Last week Lake Oswego had 16 new listings come onto the market, 18 houses go into pending status, and 12 closed sales. Of note: 3 of the pending sales were at $1,000,000+ and one was at $999,000.
NEWLY LISTED (April 18-24, 2011)
| Address | Type | Price | Sq FT | BR | Baths |
| 15240 Boones Way | Condo | $164,900 | 1180 | 2 | 2 |
| 480 S State St | Condo | $235,000 | 1659 | 2 | 2 |
| 6016 Bonita Rd | Detached | $239,000 | 1978 | 4 | 2 |
| 5311 Tualata Ct | Detached | $249,000 | 1387 | 3 | 1.5 |
| 1637 Laurel St | Detached | $389,000 | 1792 | 6 | 1 |
| 4160 Chapman Way | Detached | $389,900 | 1800 | 3 | 2 |
| 2681 Greentree Rd | Detached | $395,000 | 2291 | 4 | 3 |
| 1580 Woodland Terr. | Detached | $549,900 | 2127 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 19240 Megly Ct | Detached | $579,900 | 3633 | 5 | 3.5 |
| 17658 Brookhurst Dr | Detached | $589,000 | 4198 | 3 | 3 |
| 5542 Dunmire Dr | Detached | $599,900 | 3204 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 5515 Dunmire Dr | Detached | $629,900 | 3287 | 4 | 3 |
| 1541 Maple St | Detached | $729,000 | 3215 | 4 | 4 |
| 16818 Sylvan Ct | Detached | $849,000 | 3209 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 13048 Knaus Rd | Detached | $875,000 | 3715 | 4 | 3.5 |
| 18143 Siena Dr | Detached | $898,950 | 3350 | 4 | 3.5 |
PENDING SALES (April 18-24)
| Address | Type | Price | Sq Ft | BR | Baths | CDOM |
| 200 Burnham Rd #203 | Condo | $129,000 | 1160 | 2 | 1 | 1302 |
| 4425 Thunder Vista Ln | Condo | $149,900 | 1518 | 2 | 2.5 | 110 |
| 4281 Cobb Way | Detached | $249,900 | 1626 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| 7 Bloch Terr. | Attached | $285,000 | 2062 | 3 | 2.5 | 191 |
| 1 Hidalgo St | Detached | $349,900 | 2489 | 2 | 2.5 | 253 |
| 1766 Fern Pl | Detached | $365,000 | 1937 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| 510 5th St | Attached | $375,000 | 1524 | 2 | 2.5 | 53 |
| 19 Grouse Terr. | Detached | $419,900 | 3383 | 3 | 2.5 | 283 |
| 6132 Summer Woods | Detached | $489,900 | 2778 | 4 | 2.5 | 10 |
| 1643 Village Park Ln | Detached | $639,900 | 4505 | 4 | 3.5 | 440 |
| 1088 Westward Ho Rd | Detached | $648,000 | 1837 | 2 | 2 | 226 |
| 1930 Indian Trail | Detached | $669,000 | 3260 | 3 | 3 | 332 |
| 5160 Woodcrest Ln | Detached | $691,488 | 3575 | 4 | 3.5 | 0 |
| 17614 Blue Heron | Detached | $797,500 | 3150 | 4 | 3 | 42 |
| 425 Northshore Rd | Detached | $999,000 | 3270 | 4 | 3 | 450 |
| 14066 Goodall Rd | Detached | $1,050,000 | 4220 | 4 | 3.5 | 66 |
| 2778 Glenmorrie Dr | Detached | `$1,150,000 | 6263 | 5 | 4.5+.5+.5 | 471 |
| 1956 Cheryl Ct | Detached | $1,295,000 | 5173 | 4 | 4.5+.5 | 16 |
SOLD (April 18-24, 2011)
| Address | Orig. Price | Sold Price | Type | Sq Ft | CDOM |
| 668 McVey Ave #82 | $109,250 | $120,000 | Condo | 992 | 46 |
| 4 Touchstone #136 | $174,950 | $159,500 | Condo | 1351 | 822 |
| 5530 Bonita Rd | $295,000 | $200,000 | Detached | 1200 | 64 |
| 103 3rd St | $349,900 | $242,500 | Condo | 1006 | 317 |
| 3165 Douglas Circle | $325,000 | $265,000 | Detached | 1764 | 3 |
| 4342 Woodside Circle | $285,000 | $285,000 | Attached | 1643 | 2 |
