This addendum is mostly a compilation of common-sense items. Most "dog
people" would follow these without even thinking about it. However, we have
discovered with human rentals, to take nothing for granted. (For instance,
it never occurred to me to leave a note saying, "If you spill coffee all
over the kitchen cabinets, please clean it up." But lo and behold, somebody
did spill coffee everywhere and didn't clean it up, and all the cabinets are
stained beyond redemption and have to be repainted!) We don't want to scare
anyone off- this is a fabulous place for dogs and their humans (Freeman
adores it here and caring for him here is a breeze), but we'd rather err on
the side of giving too much information and advice versus not telling you
everything we can possibly imagine! So, we've compiled this list especially
for those bringing the 4-legged family member.
1. Piddle Pads / Incontinence: If your dog uses piddle pads or is
incontinent, this rental is not for you. In the course of three months,
we had to replace all the rugs in the rental three times! If your dog damages
a rug/carpet and/or rug pad, you agree to pay all additional costs to replace
(or clean if possible) the rug/carpet and/or rug pad.
2. Flea Prevention: In regards to fleas, we have scheduled monthly
pest control. It is not because your dog is dirty or
ill-kept (If you want to bring the dog with you on vacation, you are the
type that is probably meticulous with your animal). It is just that down
here, very few, if any hard freezes, plus the type of soil and vegetation,
make it absolutely ideal conditions for flea infestations in beach houses.
We have hardwood floors to try and keep maintenance as simple as possible,
but fleas can even
get in floor cracks. (Rest assured, the condo will be treated after each and
every dog stay, so you won't have a problem when you come). You may want to
discuss your current flea prevention with your veterinarian and tell him or
her where you are coming and get that professional advice for your dog.
3. Leash: Please keep your dog on a leash around town. We want to be
good neighbors, and while most people adore dogs, there are some folks that
are scared to death of them, and even your friendly, lovable, wouldn't-hurt-a-fly
canine can be frightening to those folks.
4. Waste: Please ALWAYS clean up after your dog and properly dispose
of the waste (the condo trash bin is located on Oglethorpe Ave). We provide
plenty of blue doggie waste bags in small plastic capsules that fit right in
your pocket for your use while you are here. Please don't abuse the privilege
of being able to bring your dog with you. We know how much this can mean to
folks, and we really want to be able to keep this going. After all, the
green grass in front of the condominium is SHARED with all other condominium
owners -- so please be respectful of that, and IMMEDIATELY clean up after your dog.
5. Puppy Sheets / Protecting Furniture: If your dog is enough a member of the family to come on vacation, there
is a very good chance that he or she likes to sleep in bed with you or get
up on the furniture to nap (I think most dogs find a favorite soft spot to
snooze away the days while the humans in their life work to in order to buy
them dog bones and take them on vacation).
All we ask is that you thoroughly cover any and all areas of any beds and
furniture that the dog likes to sleep or nap on with a "puppy sheet." We
define a puppy sheet as an old blanket or sheet that is perfect to protect
furniture and easy to shake out and wash frequently. There is a large pile
of puppy sheets provided for this use. (We have
discovered here that if we brush Freeman more frequently and really shake,
wash, or whatever is appropriate, the sand out of his fur, it keeps the
condo much cleaner). A vacuum is provided should you need to get up any sand
(from human and dog) as your vacation progresses.
By the condo garage door, there is an outside hose bibb with hose to clean
up after the beach for two and four legged visitors. We also provide basket
full of marked "puppy towels" for your use after washing or hosing off the pup.
6. No unattended pets: Please NEVER leave your dog unattended in the
condo or on the porch. When we were moving into our Seaside, Florida house,
I had Freeman out on the screened porch by the Master Bedroom. I had all the
bedroom doors open and he was right in my eyesight, about three feet away. I
turned around to hang a picture, and - wham- there was the sound of Freeman
trying to go right out through the screen, and I do mean through the screen.
I caught sight of a delighted little fox, whizzing back into the dunes. The
fox had obviously come out and taunted Freeman (I've seen it happen with our
foxes back in Maryland). Now Freeman is a very good dog, but even he couldn't
resist that fox sticking his tongue out at him. So, the moral of my anecdote
is that although the fox has not taunted Freeman in 15 months, it would be safer
not to leave your dog unattended.
7. Dog Fee: We now have new managers so we no longer have to take the
condo off the market for an extra day! All we ask is for a $45.00 fee for
treating the condo after a dog stay.
8. Barking: Everyone here is on vacation, so please don't let your dog bark
constantly and annoy anyone. We all want to be good neighbors.
9. Washing your Dog: If you need to wash your dog, please do
so outside by the garage hose bibb. It is not appropriate to wash your dog
inside the condo.
Thanks for your patience with all of our detailed items. We truly want
everyone to relax and enjoy their vacations- 2 and 4 legged! We often find
it helps to have questions answered ahead of time, so folks aren't left
wondering if they are doing the right thing. Enjoy your vacation!
The undersigned has read and agrees to abide by the terms, rules and regulations of this Dog Addendum.
______________________________________
Carol Irvine Signature
Owner
