Erie lawyer and Erie native Andrew Sisinni signed the final papers Thursday to buy the 32,000-square-foot building at 1314 Griswold Plaza for $500,000.
Sisinni quickly expressed an interest in the 78-year-old property when it was orinially listed, but he wasn't alone. And in September, Sisinni said, he was disappointed to learn he wasn't the winning bidder. But a few weeks later, Sisinni got a call. The original deal had fallen through.
What are Sisinni's plans for the building?
The structure is registered as a Pennsylvania historic site, which bars changes to its facade. Truth is, there's not much he would like to change on the tile-roofed building, built in the style of the Italian Renaissance.
Erie Times-News reports Sisinni is, however, planning some interior renovations that he hopes will help the building fit into what he sees as an emerging new neighborhood, a complement to a $55 million mixed-use downtown development that will include town houses, retail shops, and offices.
Sisinni hopes to retain the the United States Postal Service and the Internal Revenue Service as tenants (although USPS has only short-term plans to rent while it looks for a newer, more modern structure). He wants to add office space and hopes a small grocery store can be developed in the rear of the building.
"If the (midtown development) plan comes to fruition, there will be 100-plus condos and town houses and nowhere for them to buy food," he said.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Turn the Heat Down, or Leave It on When Gone?
Sierra Club's Mr. Green was asked a question that I have been asking since I've had my own place:
I have oil heat. I am gone about 12 hours a day. Should I turn down the heat when I leave, and by how much? Some people tell me that it takes more to reheat the house than to leave it at a constant temperature all the time. --Jeff, Pennsylvania
Your advisors are wrong. It takes more energy to maintain a constant temperature in a house than to turn the temperature down when you go out or go to bed and then reheat. It is a basic thermodynamic law that heat moves to where it is colder. So if your heat is always turned up, there is a constant transfer of that higher heat from the inside to the outside, even in a well insulated building. Hence, maintaining a higher temperature when you’re not inside is, in effect, heating the great outdoors.
Think of yourself as a furnace. Thanks the fact that you’re a warm-blooded creature, your body constantly burns fuel to maintain a temperature of 98.6 degrees. When you jump into a cold bed, your body heat can warm you up fairly quickly, getting you to the same comfort level you’d feel if you’d been lolling there burning up energy all day long. It doesn’t take long for the heat you’re producing to match the amount that is escaping.
So turn the thermostat down to 55 degrees when you’re not home or asleep, and you can save anywhere from 5 to 20 percent on your heating bills, depending on insulation, windows, etc. Also keep the temperature at a 68 degrees max, which is comfortable for most people, and if it’s not, do as Jimmy Carter wisely recommended long ago, and put on a sweater.
If you’re the type of person who forgets to turn the thermostat down, you should consider a programmable thermostat that does this automatically at times you choose.
Thanks, Mr. Green, for finally answering my questions definitively.
I have oil heat. I am gone about 12 hours a day. Should I turn down the heat when I leave, and by how much? Some people tell me that it takes more to reheat the house than to leave it at a constant temperature all the time. --Jeff, Pennsylvania
Your advisors are wrong. It takes more energy to maintain a constant temperature in a house than to turn the temperature down when you go out or go to bed and then reheat. It is a basic thermodynamic law that heat moves to where it is colder. So if your heat is always turned up, there is a constant transfer of that higher heat from the inside to the outside, even in a well insulated building. Hence, maintaining a higher temperature when you’re not inside is, in effect, heating the great outdoors.
Think of yourself as a furnace. Thanks the fact that you’re a warm-blooded creature, your body constantly burns fuel to maintain a temperature of 98.6 degrees. When you jump into a cold bed, your body heat can warm you up fairly quickly, getting you to the same comfort level you’d feel if you’d been lolling there burning up energy all day long. It doesn’t take long for the heat you’re producing to match the amount that is escaping.
So turn the thermostat down to 55 degrees when you’re not home or asleep, and you can save anywhere from 5 to 20 percent on your heating bills, depending on insulation, windows, etc. Also keep the temperature at a 68 degrees max, which is comfortable for most people, and if it’s not, do as Jimmy Carter wisely recommended long ago, and put on a sweater.
If you’re the type of person who forgets to turn the thermostat down, you should consider a programmable thermostat that does this automatically at times you choose.
