Laura Coots 's

Laura Coots compliments of

417-345-4366 · 417-733-2066

1330 S AshBuffalo, MO 65622

main-streethomes.comlaura@main-streethomes.com

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417-345-4366 · 417-733-2066

1330 S AshBuffalo, MO 65622

Table of Contents

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not

intended to solicit other brokers’ listings. If you are currently working

with another broker, please disregard this information.

The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any part icular purpose l ies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu or bing.com unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for

Random Fact information and aid.

Welcome Home!

4 Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.

5 See Spot Run Is your dog king of the 5k, or lord of the couch?

6 How To Care For Your Adopted Dog How to keep your new family member happy.

8 In The Kitchen Puppy Treats: Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

9 Health and Wellness. Therapy Dogs, healing help from our four legged friends.

10 Training Your Dog 8 tips for a well trained pup.

12 So You Are Getting A Dog? It’s a big step and you need to be sure you are ready.

14 Products To Love! Hot trends, technological wonders of tomorrow and so much more!

15 DYI Project - August Ultimate dog toy alert! - Stuffed Monkey’s Fist Knot

16 Dogs: Man’s Best Friend The joy brought to a person by our furry friends is incredible!

Recipe and Design

Courtesy of Better Homes and gardens.com

Grilled Tomato-Peach Pizza

Preparation:1. Coat cold cooking grate of grill with cooking spray, and place on grill. Preheat grill to 350° (medium) heat.2. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt; let stand 15 minutes. Pat tomatoes dry with paper towels.3. Grill peach slices, covered with grill lid, 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear.4. Place dough on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray; lightly coat dough with cooking spray. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness (about 14 inches in diameter). Slide pizza dough from baking sheet onto cooking grate.5. Grill, covered with grill lid, 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn dough over, and reduce temperature to 250° to 300° (low) heat; top with tomatoes, grilled peaches, and mozzarella. Grill, covered with grill lid, 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Arrange basil leaves over pizza. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

Southern Living AUGUST 2010

Ingredients

• Vegetable cooking spray• 2 tomatoes, sliced• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1 large peach, peeled and sliced• 1 pound bakery pizza dough• 1/2 (16-oz.) package fresh mozzarella, sliced• 4 to 6 fresh basil leaves• Garnishes: coarsely ground pepper, olive oil

Instructions:1. Check out your local crafts store for scrapbook paper varieties. (We like double-sided papers.) Choose three different patterns within a similar color palette. Two identical scrapbook papers make one art "wheel." 2. On a cutting mat, lay out your papers, cutting off the brand end tag with a scissors or crafts knife using a ruler edge to guide you. Make your first 1-inch-wide fold on a sheet. (It doesn't matter on which side you start because the paper should be square.) Fold the paper back and forth, accordion-style. Editor Tip: Add interest to your display by mixing smaller pinwheels with the larger ones. For tiny wheels, cut your accordion-folded strips in half or smaller. 3. Fold the finished accordion strip in half and glue two sides together. Compress under a pile of old books for about 20 minutes. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the same patterned scrapbook paper. Once the glue has dried, pull apart the accordion to make two fans. Glue the two fans together, securing for an hour with clothespins.

• 14 sheets of 12x12-inch paper• Crafts glue• Clothespins• Scissors/crafts knife• Cutting mat• Ribbon to hang or adhesive

Wall Art Project: Pinwheels

What You Need:

When starting a dog on a running program my first objective is to find out how well they will listen to me. I walk them forward about 10 feet and turn around and walk the other direction. I repeat the process a few times and I already know how responsive the dog will be. If the dog follows my lead backing up to my side or slightly behind, they are at their most focused on my movement and will likely be following me well.

In order to run your dog the dog has to be loose-leash trained. There is no safe alternative, your dog will risk neck injury if you pull on them too many times and it makes the experience bad for both of you. You need to be in tune with your dog, watching their stride and paying attention to their gait and form periodically. The more attentive you are to the dog your running the better the outcome. Dogs untrained in running are known for stopping to sniff or go to the bathroom so periodically checking in on them is a must, I usually go about 10 seconds maximum without checking in with the dogs I run.

When a dog gets over excited and bites the leash, do not join in on the game and play tug-of-war. Instead stop and wait for them to drop the leash and look for your approval. Do not immediately jump back into running as this will amplify the hyper arousal symptoms again leading to the same bad behavior. If you want to train it out of the dog you can use this technique to trigger the behavior and then stop, again forcing them to relax. This is an effective method for helping your dog control these issues but for the sake of getting the most out of your dogs workout, it is more efficient to walk them for a short time and then slowly ease back into your jog.