| 18929 Indian Springs | $435,000 | $405,000 | Detached | 3380 | 51 |
| 1692 Fircrest Ct | $450,000 | $450,000 | Detached | 2569 | 0 |
| 5434 Rosalia Way | $559,000 | $477,000 | Detached | 2600 | 245 |
| 17754 Treetop Ln | $550,000 | $535,000 | Detached | 3668 | 7 |
| 2757 Lakeview Blvd | $725,000 | $675,000 | Detached | 3321 | 540 |
| 444 Ridgeway Rd | $850,000 | $810,000 | Detached | 2099 | 541 |
Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings
News & Notes
Streetcar – The Lake Oswego to Portland Transit Project’s steering committee is recommending proceeding with this project. The City Council is considering their recommendation at their hearing on April 19th in council chambers. Citizens are encouraged to provide written input prior to the meeting. The meeting will be televised at TVCTV at 6 p.m. on Channel 23.
Art in Lake Oswego – Lake Oswego is soliciting participants for its First Art Market to be held at Millenium Park Plaza on June 16, 23 & 30 from 4-8PM. Applications can be filled out here.
Services & Amenities – Lake Oswego has so much to offer… culture, arts, historical resources, quality schools, vibrant business districts and activities galore. To find out more about the new Services & Activities Guide click here.
Luscher Farm Updates – Attend a meeting April 21st designed to inform about three site plan alternatives for the Luscher Farm Master Plan. The event is an open format. Stop in and look over alternatives for this valued park, farm and natural area…. and give your input! Click here to learn more.
Spring is Poetry
Spring makes poets of all of us! I thought you might enjoy some of the poetry I was able to find from the lofty among us… as well as the rest! ~ Happy Spring ~
Here’s a classic from Rumi:
The Music We Are
Did you hear that winter’s over? The basil
and the carnations cannot control their
laughter. The nightingale, back from his
wandering, has been made singing master
over the birds. The trees reach out their
congratulations. The soul goes dancing
through the king’s doorway. Anemones blush
because they have seen the rose naked.
Spring, the only fair judge, walks in the
courtroom, and several December thieves steal
away, Last year’s miracles will soon be
forgotten. New creatures whirl in from non-
existence, galaxies scattered around their
feet. Have you met them? Do you hear the
bud of Jesus crooning in the cradle? A single
narcissus flower has been appointed Inspector
of Kingdoms. A feast is set. Listen: the
wind is pouring wine! Love used to hide
inside images: no more! The orchard hangs
out its lanterns. The dead come stumbling by
in shrouds. Nothing can stay bound or be
imprisoned. You say, “End this poem here,
and wait for what’s next.” I will. Poems
are rough notations for the music we are.
Market Activity Report: 3/21-3/27
New listings were way down last week with just 12: probably due to Spring Break. Pending sales were strong at 16, and closed sales were also solid at 14. It’s nice to see more pendings and solds than new listings. Must be the sweet smell of spring.