Thanks, Mr. Green, for finally answering my questions definitively.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Good News for Oceans
Raise your glasses for these ocean victories of 2010:
Why does it take so much time and effort to protect our oceans? Everyone seems to love beach vacations.
What do you love about the ocean, lake, beachs, waters, and more?
- The Obama Administration reinstated a ban on offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast.
- The Chilean government halted the construction of a coal-fired thermoelectric plant near Punta de Choros, a marine reserve home to Humboldt penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and blue whales.
- Two big bottom trawling victories: the U.S. banned bottom trawling in a 23,000 square mile area off the Southeast Atlantic coast, home to the largest area of pristine area of cold-water corals in the world. And in Belize, a ban was passed on all trawling in the country’s waters.
- Morocco and Turkey stopped the use of gillnets, a.ka. “walls of death”, which will save the lives of bluefin tuna, sharks, dolphins, and many other creatures.
- The U.S. government proposed designation of a 70,000 square mile protected zone off the California coast to protect leatherback sea turtles.
- The waters around Chile’s pristine Sala y Gomez Island were declared a no-take marine reserve, expanding Chile’s total marine protected area more than 100 times, from 0.03% to 4.41%.
- Though ICCAT again failed to protect bluefin tuna, the commission increased protections for oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks and shortfin mako sharks and put in place new measures to reduce sea turtle deaths.
- The Olin Corporation announced that it would go mercury-free in two of its plants, including the largest remaining mercury-based chlorine plant of the four plants in the U.S. that had refused to switch to cleaner technology.
- In a last minute vote, the U.S. Senate passed the Shark Conservation Act, which will end shark finning in U.S. waters.
Why does it take so much time and effort to protect our oceans? Everyone seems to love beach vacations.
What do you love about the ocean, lake, beachs, waters, and more?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Hello 582
As my blog post on Friday "reported," our area (and surronding counties) will be getting a new area code.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has learned that the number 582 will be the new area code for the portions of the current 814 area code that will be changing in 2012. Here's a map of what areas will remain 814 and what areas will adopt the new area code 582:
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) informed the PUC that 582 will be assigned as the new area code for portions of the current 814 area code west of Jefferson, Elk and McKean counties. The boundary runs in a north/south direction east Shinglehouse, Wilcox, Kersey, Dubois and Sykesville rate centers.
This plan to split the 814 area code along geographic boundaries is to avoid running out of phone numbers, creating a new area code for customers in portions of northwestern Pennsylvania.
The new area code will be implemented Feb. 1, 2012. The Commission will continue to closely monitor phone number demand in the 814 area code to determine whether the implementation timeline meets the needs within the area code. The 814 area code is projected to run out of telephone numbers in the first quarter of 2013. Of the original four Pennsylvania area codes, the 814 area code was the only one to remain unchanged. With the split, Pennsylvania now will have 12 area codes – 412/724/878, 570/272, 814, 582, 717, 610/484 and 215/267.
On June 9, 2009, NANPA, which is the neutral third party area code relief planner for Pennsylvania, petitioned the PUC for area code relief. The Commission said the geographic split for the 814 area code created less inconveniences than an overlay. Because of the geographic size of the 814 area code and the location of population centers, the Commission said the geographic split was more practical for the 814 area code.
With the geographic split, consumers may continue to dial seven digits for local calling. The other option available to the Commission – an overlay – would have covered the entire 814 area code with a new area code and required 10-digit dialing throughout a large geographic area in Pennsylvania.
When introducing a new area code, a permissive dialing period of about six months is allowed while customers adjust to the change. During this time, customers may reach numbers in the new area code by either dialing 814 or the new area code. Even with permissive dialing, customers are encouraged to use the correct dialing. Once the permissive dialing period has ended, customers will receive a recorded message telling them to hang up and redial the numbers using the new area code.
So, to recap:
When will this happen? Feb. 2012 (or sooner if numbers run scarce).
Will our phone number change? Yes, it sounds that way to me.
Why don't they just give the new area code to new numbers? It is too large of a geographic region.
Why? That's so dumb? I know
Who can I complain to? I don't know, but complain in my comments. I want to know your thoughts.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has learned that the number 582 will be the new area code for the portions of the current 814 area code that will be changing in 2012. Here's a map of what areas will remain 814 and what areas will adopt the new area code 582:
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) informed the PUC that 582 will be assigned as the new area code for portions of the current 814 area code west of Jefferson, Elk and McKean counties. The boundary runs in a north/south direction east Shinglehouse, Wilcox, Kersey, Dubois and Sykesville rate centers.
