My "Laundry" Room

So why would Brutus standing in my laundry room be of any interest, you might ask.  Seems like a risky place for him to venture into, considering the sink that I use for bathing him is right there. What could possibly be of any interest to Brutus in this room?  Why would he care about cleaning supplies?

Although there is still laundry done in this space a few days a week, it has become for all due purposes a small pet supply store.  Just about everything one could need to take care of a dog is in here.  Let's look in one of the cabinets....

That's pretty much all Brutus' & Mason's belongings, other than their toys.  Shall we have a closer look?

That's the veterinary shelf.  A brief inventory includes assorted prescription medications (that I keep stocked to use on short notice for the boys' most common issues), heartworm pills, allergy medication, skin/eye/ear care products, nail clippers, stethoscope, baby thermometer, toothpaste/toothbrushes, first-aid/antiseptic/bandaging items, pH strips....  Wow - serious pharmacopia, eh??

Above that we find the treat section.  Things to chew on, interactive toys, "high-value" training treats (we get bored with the same thing every day, must stock a variety), everyday treats. Moving on...

The neighboring cabinet is mostly for apparel of various kinds.  The all-important collar collection takes up a good portion of this area, stored in the tupperware containers - I think Brutus had at least 15 at last count, Mason has several as well.  Also located here are some of Brutus' hoodies, the treasured lint roller, and some "tinkle bells" (you can see how well that idea worked, considering I gave up & took them off the door).  Above that are mostly warm-weather items for Brutus, including four different cooling coats, ice packs, misters, ect.  The pedi-paws nail grinder never worked for us, so it takes up space here as well.

Moving upwards, you'll find Brutus cold-weather gear, some costumes and a few things of Mason's.  

Next to that are some more food-related items, more pertaining to meal-time itself (extra bowls, backstock of canned food, ect).  It's hard to see on the shelf top, but there are some grooming products up there, including Mason's Furminator (we'd be buried in brown fur-tumbleweeds without it).

On the opposite wall is what was meant to be a coat closet, but dog supplies have taken it over as well.  Although I have managed to jam a few coats in there, they are only the ones I use for dog-walking.  The bins are where I store the kibble, with the boys' favorite bowls perched on top.  I guess the vacuum is not specifically a dog item, but it might as well be since all it sucks up is dog hair!  I do manage to store some spare clothes hangers in here at least!!

Behind the door is a rack with things I might need to take with me anytime I walk out the door with a pooch - leashes, collars, tote bag. The requisite Frenchie calendar can also be seen here - need to keep track of Brutus' busy schedule!!

And finally, back to the counter for some frequently-used items kept within easy reach; things for quick treats and daily supplements.  On the magnetic strip are various reminders & dog-event info. Furthest away on the counter is Brutus' travel/training bag (my husband calls this the diaper bag), with everything we might need to hit the road at a moments notice - basically a miniature version of the cabinet above, insulated to ensure we always have cold/fresh water on hand.

Last but not least, here is the dreaded dog-bathing area (also known as a utility tub to those without pups).  As you can see by Brutus' reluctant demonstration, it's perfect for bathing a Frenchie - pull-out spray faucet & all.  The cabinet below is where all the bath products are conveniently stored (shampoo, towels). 

So is that crazy or what?  No wonder Brutus hangs out in there - it's like going grocery shopping to him. You'd think I had 10 dogs for all the supplies I've accumulated. Thank goodness that I have a decent amount of storage space!  And good thing the counter isn't any lower, or I think Brutus would jump up to help himself!

Speaking of jumping, did I mention that I've turned my basement into an indoor agility training center?  No?  Oh... 

Well, guess that's material for another post!