See below for further details according to RMLS:
NEWLY LISTED (Mar 21-27, 2011)
| Address | Type | Price | Sq FT | BR | Baths |
| 45 Eagle Crest Dr #520 | Condo | $135,000 | 768 | 1 | 1 |
| 5322 Charleton Ct | Detached | $274,900 | 1633 | 3 | 2.5 |
| 7 Britten Ct | Attached | $280,000 | 2046 | 4 | 2 |
| 5978 Fernbrook Circle | Detached | $309,000 | 1612 | 3 | 2.5 |
| 1820 Kilkenny Dr | Detached | $379,000 | 3040 | 4 | 3 |
| 2360 Greentree Rd | Detached | $429,000 | 2207 | 3 | 2.5 |
| 17360 Hunter Ct | Detached | $478,500 | 3322 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 1454 Glenmorrie Dr | Detached | $505,000 | 3372 | 3 | 2.5 |
| 557 2nd St | Condo | $625,000 | 1833 | 2 | 2.5 |
| 1700 Village Park Ln | Detached | $769,900 | 4945 | 4 | 4 |
| 12439 SW 22nd Ave | Detached | $849,900 | 4118 | 4 | 3.5 |
| 340 Ridgeway Rd | Detached | $1,495,000 | 3796 | 4 | 3 |
PENDING SALES (Mar 21-27, 2011)
| Address | Type | Price | Sq Ft | BR | Baths | CDOM |
| 79 Galen St | Condo | $69,900 | 995 | 2 | 2 | 208 |
| 668 McVey Ave #82 | Condo | $109,250 | 992 | 2 | 1.5 | 46 |
| 54 Galen St | Condo | $119,485 | 995 | 2 | 2 | 346 |
| 5064 Foothills Dr H | Condo | $209,900 | 1252 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
| 10 Polonius St | Detached | $264,900 | 2028 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 1571 Woodland Terr. | Detached | $299,900 | 2400 | 3 | 2 | 106 |
| 44 Da Vinci St | Detached | $339,900 | 2005 | 4 | 2 | 14 |
| 151 Del Prado St | Detached | $399,000 | 2447 | 4 | 2.5 | 191 |
| 18929 Indian Springs Rd | Detached | $410,000 | 3380 | 4 | 3 | 51 |
| 6 Churchill Downs | Detached | $439,950 | 2922 | 5 | 3.5 | 320 |
| 920 Evergreen Rd | Detached | $475,000 | 1622 | 2 | 2 | 413 |
| 17645 Oak Meadow Ln | Detached | $510,000 | 3510 | 4 | 2.5 | 392 |
| 5 Cellini Ct | Detached | $649,900 | 4895 | 5 | 3.5 | 300 |
| 691 Carrera Ln | Detached | $699,000 | 3704 | 5 | 3.5 | 255 |
| 17833 Marylcreek Dr | Detached | $749,000 | 5495 | 5 | 4.5 | 45 |
| 18260 River Edge Ct | Detached | $789,000 | 4711 | 4 | 3.5 | 160 |
SOLD (Mar 21-27, 2011)
| Address | Orig. Price | Sold Price | Type | Sq Ft | CDOM |
| 4631 Lakeview Blvd | $93,000 | $51,000 | Condo | 753 | 177 |
| 49 Oswego Summit | $75,000 | $67,500 | Condo | 720 | 127 |
| 18021 Tualata Ave | Auction | $176,400 | Detached | 1410 | 338 |
| 575 Hemlock St | $289,000 | $285,000 | Detached | 1175 | 289 |
| 5204 Rosewood St | $344,900 | $337,000 | Detached | 1683 | 11 |
| 30 Wilbur St | $412,900 | $355,000 | Detached | 2664 | 79 |
| 326 Lake Bay Ct | $439,500 | $390,000 | Detached | 1400 | 159 |
| 13595 Knaus Rd | $489,000 | $469,000 | Detached | 3339 | 226 |
| 547 2nd St #202 | $559,000 | $535,000 | Condo | 1529 | 388 |
| 2607 Palisades Crest Dr | $760,000 | $750,000 | Detached | 5650 | 244 |
| 1309 Horseshoe Curve | $849,000 | $800,000 | Detached | 3087 | 58 |
| 585 2nd St #404 | $999,000 | $835,000 | Detached | 2147 | 396 |
| 744 9th St | $1,075,000 | $950,000 | Detached | 4255 | 465 |
| 13795 Cameo Ct | $1,400,000 | $1,100,000 | Detached | 7190 | 706 |
Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings
Mortgage and Market Tidbits
- Local Area Trends- According to the latest RMLS Market Action Report, comparing November 2010 with December 2010, a few interesting facts emerge- Average Sales Price increased in the Portland Metro area by 2.2%, and Closed Sales increased by 14.3% which is the highest monthly level since June.