This plan to split the 814 area code along geographic boundaries is to avoid running out of phone numbers, creating a new area code for customers in portions of northwestern Pennsylvania.
The new area code will be implemented Feb. 1, 2012. The Commission will continue to closely monitor phone number demand in the 814 area code to determine whether the implementation timeline meets the needs within the area code. The 814 area code is projected to run out of telephone numbers in the first quarter of 2013. Of the original four Pennsylvania area codes, the 814 area code was the only one to remain unchanged. With the split, Pennsylvania now will have 12 area codes – 412/724/878, 570/272, 814, 582, 717, 610/484 and 215/267.
On June 9, 2009, NANPA, which is the neutral third party area code relief planner for Pennsylvania, petitioned the PUC for area code relief. The Commission said the geographic split for the 814 area code created less inconveniences than an overlay. Because of the geographic size of the 814 area code and the location of population centers, the Commission said the geographic split was more practical for the 814 area code.
With the geographic split, consumers may continue to dial seven digits for local calling. The other option available to the Commission – an overlay – would have covered the entire 814 area code with a new area code and required 10-digit dialing throughout a large geographic area in Pennsylvania.
When introducing a new area code, a permissive dialing period of about six months is allowed while customers adjust to the change. During this time, customers may reach numbers in the new area code by either dialing 814 or the new area code. Even with permissive dialing, customers are encouraged to use the correct dialing. Once the permissive dialing period has ended, customers will receive a recorded message telling them to hang up and redial the numbers using the new area code.
So, to recap:
When will this happen? Feb. 2012 (or sooner if numbers run scarce).
Will our phone number change? Yes, it sounds that way to me.
Why don't they just give the new area code to new numbers? It is too large of a geographic region.
Why? That's so dumb? I know
Who can I complain to? I don't know, but complain in my comments. I want to know your thoughts.
Lunar Eclipse
Last night the total lunar eclipse lasted about three and a half hours, starting as a partial eclipse about 1:33 a.m. ET and finishing at 5:01 a.m. ET.
The last lunar eclipse to happen on the day of the winter solstice was in 1638.
That meant the moon appeared very high in the night sky, as the solstice marks the time when Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun.
Only watchers across North America, Greenland and Iceland were able to see the eclipse (and areas with clear skies).
According to NASA, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's rays and casting its shadow on the moon, according to NASA. As the moon moves into the Earth's shadow, it appears to change color, turning from gray to orange or deep red. The new color stems from indirect sunlight that passes through Earth's atmosphere and casts a glow on the moon, NASA said. Our atmosphere filters out most of the blue colored light, leaving the red and orange hues.
Lunar eclipses differ from their solar counterparts, as no special equipment is needed for viewing. NASA will stream a live video feed of the eclipse from a camera mounted at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Last night was the last chance for those in the continental United States to see a total lunar ecllipse until April 15, 2014, according to NASA.
Since we missed it in Erie, watch the lunar eclipse (with some intermitent cloud cover):
The last lunar eclipse to happen on the day of the winter solstice was in 1638.
That meant the moon appeared very high in the night sky, as the solstice marks the time when Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun.
Only watchers across North America, Greenland and Iceland were able to see the eclipse (and areas with clear skies).
According to NASA, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's rays and casting its shadow on the moon, according to NASA. As the moon moves into the Earth's shadow, it appears to change color, turning from gray to orange or deep red. The new color stems from indirect sunlight that passes through Earth's atmosphere and casts a glow on the moon, NASA said. Our atmosphere filters out most of the blue colored light, leaving the red and orange hues.
Lunar eclipses differ from their solar counterparts, as no special equipment is needed for viewing. NASA will stream a live video feed of the eclipse from a camera mounted at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Last night was the last chance for those in the continental United States to see a total lunar ecllipse until April 15, 2014, according to NASA.
Since we missed it in Erie, watch the lunar eclipse (with some intermitent cloud cover):
Friday, December 17, 2010
Goodbye 814
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a plan yesterday to divide the 814 area code along geographic boundaries.
