In my house, there are two dogs and two cats. A ninety gallon saltwater aquarium. And I feel I must not leave out the two goldfish that have grown to be big fish in my little pond out back.
Which means glass dishes and anything breakable goes up where two little Yorkshires dueling can’t get to them. I’ve found that the cats have much more finesse. They delicately weave in and around objects. But the dogs are like bulls in a china cabinet.
Thus I have seating that I don’t mind the animals jumping on. The leather chairs have been my friend. (My, I’ve got to get to reading some books!)
I have this chair in my garden room. And my husband has the matching one in the living room. They are actually recliners, with the arm hidden inside the wood arms. I have had these for six or seven years, and so far, not one scratch or tear.
I just had to show this little magazine holder I found at the antique mall. I think it was under $15. Isn’t it cute?
My couch is made of that ultra suede material. And it cleans up quite easily.
Of course there are the hand-sewn patchwork pillows the dogs knock constantly to the floor. But I made them with the muslin envelope on the back to slip off for washing.
You have to find a way to make peace with the pets in the house if you’re going to have them and also love to decorate. After all, they are part of the family. So when shopping, I keep this in mind.
I just had to show you my blooming foxglove that sits outside my dining room in a pot. The rain has been falling all morning, so it looks a little beaten down. I just love flowers blooming all over the yard.
Speaking of which, the pets don’t seem to harm the gardens. They fertilize them for me, but don’t trample anything. So lucky!
















First of all, the Foxglove is magnificent, I have to have one now for my patio! We have a “senior” cocker spaniel named Ben who we adore. He has favorite places all over the house, usually in whatever room I am in. Winter he naps on the sofa or in his wicker bed since we have hardwoods and they probably aren’t warm. I love your sofa and we are needing new ones. Our leather set is nearly 15 years old, it’s time. The microfiber would be another good choice, and pet friendly! Great story!
joy c. at grannymountain
Brenda I just adore your cozy home and the warm feeling of your blog.
I’m so happy to have found you!
Your pets are precious. I know the feeling about our pets being so important to us. All my animals are one of my most favorite things in life.
Love our huge kitty Chestnut…:)
Happy Sunday! ~Melissa
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for visiting our blog and your kind comment. I quickly discovered how time consuming tamale making is and understand why it is traditional for a group of women to spend the day at it. I loved it, but plan to recruit assistants next time.
Your home is very inviting and cozy. I too have a Yorkie and she sits on the back of chairs and the sofas just like yours. She always I’ve always thought it was so she could have a bird’s eye view of everything going on. So cute!!!
Warmest regards,
Nola @ The Bloom Girls
The red sofa at the lake is microfiber as is the recliner there. They are holding up quite well, with the g’kids and Molly. She likes the wing chairs in the hearth room. They aren’t too bad. I always wondered how the leather would be for big ol’ dogs, like Molly.
The foxglove is beautiful.
I don’t fly for any reason either. My kids all do. A friend used to be a travel agent and took little trips here and there. She always had a cold after these trips. Thank goodness Michelle just has strep. When she had those symptoms, this morning, we were very worried!
Evening, Brenda. First of all your little dogs are just the cutest little things! Now they aren’t destructive, are they? Naw!
Those foxgloves are just gorgeous! Hope you’ve had a nice weekend.
Be a sweetie,
shelia
Oh how I wish I would have trained my Maltese Sammy to stay off the couch! Or got a leather couch.
The magazine holder is so pretty and you already know I love that foxglove!
Have a great week!
Tracy
Good morning Brenda, I see where you got the name for your blog, your house and blog both look very cozy. I just love that magazine rack. My mom has a yorkie and a schnauzer, what a team they are.
I am glad I found your blog, thanks for visiting me and leaving such sweet comments.
Hi Brenda, I love your blog!
Thank you for showing us your comfortable and cozy home (And dog friendly, too!) Just the way I like it.
Thank you for coming by my blog! I look forward to visiting yours often. I hope you have a delightful day! ~m.
Brenda, I get the best decorating ideas from both of your blogs. Decorating with pets in mind, I am always mindful to move the “precious” stuff and not worry about the rest. The home needs to be comfy for everyone living there, even the furry ones.
♥, Susan
Hi Brenda,
I can see by the first post I read (and your lovely header) that you do about quilts! I must say those book shelves are very neat and tidy. You furniture looks perfect to sit in with a good book. I am off to read more.
I really am enjoying the pics of your home. It’s cozy and inviting. We have a big ol’ leather chair. The cat scratched it a few times and it’s just fine. Our big yellow dog loves to get in that chair with us. That’s what she’s always hoping for. A home needs pets!
As usually, very lovely, and cozy, Brenda! I really love your colors.
I love the red and white quilt on the wall – just gorgeous!
Your home is beautiful! I found your site while googling for pet friendly furniture. Could you tell me where you purchased your sofa? Thanks – Mary