Remember what to look for when deciding to run a dog, there are breeds that run better for longer periods of time and there are others that do better with bursts of high energy. Hound breeds and other dogs used for hunting are typically in the endurance category, although there are some dogs like Doberman Pinscher's, Siberian Huskies and Dalmatians in this category as well. Most other dogs fit into the fast bursts of speed category. Certain breeds like Pugs and Bull Dogs are brachycephalic. The flattened nose and face causes them to overheat very soon so they shouldn't run too far too fast.

See Spot Run!

Written by Justin Pitts. Courtesy of ezinearticles.com

Whether you and your new dog have come together as a result of a dog adoption, dog rescue or other means, one thing is certain...you must take the best care possible of your dog to assure the dog's health and a long and rewarding life together. Your new dog will need time to adjust to his new home and family. He just left a kennel or shelter where there were strange sounds and people.. Now he is in a new place with another set of new people and an environment that he needs to get comfortable in. He'll want to explore. He'll want to get to know his new home.. He'll probably have some accidents as he gets to know his surroundings and will chew a few things. Keep on eye on him but expect this to happen. It's all common during the adjustment period.

Adopted DogHow To Care For Your

Written by M. Bruno. Courtesy of ezinearticles.com

Here's a few tips on dog care to get you started:

o Make sure your dog has been micro-chipped. This is a simple little device injected under the skin and will help identify your new adopted dog in case the dog ever gets lost and is brought to a dog shelter or dog rescue.

o An important accessory is a soft dog collar with an id tag attached. The id tag should have your name and a current phone number that you can be reached at in the event someone finds your newly adopted dog after a doggy adventure. Many careful dog guardians have discovered that their pal has slipped out a door, through a fence or run out to play only to get lost. Proper identification will enhance the probability of a quick and safe return home.

o Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all times when you go for a walk. This will protect your dog from potential dangers such as cars and other dogs. It also will help you control your dog and protect her in the event the dog becomes excited at the site of other dogs or people.

o Spay or Neuter your Dog. Spaying and neutering is a very basic procedure that will help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Spayed or neutered fogs have fewer behavioral issues such as aggression . And finally, spaying and neutering helps control the exploding dog population. This will reduce the stress on overpopulated dog shelters and help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized annually.

o Choose the Perfect Veterinarian. Your adopted dog should receive regular vet checkups as a preventative medicine function and to treat any problems that may arise. Certain vaccinations are required by law such as one for rabies. When you choose a vet, ask the doctor what his/her philosophy is as to vaccinations, nutrition and general treatment protocols. One you select the vet that you feel is best for your dog, you will be started on a lifelong relationship for good canine health.

o Feed a high quality dog food. There are a number of different philosophies on the best type of food to feed your adopted dog. Some believe that dogs should eat RAW food as they would in the wild. Others believe that kibble is the best way to go. Yet others decide to cook meats, veggies and rice as a diet. Talk with your vet as to what is best for your dog nutritionally and as to quantity and frequency of

feedings. If you choose a commercial dog food make sure that it is not mostly filler. You can determine this by looking at the first agreements on the package. When you see grains and by products mentioned and the price is a bargain...leave it behind. Your adopted dog needs a nutritionally based diet that will help keep him healthy, not junk food. When in doubt, ask your vet.

o Make sure your adopted dog is licensed. You will need to province proof of vaccinations and should get an id tag. Your vet, the local dog shelter or dog rescue can provide you with information.

o Make sure your adopted dog has a warm place to live in the winter and cool place in the summer. Your dog should always have access to fresh water. I don't support the idea of "outdoor" dogs. Dogs enjoy playing in the yard but should have a safe and comfortable place to rest . And never under any circumstance chain your dog and leave her unattended. Your dog wants to be with you and share your time and space. Having a companion is why you brought your dog home in the first place, isn't it?

o Exercise your dog with frequent walks and play. Both you and your dog will benefit from the exercise, making your relationship stronger . Walk your dog at least 2 times a day. Exercise and meeting other folks along the way with friendly dogs will also help you to socialize your dog. Ask your vet how much exercise your dog should receive.

o Join a dog training class. Many places offer group lessons on basic behavior and socialization. This is a wonderful and inexpensive opportunity for you and your new adopted dog to develop a solid foundation.

o Be a Pal to Your Dog- Dog behavior and care can at times be frustrating. But almost any situation can be resolved with a little information and help. Don't approach your new adopted dog with rapid hand movements at his face. He will be scared and his reaction may be unexpected including fear or aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism. When you have a question or don't know what to do next, consult with your veterinarian, dog trainers and dog rescue folks who have probably seen the exact same situation countless times. Your adopted dog is now a member of your family and is counting on you to be a guardian and a pal.