The PUC split the 814 area code because it is projected to run out of telephone numbers by early 2013.
 |
| Current Pennsylvania Area Code Boundaries |
Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Elk, McKean, and portions of Clearfield, Armstrong, Mercer and Indiana counties will receive a new area code by Feb. 1, 2012.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Icehouse
Ice encrusts this lighthouse at Cleveland Harbor, on Lake Erie. It looks like the caverns of Luray or something from another planet or something from Narnia.
The Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead lighthouse sits at the west end of the breakwater leading to the Port of Cleveland. Contructed in 1911, the lighthouse was automated in 1965 and still flashes its beacon to alert ships every five seconds.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Winterize You Home - Part 2
The non-green-specific edition.
In part one of winterizing, there were four green steps.
Here are the things I did (with some help from my dad), to prepare for winter.
In part one of winterizing, there were four green steps.
Here are the things I did (with some help from my dad), to prepare for winter.
- Drain gasoline from lawn mower. Store lawn mower for the winter.
- Shut off water to outside spigots. Drain excess water.
- Take down outside hanging decorations. Put away lightweight outside rugs. Pack away lawn furniture.
- Clean gutters. Patch leaks in gutter seams.
- Inspect chimney. Cap or screen it to keep birds and rodents out. We actually covered it (since my fireplace is gas) with plastic, since water was wicking in through the brick.
- Check doors for drafts. Install storm door(s).
- Insulate hot water pipes.
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors.
- Change your furnace filter.
- Remove window screens.
- Install a programmable timer thermostat. And set it to cool down when you leave for the day and warm up when you return. (For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill.)
- Hang thermal curtains to protect against drafts. Close curtains, except south-facing windows (to let the sun help heat).
- Keep closet doors closed.
- Close off rooms that aren't used and shut vents.
- Put together an emergency kit (flashlights, candles and matches, phone number of power company). Test flashlight batteries.
- Inspect shovels to make sure the screws haven't rusted or the plastic hasn't broke.
- Keep a shovel next to every exit. Always keep exits clear of snow. (Whether you use the door or not, the exit should be clear in case of an emergency.)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Winterize Your Home
The weather outside may be getting frightful, but home should still be delightful — and green. Sierra Club gives tips to help you get cozy without turning up the thermostat.
Tip #1: Dam the Drafts
Drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Start simple: Plug up a drafty door with a rolled-up towel, or get creative and make a googly-eyed draft snake. For a few bucks, you can insulate windows with shrink film and seal gaps with caulking. To further reduce airflow, install storm windows and doors, which save up to 45% of energy. Do your old, drafty windows need replacing? Invest in an efficient set, which, if you install it by Dec. 31, qualifies for a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost, up to $1,500.
Tip #2: Prepare for Snow
Instead of powering up a snowblower or throwing out your back with a shovel, consider buying a wheeled snow shovel, which acts as a lever and lets you lift and toss with minimal effort. You can also get an eco-friendly deicer that contains calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Forget road salt, which may harm roadside plants and aquatic life.
Tip #3: Take the Fridge Outside
Even as outside temperatures dip below freezing in many places, the refrigerator accounts for 14% of a household's energy consumption. Skip the costs by building an outdoor fridge using this simple guide. The project requires some plywood, two small computer fans, and an enthusiasm for basic carpentry.
Keeping the fridge indoors? Place your hand by its door to test whether cold air is escaping, and replace the door seal if needed. A full fridge uses less energy than an empty one, so stock up on some feel-good soup before the next storm.
Tip #4: Three Quickest Tricks
These are almost too easy:
Turn down your water heater. Even in the coldest weather, there's no reason to waste energy and to scald yourself with a 140-degree shower.
Turn your ceiling fan in reverse. A clockwise rotation circulates warm air near the ceiling back down to your living space.
Turn down your thermostat and put on a big sweater instead.
Tip #1: Dam the Drafts
Drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Start simple: Plug up a drafty door with a rolled-up towel, or get creative and make a googly-eyed draft snake. For a few bucks, you can insulate windows with shrink film and seal gaps with caulking. To further reduce airflow, install storm windows and doors, which save up to 45% of energy. Do your old, drafty windows need replacing? Invest in an efficient set, which, if you install it by Dec. 31, qualifies for a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost, up to $1,500.
Tip #2: Prepare for Snow
Instead of powering up a snowblower or throwing out your back with a shovel, consider buying a wheeled snow shovel, which acts as a lever and lets you lift and toss with minimal effort. You can also get an eco-friendly deicer that contains calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Forget road salt, which may harm roadside plants and aquatic life.
