and an endless supply of herbal tea doesn’t mean that your haven is out of reach.
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. Anthony J. D'Angelo
Many years ago I had a friend that was in a pretty serious car accident. As she waited for paramedics to arrive, she reached for her wallet to pull out a picture of her niece. She would later tell all of us that it was that photo that kept her awake and focused while waiting for help to arrive. No one can argue that she was as far away from “haven” as was possible to get. Yet she found it. How do you claim your haven? for me, I need to have goodness on the other side of something I dread in order to get through whatever it is that’s making me uncomfortable. Life does trip us up on occasion but if you know what works for you and what you need in your “anxiety first aid” arsenal, you’ll be ready for the challenge.
"YOUR PERSONAL RELIEF KIT IS COMPLETELY PORTABLE"
PRACTICAL PORTABLES 01
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Pure, food grade essential oil. Add a drop or 2 to drinking water, use a few drops in the bath, or add few drops to a tissue next to your pillow when going to sleep.
Small floating candle. Fill a hotel rock glass 3/4 full of water, add the candle and voilà: sparkly little candlelight.
A scoop (or more) of dead sea salt in a Ziploc bag. Add it your bath or mix a little water in for a body scrub.
One-time use face and hair masks to literally wash off travel stress.
Podcasts and apps – TED Talks, Calm, Audible.
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A photo of your furbaby.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT
PET PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN HIRING A PROFESSIONAL
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read an article recently about choosing a pet photographer and came across this “tip.”
“When you’re choosing a pet photographer, we’d recommend comparing rates and packages, not relying solely on whose photos you react to emotionally.”
"YOU CAN LOOK AT A PICTURE FOR A WEEK AND NEVER THINK OF IT AGAIN. YOU CAN ALSO LOOK AT A PICTURE FOR A SECOND AND THINK OF IT ALL YOUR LIFE." JOAN MIRO While I most definitely respect the investment required to work a professional photographer, I think the emotional connection is the biggest reason to choose a specific photographer. What is the purpose of a photo if it doesn’t make you feel something? Find the balance between that emotional connection and what you’re comfortable spending. Don’t spend a dime on something that doesn’t make you want to explode with joy. The cost of not loving your bargain is far higher than saving for the one image that literally heals you every time you see it.
coming this summer OUR SIGNATURE MEMBERSHIP
ARE YOU...
DO YOU...
ARE YOU READY...
frustrated trying to create an effective space for yourself in your home?
feel trapped in a cycle of keeping up with day-to-day chaos?
for a step-by-step method to create your personal haven in your home?
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
It's time to claim your haven.
Making decisions on creating a space that you love can be an overwhelming task! We are flooded from every direction with "Inspiration!", "Sale!", "Hottest Trends!" (and don't get me started on targeted ads that hit you as soon as you mention new curtains.) But...
what if you were confident enough to clearly understand the difference between their perfect home and yours?
Now that you love the idea of creating haven at home, you are so ready for the next step. Grab a cup of tea, glass of wine, or shot of whiskey (we don't judge here) and let's continue your journey with a "Claim Your Haven" membership. In "Claim Your Haven", we'll take a close look at our 6 Step Success Plan to give you a clear roadmap for creating a space and home that is all you.
YOUR SUCCESS JOURNEY
Commit
How to eliminate distractions that can slow your progress.
Reflect
Use our exercises to get clear on your definition of haven.
Connect
Understand your home to make project planning simple.
Create Learn how to tell your unique story in your space.
Devote Choose to prioritize your self-care.
Expand Expand into new parts of your home and #BeTheHaven for others.
COMING AUGUST 2020 Enrollment for "Claim Your Haven" opens only once a year so I can devote time to help each and every one of you.
SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN DOORS OPEN by CLICKING HERE.
Questions? Get in touch: hello@houndsandhearth.com www.houndsandhearth.com
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Calming Canine Magic
Family dinners were a fairly regular occurrence in our little Staten Island home but this time was a little more special. My Nana joined us from eastern Long Island and she brought along her Boston Terrier, Popeye. Popeye was the runt of his litter, ran nonstop laps around the whole of the house, and
II remember one night when I was very young (and still afraid of the dark), our parents had extended family over for dinner. After dessert, as the grown-ups were breaking out the Pinochle deck, my sister and I were sent off to bed. I didn’t want to close my eyes for fear of missing out on the excited conversations that I could still hear coming from the kitchen so I kept my Hollie Hobbie bedside lamp on. As I lay there, the light suddenly went out. I was left in pitch darkness with no idea how the light went off. I was terrified. I curled up under piles of blankets with my heart racing. I was so hot but I dared not uncover myself. I started to cry. And that’s when I heard the familiar snorting making its way towards my bed.
refused to eat his dinner until Grandpa Giulio added the tiniest splash of Medaglia d’Oro® espresso to his food. It was very rare that Popeye was still.
OVER 300 MILLION SCENT RECEPTORS HELP OUR DOGS DETECT CHANGES IN ADRENALINE AND STRESSRELATED HORMONES LIKE CORTISOL THAT TRIGGER OUR “FLIGHT-OR-FIGHT” RESPONSE. As I lay there frightened and sweating, Popeye poked through my bedroom door and sat next to my bed. I reached my hand out from under the blanket and draped it over him. He was as still and quiet as I’d ever seen him. I sensed his warm body, heard his little snorts, and felt his round belly move up and down with each breath. He licked my hand. I relaxed. I stopped crying and I peeked out. He looked up at me with his buggy eyes and I knew I was safe.
University of Missouri-Columbia research has found that simply petting your dog releases serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin: our “feel good” hormones. Snuggling with your dog also decreases your levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
In this crazy world we can both live loudly and rest beautifully, so Hounds and Hearth is here to help dog moms like you make the most of calming canine magic by creating havens in your homes that take your furbaby's needs into consideration too.
Because let’s face it: anxiety sucks and dogs don’t.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Hounds and Hearth magazine is a quarterly online publications for onthe-go dog moms. We recognize the unique needs of women that are striving for balance in their gorgeously full lives with their furbaby right by their side.
We believe in living loudly and resting beautifully. We live loudly because we: - love Summer concerts on the lawn - persist (nevertheless) - belong to dog meetup groups - rock our 9 to 5 jobs - do fun stuff with our besties (people and pups) - participate fully in our wonderful lives We rest beautifully because we are: - unapologetic homebodies - Saturday night bookworms - Introverts - Anxiety warriors - puppy + kitty snugglers - solo hikers - Netflix bingers - salt bath fiends - library wanderers - searchers of the perfect blanket We welcome submissions from writers, poets, artists, and photographers. If you would like to contribute, please note the following guidelines.
WRITERS We are looking for original work focused on: well-being specific to dog moms, tips for the home design needs of pet friendly homes, benefits of rest and self-care, advocacy and volunteer work, recipes, holistic and natural remedies. PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS Images that capture authentic moments between women and dogs, women engaging in self-care: reading, sipping tea, cooking healthy meals, tending to their dog, volunteerism, enjoying local "Yappy Hours" and dog-friendly businesses. Moments should be candid. If accepted for publication, photos and illustrations must be hi-res images (300 dpi, 6” x 6” min.) We only consider original submissions. All images used in submissions must be copyright free. It is the responsibility of the submitter to ensure that no copyright infringement has occurred and that all submitted work is their own. Please do not submit the same work to competing publications. Any work that has already been featured in competing publications will not be accepted. Publishing on your personal blog is permitted. SUBMIT TO: submit@houndsandhearth.com Include name, mailing address. No phone calls please.
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