- Rates- There is some indication that this increase was due to interest rate swings which may have persuaded uncertain buyers to take action. After remaining for weeks at historic lows, rates jumped for a short time to over 5%. They have since gone back down again to about 4.75% but the temporary increase may have convinced buyers that low rates won’t be around forever. According to MBS Quoteline, the volatility of rates which has surfaced in the first weeks of the new year is of course due to shifting economic factors. Prior to Friday’s Employment report, nearly all the economic data was stronger than expected which impacted mortgage rates negatively. Rates improved after the employment data though, and ended the week nearly unchanged.
- Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage says:
The Monthly Inflation reports and Retail Sales reports were not as strong as hoped so rates have stabilized below 5%. But all indications are that there will be stronger economic data coming out in the next few months which will impact rates negatively again. There is no reason to expect that rates will continue to be as low as they currently are and most expectations are that by the 2nd half of the year, they will have increased to over 5% again.
- Portland Metro’s “Grade” To Improve?- The mortgage insurance companies identify cities according to their “risk” of declining values. One mortgage insurance company just upgraded 18 cities nationwide (and downgraded 3). They made no change to Portland yet but it’s a positive sign that they are seeing stronger values in 18 cities nationwide and one mortgage insurance rep did say he expects to see Portland upgraded in the near future.
Open Houses ~ January 16, 2011
It is January… ready, set go! 29 houses open on Sunday in Lake Oswego. Bring your umbrella and have a ball!
My listing on Lamont Way is Open from 1-3. Dianne will be there and would LOVE to meet some of our Property Blotter readers in person! It’s a truly unique house that is private, has an artistic edge (with space for a studio), and perfect for someone looking for a house that is not “cookie cutter”. The property on Kilkenny Drive in Palisades is a great one to see also- lots of space w/ gorgeous landscape features, updates and a great view. It is Open from 12-3.
Lots and lots of great houses on tour!
Here is what is being held Open according to RMLS:
| Address | L/Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Style | Time |
| 5054 FOOTHILLS DR #69E | $205,000 | 3 | 2 | 1252 | CONDO | 1-3PM |
| 3535 UPPER DR | $275,000 | 3 | 2 | 1373 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 1228 MAPLE ST | $325,000 | 3 | 2 | 1894 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 4840 LAMONT WAY | $325,000 | 3 | 2 | 1793 | DETACHD | 12-3PM |
| 1459 GREENTREE CIR | $335,000 | 3 | 2 | 1683 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 1851 KILKENNY DR | $369,000 | 4 | 3 | 2716 | DETACHD | 12-3PM |
| 1830 CLOVERLEAF RD | $389,000 | 5 | 2 | 1795 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 151 DEL PRADO ST | $399,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 2447 | DETACHD | 12:30-2:30PM |
| 17802 HILLSIDE WAY | $424,900 | 4 | 2.1 | 2965 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 326 LAKE BAY CT | $449,500 | 3 | 2 | 1400 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 19415 SW DOGWOOD CT | $499,900 | 5 | 3 | 3517 | DETACHD | 12-4PM |
| 19319 SW DOGWOOD CT | $499,900 | 4 | 2.1 | 3105 | DETACHD | 12-4PM |
| 5705 SOUTHWOOD DR | $549,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3360 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 19263 MEGLY CT | $549,900 | 5 | 3 | 3213 | DETACHD | 12-4PM |
| 19245 SW MEGLY CT | $559,900 | 5 | 3 | 3490 | DETACHD | 12-4PM |
| 17997 Braeden CT | $644,860 | 3 | 2.1 | 2984 | DETACHD | 12-2PM |
| 5511 FIELDSTONE CT | $678,950 | 4 | 2.1 | 3037 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 5533 FIELDSTONE CT | $688,950 | 4 | 2.1 | 3115 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 15459 VILLAGE DR | $695,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 3059 | DETACHD | 1-3:30PM |
| 17884 KELOK RD | $695,000 | 5 | 3.1 | 4124 | DETACHD | 2-4PM |
| 17896 KELOK RD | $695,000 | 6 | 5.1 | 4323 | DETACHD | 2-4PM |
| 1930 INDIAN TRL | $699,000 | 3 | 3 | 3260 | DETACHD | 12:30-3PM |
| 15622 FIELDSTONE DR | $718,950 | 3 | 2.1 | 3113 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 13223 DEERFIELD CT | $725,000 | 5 | 3.2 | 4008 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 17301 CANAL CIR | $749,000 | 3 | 2.1 | 1812 | DETACHD | 3-5PM |
| 4158 CASEY CT | $759,900 | 4 | 2.1 | 3385 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 533 Weidman CT | $924,900 | 4 | 3.1 | 4108 | DETACHD | 2-4PM |
| 3118 DOUGLAS CIR | $1,100,000 | 3 | 2.1 | 3562 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 18222 SIENA DR | $1,189,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 3998 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
Mortgage Assistance
There has been talk on the news lately that many people who might qualify for the government program to potentially help pay a year’s worth of mortgage payments do not seem to be taking advantage it. Speculation has been that either 1) People believe it sounds too good to be true, or 2) People don’t know about it.