Tip #3: Take the Fridge Outside
Even as outside temperatures dip below freezing in many places, the refrigerator accounts for 14% of a household's energy consumption. Skip the costs by building an outdoor fridge using this simple guide. The project requires some plywood, two small computer fans, and an enthusiasm for basic carpentry.
Keeping the fridge indoors? Place your hand by its door to test whether cold air is escaping, and replace the door seal if needed. A full fridge uses less energy than an empty one, so stock up on some feel-good soup before the next storm.
Tip #4: Three Quickest Tricks
These are almost too easy:
Turn down your water heater. Even in the coldest weather, there's no reason to waste energy and to scald yourself with a 140-degree shower.
Turn your ceiling fan in reverse. A clockwise rotation circulates warm air near the ceiling back down to your living space.
Turn down your thermostat and put on a big sweater instead.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Gray Wolves Are Under Attack
Only 1,600 individual gray wolves and 100 breeding pairs remain in the Northern Rockies, but legislators in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho are pushing legislation to circumvent the Endangered Species Act and take away their protection.
Wolves could disappear from the region forever.
That doesn't have to happen. Tell your representatives to keep the Endangered Species Act free from political interference.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Green Your Holidays
Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or all of them, this week's tips from the Sierra Club will help you lessen your impact while you increase your joy.
Tip #1: Be Bright About Lighting
By switching to LED lights, you'll save power even while keeping the holiday spirit bright — some LED strands are even solar-powered. Instead of going overboard with a power-sucking display, get maximum impact from fewer lights by choosing a smaller tree or focusing on one central part of the house, like the front door. Just as you would with any appliance, remember to unplug lights when they're not in use.
Tip #2: Decorate a Live, Local Tree
Real or fake? If you're wondering which kind of Christmas tree is better, keep in mind that Sierra magazine's advice columnist, Mr. Green, recommends staying natural. A potted, native tree is a good choice if you can plant and care for it after the holidays, or if your town has an organization like Friends of the Urban Forest that will take back your tree and plant it for you. If you don't have the space (or a green thumb) to accommodate a living tree, an organic, locally grown cut tree is your best bet.
Tip #3: Don't Get Burned by Petroleum
If you're preparing to light a menorah or stocking up on candles for Kwanzaa later this month, look for eco-friendly candles made from soy or beeswax instead of petroleum-derived paraffin. For better air quality, opt for unscented varieties. Keep wicks short to get more life out of your candles.
Tip #4: Save the Paper!
Instead of dressing presents with one-time-use wrapping paper, you can repurpose newspapers, magazines, or old posters or maps. Even better, turn bandanas or pillowcases into furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloths) or deliver gifts in a reusable bag or a handmade purse. If every family wrapped just three gifts this way, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.
Tip #1: Be Bright About Lighting
By switching to LED lights, you'll save power even while keeping the holiday spirit bright — some LED strands are even solar-powered. Instead of going overboard with a power-sucking display, get maximum impact from fewer lights by choosing a smaller tree or focusing on one central part of the house, like the front door. Just as you would with any appliance, remember to unplug lights when they're not in use.
Tip #2: Decorate a Live, Local Tree
Real or fake? If you're wondering which kind of Christmas tree is better, keep in mind that Sierra magazine's advice columnist, Mr. Green, recommends staying natural. A potted, native tree is a good choice if you can plant and care for it after the holidays, or if your town has an organization like Friends of the Urban Forest that will take back your tree and plant it for you. If you don't have the space (or a green thumb) to accommodate a living tree, an organic, locally grown cut tree is your best bet.
Tip #3: Don't Get Burned by Petroleum
If you're preparing to light a menorah or stocking up on candles for Kwanzaa later this month, look for eco-friendly candles made from soy or beeswax instead of petroleum-derived paraffin. For better air quality, opt for unscented varieties. Keep wicks short to get more life out of your candles.
Tip #4: Save the Paper!
Instead of dressing presents with one-time-use wrapping paper, you can repurpose newspapers, magazines, or old posters or maps. Even better, turn bandanas or pillowcases into furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloths) or deliver gifts in a reusable bag or a handmade purse. If every family wrapped just three gifts this way, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
these boots were made for...
My winter goal: find practical snow boots (to wear in a muddy backyard and shoveling the driveway). Success. Times two.
