I live in a dog house.  No, not as in "Boy, you're in the dog house now!"  But as the owner of a much beloved, much spoiled, Basenji - I consider my house a "dog's house."

A "dog's house" with rules, however.  Frodo is not allowed anywhere and everywhere.  Yes, he has the run of the place; but, he's not allowed on any of the living room furniture, and can only sit/lie on specific pieces in other rooms.

For the most part, it works out well; but still, there are hazards to my plan.  The main problem stems from the fact that I acquired my furniture before I acquired my dog.

For instance, a chenille covered sofa in the sun room - utter disaster!  But frankly, the fabric didn't hold up that well when just the "humans" were in the house, as the weave is much too loose.  And to think that when I chose it I did the "fingernail scratch test" I learned from one of my interior designer friends.  I obviously didn't scratch hard enough!  So, that piece is now "slipcovered" with a matelesse coverlet that holds up beautifully.

In my office, I have a lovely sofa covered with a very tough and durable cotton.  It almost looks like a chintz, but it wasn't nearly as expensive.  But the fabulous thing is - Frodo can come visit while I'm working - lounge on the sofa - and I don't have to worry about it being destroyed. 

My hardwood floors, on the other hand - cry me a river!  And to think I had them refinished just a few years ago.  I must say, I blame the refinishers for most of the problems.  I wanted one company; but I ended up letting my contractor use the "experts" he wanted - huge mistake.  They sanded  (what had been) pristine floors down to the nails, and did a perfectly dreadful job applying the finish.  So now, I have floors that were finished poorly to begin with; and a dog who thinks it's great fun to go running (and sliding) through the house.  Not a good combination!

So what does any of this have to do with our Thursday's Style Source Faves?  A book, by Julia Szabo, Animal House Style: Designing a Home to Share With Your Pets.  Julia write the "Pets" column for the Sunday New York Post and is an interior design consultant for hotels, doggies daycare centers and vet hospitals.

Filled with tips and beautiful photos, the book is a good read.  And even if you don't have pets, the book is lovely - a great coffee table book for everyone who loves design.