Courtesy of peanutbutterdogtreats.org

In The Kitchen

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit while preparing the ingredients.

2. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients then add the milk. The peanut butter shall be added last.

3. Mix these ingredients until you get the consistency of bread dough which you could later on flatten and create different shapes out of it.

4. Once ready, put your dough cuts in a baking pan and let it cook in the oven for about 18 minutes or until it is golden brown.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour• 1 cup peanut butter• 1 cup rolled oats (optional,

when you want to add extra texture to your biscuit)

• 1 cup milk• 2 tablespoon baking powder• Water

Health & Wellness

Therapy DogsMore and more therapist, doctors and mental health professionals are becoming aware of the wonderful therapeutic benefits of involving dogs in patient recovery. Dogs are used with brain injury patients, elderly, physically impaired as well as patients in hospitals and treatment centers. The very nature of a dog, its loyalty, unconditional love and its pure joy at seeing a friend really make them a wonderful asset to any therapy program.

Therapy that involves dogs, known as Animal-Assisted therapy, is used in many different settings in several different countries. The dogs can be involved in helping with fine motor control as the patients move their arms and fingers to pet and brush the dogs as part of their therapy process. Large muscle therapy is also completed when the patients take the dogs for walks or on outings to parks and recreational areas. There is little hard scientific evidence as to how or why dog therapy works so well with many patients. Many therapists believe that the unconditional love of the dog helps patients gain self-confidence and self-esteem. There is another school of thought that caring for or spending time with a dog something that often brings patients back to their childhood or to a more positive time in their life. Regardless of exactly how or why dog therapy works so well with patients is not as important as the fact that it really does work.

Dogs can also be used as a friend for many patients. Elderly, shut in and isolated patients come to see visits

from their therapist and their dog as a chance to interact with another living thing. Dogs are very non-judgmental and are always happy to see the patient, which is very positive for the patient both emotionally and socially.

Therapy dogs are not a specific breed or type of dog, nor do they have to a certain age or size. Usually therapy dogs are medium to large sized dogs but there are many small dogs that make excellent therapy dogs. Many organizations that use therapy dogs have volunteer owners and dogs come to the hospital or care facility and work in conjunction with the health care professionals and trained therapists on staff. Therapy dogs must be very calm and well behaved. They should have no history of any kind of aggression or lack of obedience in new or unfamiliar settings. The dogs should be very well socialized and should not be prone to barking or whining as this can be disturbing to the clients as well as other patients in the facility.

Most therapists require that the therapy dogs do through special obedience and possibly other training. The dogs are taken in and out of the facility many times before they actually start working with the patients and clients. In addition both the owner and the facility will need to carry special insurance on the therapy dog to cover any possible events. If you have a dog that loves people, is very calm and relaxed even in new situations, has lots of patience and is very obedient you may want to volunteer with a dog therapy service.

Written by Kelly Marshall, Courtesy of ezinearticles.com

8 Tips For A Well Behaved Pooch

Training Your Dog

Having a dog as your companion can be a true joy. However, you don't want your beloved buddy chewing your new shoes or going to the bathroom in the house. Therefore, you need to create a dog

training plan to help your new puppy or dog understand the rules of the house.

What things should you focus on in dog training when you want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and even some fun tricks? Should you take dog training classes or complete dog training all

on your own? The answer to these questions is that it depends. Take a look at the following dog training options to determine what type of dog training you want to provide for your canine best friend.

Possible dog training options include: a beginning obedience class that you can take through your local human society, dog supply stores such as PETCO, community recreation departments, and local colleges. These dog training classes can vary in price, time commitment, and personal attention. They are usually affordable and meet once a week at a community park. It is a great way to not only have your dog experience basic dog training, but socialize with other dogs as well.