I bought these Duck Boots at DSW. Sporto Kim Boot in Pink is waterproof and lined to keep my feet toasty and dry. I'm not sure how good the traction will be, but they will be great for when it's wet out. Waterproof, rubber and coated fabric upper. Lined with synthetic fur. 6" Shaft height, pull on. 10 ½" Calf circumference. ½" Heel. Rubber sole. $59.95
Reviews to come when I receive the packages.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Daisy Breaks the Bank
Traditionally I go shopping every Black Friday. This year I debated the tradition. Since I have a mortgage payment and a new puppy, money is a bit tight and I need to cut back my spending.
But PetSmart had some great sales. They had 50% off more than 100 in-store items and 50% off crates. Since I have just been borrowing a crate from my aunt and uncle - who used to have a rottweiler, I knew this was the best price I could ever pay for a crate. And I had many other items that needed purchased for her (toothbrush, nail clippers, hairbrush), but I was holding off since her first vet bill was $216 (and $100 to the shelter for the adoption). She's already been a pricey dog.
PetSmart opened at 7 a.m. so I didn't brave the early morning, and only left my house at 6:30. I arrived 10 minutes early and there was a line outside. I debated just waiting in the car until they opened and kind of laughed at the die-hard animal lovers. But then I thought better, I was here and it wasn't that cold out and wouldn't I be bummed if they sold out of the crates - the main reason I was up and out.
So I waited in line and looked though the locked doors to figure out where the crates were. When the doors opened, I grabbed a cart and rushed to the back of the store and stared at the wall of crates. Only one brand and one size was 50% off. And there was only one of them in the entire store! Wow.
Luckily, it was mine. (But I would be bummed to be the next person.)
The rest of the sales really weren't that good. They had 50% off collars, but Daisy already has a puppy collar and I don't know what size she will need as she grows. They had 50% off holiday toys and apparel, but I'm not dressing her up and I don't care if she chews on a stuffed Santa. (I did get her a couple holiday rawhide chews.)
The other really good thing I bought here was a bed. It wasn't on my list, because she didn't NEED it. She lays on the ugly throw pillows that came with my sofa and love seat. But while I was walking around the store, it seemed everyone had a dog bed in their cart. So I wagered it was probably a good price. I bought the cheapest one (marked down 50% off. All the others were only 20% off) in a sage green color. It only came in an XL, but in the store it didn't look that big. When I brought it home, she climbed right on it. She loved it, but it was HUGE. She looks so little on it. I don't have a pic of her on it, but I'll take one soon.
Top Paw Nail Clippers - $13.99
Grreat Choice Soft Slicker Brush - $1.99 sale price
Nutri-Vet Oral Hygiene Kit - $6.99 sale price
Dentley's Peanut Butter Flavored Rawhide Chews - $4.99 sale price
PetHoliday Rawhide Candy Canes - $1.50 sale price
PetHoliday Rawhide Compressed Bones - $2.99 sale price
Grreat Choice Pillow Bed - $19.99 sale price
Grreat Choice Portable Kennel (36"L x 25" W x 27" T) - $33.49 sale price
In case you are adding up the prices, in 15 minutes at PetSmart on Black Friday I spent $90+ on Daisy. I know some of the prices were great, like the crate and the dog bed, but the other necessities helped to increase that bill substantially.
Here's the dog bed. It's polyester, 36" x 45," and machine washable. She loves it. I keep it in my bedroom, and she sleeps more soundly at night on it. She even sneaks back into the bedroom to nap after breakfast (she normally was near me as I got ready in the morning).
But PetSmart had some great sales. They had 50% off more than 100 in-store items and 50% off crates. Since I have just been borrowing a crate from my aunt and uncle - who used to have a rottweiler, I knew this was the best price I could ever pay for a crate. And I had many other items that needed purchased for her (toothbrush, nail clippers, hairbrush), but I was holding off since her first vet bill was $216 (and $100 to the shelter for the adoption). She's already been a pricey dog.
PetSmart opened at 7 a.m. so I didn't brave the early morning, and only left my house at 6:30. I arrived 10 minutes early and there was a line outside. I debated just waiting in the car until they opened and kind of laughed at the die-hard animal lovers. But then I thought better, I was here and it wasn't that cold out and wouldn't I be bummed if they sold out of the crates - the main reason I was up and out.
