Most everyone loves pets. There are exceptions to this especially when putting your house on the market. Those prospective home buyers are the exception. If you want the most money for your house, be aware that those buyers are not fond of your pets nor their odor.

Here are some suggestions that you may or may not want to hear! The best thing to do while your house is on the market is to relocate your pets to a friend or boarding kennel. Putting them in the yard or garage really doesn’t work as well and is not fair to your pets.

If relocating them really won’t work for you, then the next best thing is to minimize the prospective buyers exposure to those pets. Keep litter boxes out of sight and clean. Remove any floor or carpet stains. If the stains won’t come out then replace the flooring.

To eliminate pet odors try enzyme cleaners such as Nature’s Miracle. Air freshners don’t work and some people with allergies may react.

Seal up doggie doors. Put away food and water dishes. Vacuum often even daily. Put the pet’s toys or other paraphernalia away. And, of course, put your pets in a carrier with a note on the laundry room door or door to the garage where you keep the carrier that the pets are caged and please do not disturb them. Suggest to your realtor that a note be put into the listing about the pets being caged so there will be no concern in showing the house.

Apparently, Malia and Sasha Obama have narrowed their choice of dogs for the White House to two. In consideration are a Labradoodle and a Portuguese Water Dog.

As you might guess, a Labradoodle is a cross with a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. This combines a low shedding coat of a Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of a Lab. These dogs are used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and very popular family dogs.

They come in a variety of colors: white, cream, apricot, red, brown, and black. They are usually energetic, friendly, and good with children. They also have strong swimming capabilities. As you may guess, they are very intelligent and learn quickly.

The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Portugual. They usually weigh between 35 to 55 pounds and come in black or white colors. Their coat is usually shiny, wavy, and loosely curled.

Fisherman used the dogs for carrying messages between boats and aid in the handling of fish nets in the water. They were even used to “herd” fish into the nets. They have a great swimming ability aided by their webbed feet. They too are very intelligent and very trainable.

One thing the Obama’s will need to be aware of is that both breeds need sufficient exercise. May dog and the First Family find joy and happiness in their new home!