ALONG CAME CARL

Pets and plants have never been a problem for Russett Thompson.

She’s not sure why, considering she has two dogs, four cats and more than 50 indoor flowers. But a snap of the fingers when any pets venture too close seems to do the trick. “I feel like I’ve just been very fortunate,” she says. “Cats are very intelligent. They’ve never destroyed anything or swallowed anything.”

She’s lucky; because that’s not always the case when it comes to pets. The river rock surrounding my potted dieffenbachia, which I added to keep out marauding paws, makes it a bear to carry inside and out every spring and fall.

But Russett does have another story to tell.

She and husband Steve hadn’t planned to move when they spotted the four-bedroom walkout ranch on an acreage outside of Blair. Russett is a country girl and Steve is from the city, so she was thrilled that he liked it as much as she did.

They moved in, happy so little work needed to be done immediately after a hasty and exhausting transformation of their previous house to get it ready to sell. But then they brought home a puppy to keep Shih Tzu mix Prudie company. Carl started having accidents, and soon the carpet had to go. The Thompsons picked a wood-look ceramic tile so 80-pound German shepherd Howard wouldn’t slip on or scratch hardwood floors.

But while tearing up carpet, they decided they’d like a more open concept. So down came a load-bearing wall that opened up the kitchen to the rest of the house. Sadly, that made the state of their old cupboards more noticeable, so they painted those and added new countertops and a backsplash.

Suddenly, the guest bathroom didn’t seem to have the right flow, and it underwent a major gut. All the bedrooms had to be brought up to snuff with new paint and ceiling fans.

The only thing they didn’t touch was the master bathroom.

“Pretty much everything has been redone,” Russett says. “It’s all because we got a puppy.” Carl, the most expensive puppy in the world, is now 6, and work continues. They’ve put in dutch doors to some guest rooms to bring more light into the main living area while keeping the dogs out. Steve, a steamfitter, worked with a friend to add an iron handrail on the staircase leading to the basement. Replacing carpets in the guest bedrooms is likely next.

Russett doesn’t regret adding puppy Carl to their brood and all the ensuing updates. Otherwise, she says, they wouldn’t have had the motivation to tackle so much, so quickly.

Steve might have other ideas. “My husband doesn’t think it’s funny. I do,” she says. “He’s the one who does all of the work.” MARJIE DUCEY SPEAKING OF PLANTS His accidents created a domino effect, and his owner’s home has been transformed

CARL THE DOG PHOTOS BY RUSSETT THOMPSON

PETS AND PLANTS — YES, THEY CAN CO-EXIST Russett Thompson said her kitties would rather tackle crumpled paper than any of her plants, many of which are succulents so they don’t require frequent watering. But if you’ve had a problem between your pets and plants, here are some tips from Scott Evans of the Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties. Protecting indoor plants from pets » Isolation Putting plants out of reach is probably the easiest and most convenient way to keep them safe from Fido and Fluffy. » Go antiquing Oversized birdcages and wire cloches are two great ways to display and keep plants behind bars, away from furry friends. » Behind glass Small plants such as miniature African violets, heart ferns and even Venus flytraps can easily be kept behind glass in terrariums or 10-gallon fish tanks that your kids aren’t using anymore. » Solitary confinement Empty-nesters can turn an unused bedroom into a plant room and use an old garden gate for a door. » Bad taste A veterinarian can suggest taste deterrents if your furry companions are nibbling on foliage. » Put a fork in it Old kabobs and mismatched forks can be inserted into the potting soil to help train against digging. » Going green Work with your veterinarian to find out if growing cat grass (oats) will help sate the urge to nibble on your greenery. Protecting pets from plants » Selection Not all houseplants make good companions for our four-legged buddies. Check out the plant lists for cats and dogs on aspca.org before you go plant shopping. » Go silk Silk plants are more realistic than they once were. Choosing botanically correct silk plants will fool your friends while preventing unwanted nibbles. » Bell bottoms Narrow containers can be tipped over. Choose wide-bottom pots to help reduce the chances of accidental tipping. » Sunbathing Carve out a spot on your pet’s favorite windowsill just for them. Sharing real estate can prevent turf wars.

Here forMom.

Immanuel is in it for the people, not for the profit.

They truly care about my mom. Helping me worry less and supporting her to live more.

Download your FREE Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Comparison Guide at www.WhyIMM.org

FY20_0299_004_IMMCO

Serving Omaha and Papillion at Immanuel Village | Lakeside Village | Trinity Village Pacific Springs Village | Arboretum Village

Affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

0000109818-01

AFantasticShoppingEvent! $1 OFF ADM. WITH THIS AD MID-AMERICA CENTER Over 150 Exhibitors ARTS SHOW MARCH 21 - 22 & Crafts

MID-AMERICA CENTER COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 10-4 ADM. Just $5.00 (10 & under free) 2-day re-entry stamp HUGE WIDE AISLES FREE PARKING Where You Can Buy That Quality Handmade Product At An Affordable Price. Garden Art, Oak Furniture, Paintings, Ceramics, Jewelry, Metal Art Sculptures, Pet Products, Etched & Stained Glass, Yard Art, Pottery, Blown Glass, Candles, Clothing, Floral Wreaths, Toys & Dolls, Baskets, Rugs, Glassware, Purses, Ornaments, Food and Many More Original Products. All Handmade by the exhibitor. Fora chancetowin$50GiftCertificatesvisitourfacebook page atCallahan Promotions, Inc. Callahan Promotions, Inc. 563-652-4529 2144341-01

Perfection from the smallest detail to the grand finale

Weddings are our specialty... We’ll make you swoon on your big day