So I waited in line and looked though the locked doors to figure out where the crates were. When the doors opened, I grabbed a cart and rushed to the back of the store and stared at the wall of crates. Only one brand and one size was 50% off. And there was only one of them in the entire store! Wow.
Luckily, it was mine. (But I would be bummed to be the next person.)
The rest of the sales really weren't that good. They had 50% off collars, but Daisy already has a puppy collar and I don't know what size she will need as she grows. They had 50% off holiday toys and apparel, but I'm not dressing her up and I don't care if she chews on a stuffed Santa. (I did get her a couple holiday rawhide chews.)
The other really good thing I bought here was a bed. It wasn't on my list, because she didn't NEED it. She lays on the ugly throw pillows that came with my sofa and love seat. But while I was walking around the store, it seemed everyone had a dog bed in their cart. So I wagered it was probably a good price. I bought the cheapest one (marked down 50% off. All the others were only 20% off) in a sage green color. It only came in an XL, but in the store it didn't look that big. When I brought it home, she climbed right on it. She loved it, but it was HUGE. She looks so little on it. I don't have a pic of her on it, but I'll take one soon.
Top Paw Nail Clippers - $13.99
Grreat Choice Soft Slicker Brush - $1.99 sale price
Nutri-Vet Oral Hygiene Kit - $6.99 sale price
Dentley's Peanut Butter Flavored Rawhide Chews - $4.99 sale price
PetHoliday Rawhide Candy Canes - $1.50 sale price
PetHoliday Rawhide Compressed Bones - $2.99 sale price
Grreat Choice Pillow Bed - $19.99 sale price
Grreat Choice Portable Kennel (36"L x 25" W x 27" T) - $33.49 sale price
In case you are adding up the prices, in 15 minutes at PetSmart on Black Friday I spent $90+ on Daisy. I know some of the prices were great, like the crate and the dog bed, but the other necessities helped to increase that bill substantially.
Here's the dog bed. It's polyester, 36" x 45," and machine washable. She loves it. I keep it in my bedroom, and she sleeps more soundly at night on it. She even sneaks back into the bedroom to nap after breakfast (she normally was near me as I got ready in the morning).
Here's the crate. Like I said above, there was only one crate in one size. Luckily, it was the one I think I need. The large one: 36"L x 25"W x 27"H. This crate meets international and domestic air travel requirements (not that I will ever be flying Daisy anywhere). It is said to be tough and durable with reinforced sidewalls. And is easy to clean, constructed in plastic, and has safety door locks.
Daisy didn't like her borrowed crate. But I thought that might be due impart to its extra-large size and maybe the smell of the last dog. Well, she didn't like this one either.
She has separation anxiety. Even with a toy in the crate, she gnawed at the walls, windows, and door. In less than an hour, she and the crate are covered in saliva. And she has torn up any fabric that has been in the crate with her (or that has been reachable from the outside of the crate), so now the poor dog has to lay on the hard plastic.
Two days ago, I tried something different. I put the crate facing the front window. Fortunately, my house has large picture windows in the front and the back, that she can see outside from the floor (and from the crate). Both days, when I came home at lunch and at the end of the day, she had not salivated. Thank goodness. Although who knows how much barking she is doing at the people walking by and the neighbors outside.
It is a learning process for both of us. And we are both still getting used to each other.
I took her to the vet last night - $101 bill.
In case you are keeping track - $507 + food ($20) + treats ($3) + toys ($50) + leash ($7) + collars (borrowed) + food/water dish ($5) + carpet cleaner ($5) + pooper scooper ($3) = $600
Yesterday we celebrated our one month adoption anniversary. We did nothing special, because we were at the vet for 1.5 hours and she is breaking the bank (costing more than my washing machine in the same month I had to pay for that appliance). But she is worth it. She is such a good puppy. She is so curious and smart and friendly and playful and loving. I hope she is as happy to have a home as I am to have her.
I'll leave you with one picture of her. My little "angel" and her destroyed blanket. She somehow managed to pull the blanket into her locked crate through the door and tear it to shreds. She still cuddles with it on her new pillow bed. (I probably should add the cost of the blanket to her total amount too.)
P.S. The little skinny-mini gained 4.3 pounds in the 3.5 weeks since her last vet visit. So she is just under 30 pounds. I'm still working on putting some more meat on her bones (feeding her about 4 cups a day of Purina Puppy Chow), but the vet didn't seem too concerned about her weight.
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