The following is basic information about the program for you to pass on to someone you love who may qualify (thanks to Naida Paris of The Valley Mortgage Group):
* Have you had a 25% drop in income from 2008 or 2009 and need help with your mortgage payment?
* Please go to www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org . If you are chosen for the program your mortgage payments may be made for 12 months or up to $20,000.
* You do not need to be behind in payments.
* There is no credit report pulled to qualify you.
* There is no debt ratios requirement.
This program is statewide, funded by stimulus funds. You can apply until January 14, 2011. Each County is given an allotment of funds based on their economic need. After you apply online, you will then bring income and asset documentation to your local housing authority to verify the loss of income.
Happy Holidays to You!!!
As Christmas weekend approaches, Dianne and I wanted to take a moment and wish you a very peaceful and joyous holiday with your friends and family. It is such a pleasure for us to write this blog and to serve your needs through the year, and we appreciate each of you so much.
We will be taking a little holiday ourselves, and will be back with our weekly Activity Report on Monday, January 3rd, 2011. Till then…. stay safe, warm and happy.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!!
Dianne and Linda
Gratitude
Greetings to all of our loyal Property Blotter readers this Thanksgiving Day!!!
In between taking care of my clients and getting the turkey into the oven & the side dishes prepared, I wanted to take a moment to let you into my life a little, and say how grateful I am for so many things.
First of all, I am grateful for those I love; family and friends who continually show up in my life in a way that amazes and humbles me. I am grateful to my clients (usually friends or friends of friends who have been referred to me : ) for their confidence and faith in me as I help them through a very big transition in their lives. Here are two of my listings that are in Lake Oswego… two homes you should check out belonging to two awesome people! Click Links: Devon Lane and Lamont Way. And yes, I am grateful to you, our readers, who grace us with your time, support, encouragement, and sometimes your business!
I am so grateful for my home, my health, my community, my warm fireplace, the view out my windows, the food in my refrigerator. I am thankful to those who “play” with me… my music program at PCSL… the Friends Gospel Chorus who sing so clear and bright with hearts so open, and the band who supports everyone so skillfully every week. I am grateful for my networking buddies who show up every month for fun & SpeedNetworking, For my Wheels and Ears cohorts and their work, for my car with the little paper crowns sitting in the back window that my son made for me when in grade school (you might spot me around town now! … the Queen of a little boy’s heart… who is now much older : ). I am grateful for all those little things that make life do-able nowadays… my cellphone, my trusty computer, my fancy indoor/outdoor temperature sensor, my bread-maker (should come in handy today!), my hot/cold water dispenser (tea is so fast!), and of course my lockbox key! On that note, I’d like to say how grateful I am to our Real Estate Firm and our Principal Broker, who is such a rock to all of us who make up this company, to all of our clients, and to anyone who knows her. Additionally, I am so grateful for Dianne Gregoire, with whom I produce this real estate blog, who is not only one of my best buddies, but an amazing and powerful “thriver” in her business, health and personal life… I am so grateful to know her and to call her my friend.
OK…. too sappy? It’s just once a year (though it could be much more often… : ) Try it yourself…. start listing all those things for which you are grateful ~ especially the little things~ then get out there and enjoy this day! I think a nap in front of the fireplace is in order later… Have a very, very very…
Happy Thanksgiving!
Linda
Preparing for Winter Weather
In this month’s Hello LO (the monthly newsletter mailed to the residents of this fine city) there is an excellent Winter Preparedness Guide. In the interest of helping you to protect your real estate investment, I thought I’d share with you some of the important suggestions.
The City is asking you
* To be sure your address is clearly visible and not covered with snow or ice
* To keep a path clear from your street to your front door
* To have an emergency supply kit
* To use flashlights instead of candles to help prevent fires
* To be aware of carbon monoxide hazards from outdoor heating devices used indoors
Make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order
Now is the time of year to check the batteries in your alarm and be certain that they are working. Current Oregon law requires that homes that are bought or sold have smoke alarms with a hush button feature, and either a 10-year lithium battery or be hard-wired with a back-up battery. There should be a working smoke detector on every level of the house with special attention paid to areas with bedrooms.
Food Safety
In a power outage, if your freezer is full, food will stay frozen for about 2 days. If it is less than half full food will stay frozen for about 1 day. Cover the freezer with blankets or sleeping bags to help food stay frozen longer. When the power comes back on, examine all of the food for spoilage and if in doubt, throw it out.
For food in the refrigerator, be especially careful of meat, fish, milk, mayo, and eggs. Again, if in doubt, throw it out.
Gas Shutoff
If you need to have your gas shut off, contact NW Natural at 503-226-4211 and they will send a technician to assist you. If, however, an emergency arises where you need to shut the gas off immediately, follow this simple procedure:
1) Locate the shutoff valve on the riser pipe (the pipe running from the ground or through the foundation wall to your meter). To turn the valve you will need a crescent or pipe wrench. A wonderful home inspector I use suggests every home owner buy a simple wrench that fits this valve and hang it on a nail behind the riser pipe. This way in a true emergency you aren’t fumbling around in the garage looking for the right tool. When the valve head is parallel to the riser pipe, it is in the OPEN position.
2) Turn the valve head crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe and it will be in the CLOSED position. There are also natural gas shutoff valves on the lines fueling individual gas fireplaces. Once the gas is off, LEAVE IT OFF.
3) Call NW Natural, 503-226-4211, when you are ready to have the gas restarted.
Storm Clean Up and the Tree Code
A permit is not required to remove downed trees. However, pictures are encouraged for documentation.
An Emergency Tree Permit or a Hazard Tree Permit needs to be issued for trees that present an immediate danger of collapse or present a danger to either people or property. Again, be sure to take pictures. Both permits are obtained thru the City and may require a Hazard Evaluation Form completed by a Certified Arborist, along with photos. For more information, call the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290 or click here.
OK, I know this isn’t about your real estate investment, but it is about an entirely important emotional investment.
* Consider inviting your outdoor dog or cat inside when the temperatures dip to freezing.
* More dogs are lost in the winter than any other time of year. In snow or ice dogs loose their scent and more easily become lost. Keep them on a leash or in their fenced yard, and be sure that they are wearing an ID tag and/or an ID chip.
* Cats will seek warmth and have been known to crawl under the hoods of cars. Get in the habit of banging on your car hood before starting your engine to give a cat the chance to escape.
* Thoroughly wipe your pet’s legs and stomach when you bring them inside out of the snow. They can ingest anti-freeze and other chemicals when licking their paws and grooming after they come indoors.
* Don’t leave your cat or dog alone in a car. They can freeze to death in January just as easily as they can die of heat exposure in July.
* Don’t let your dog run loose on a pond or lake where ice could break and they could drown. And this year, with the lake drawn down, keep them out of the murky mud in which they could become stuck.
It is really hard to know what to expect from Old Man Winter. Some years we get next to no snow or ice. Other years we get hammered. But in any case, we need to be prepared. I hope you have found this guide useful.
Dianne