If you have the financial resources and time you can hire a personal dog trainer. This type of trainer may be necessary if your pooch is having a hard time in basic classes and your dog training efforts aren't making a difference. Before you invest in a private dog trainer it is important to make an accurate assessment of your dog training methods. Often times a dog that is not following directions is the result of the poor dog training by the dog's owner.

A private dog trainer might be necessary if you are going to show your dog at dog shows. You can hire a dog trainer/handler or you can become one yourself. If you do, you must know the proper dog training techniques. You don't want to have Fido jump up on the judges during the competition so he must be trained thoroughly and correctly.

You can also search through dog training books, guides, and various resources. There are products that will help you complete dog training such as special collars and muzzles. You can effectively go through a dog training regime with your canine if you follow these eight dog training tips.

Tip #1: Many people start their dog on the path to dog training success by enrolling them in a basic obedience class. This is a great idea because you will learn how to teach your do basic commands such as "sit", "stay", and “heel". You can teach these dog training commands by using verbal commands and physical actions. For example, right after you say the word "sit" you gently push your dog's bottom down onto the ground and put them in the sit position. Immediately say "good" and smile. Give them a tasty treat as well. Basically, you want to do as much as you can to reinforce the action of sitting when you say "sit".

Tip #2: Dogs act like absorbent sponges when it comes to learning proper behavior and tricks. If you do your job properly then dog training should be a hit. Your dog is ready and eager to learn proper behavior. They want to please you. Therefore, if they aren't following your

instruction it might not be their fault. You might be giving confusing dog training instructions.

Tip #3: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Positive reinforcement such as acting excited and petting your dog when they do the right behavior help with your dog training efforts. It is a dogâÂ(TM)s nature to want to be close to you and make you happy. Showing encouragement and praise will help your dog much farther, much faster in their dog training. Make sure to encourage a dog through each dog training accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

Tip #4: Food is a powerful motivator when it comes to dog training. You will be hard pressed to find a dog that passes up food or a tasty treat. Dogs are always hungry and welcome any situation where food is involved.

Tip #5: Dog training should be a gradual process with regards to skill level and learning more complex commands. Give your dog time to understand new commands. They most likely won't learn it the first day you teach them. You will have to review the commands and proper behaviors often.

Tip #6: Have dog training sessions at various times throughout the day. Your dog needs periodic training to reinforce the proper behaviors. You dog's attention span can wane, so make sure to keep the training sessions to five to ten minutes long.

Tip #7: When you first start dog training work in environment that is free from distractions so your dog can focus on their behavior. Once your dog understands the basic commands you can try to use the commands in a busier environment. One thing you may find is that your dog is distracted and seems to have forgotten the commands. Don't fret. This can happen because dogs tend to be situational learners and your dog just needs to work on the commands in the busier environment.

Tip #8: Too many treats equals an overweight dog. Dog training is a process that involves tasty treats, but too many of these treats can be a bad idea for your dog's waistline. Use small treats and wean your dog off treats as they understand the different commands. They will then rely on your praise as the positive reinforcement for each behavior.

These eight dog training tips will set you on the road to happy, healthy, obedient pooch.

Written by K Brandt, Courtesy of ezinearticles.com.

10 Points To Consider BEFORE You Get A Dog

So You Are Getting A Dog?

There are several points to consider whenever you are choosing a dog for you or your family. You want to match your new pet to you and/or your family and to your overall needs as closely as possible. Please, never get a dog on impulse. With any luck you're choosing a pet that is likely to be with you 8 to 15 years. Select the right dog, and you will both enjoy those years.

If you don't take the time to plan a bit ahead of time right now, you will probably regret it in the future. This is one of the main reasons that shelters are so full of unwanted pets today - and one thing that could easily be avoided. One good idea is to look for a dog rescue group or reputable breeder when choosing a dog - and to avoid getting a dog at a pet store.

This single decision can be overwhelming. The selection of available dog types is truly amazing. Did you know the dog comes in more than 400 different breeds? There is more variation among dogs than in any other animal species. Dogs can come in all shapes, sizes, coat types and personalities. Your job is to find the perfect dog breed that fits both your personality and your lifestyle. So, here is a list of things, in no particular order, that you'll want to take into consideration when deciding on whether or not you should get a dog in the first place.

1) Why do you want a dog in the first place? Do you simply want a companion, a dog for protection purposes, a dog to participate in sports activities with, or some other reason? Again, you must research the breeds carefully. Example: if you want a dog that can be trained to duck hunt with you then a Corgi may not be the right breed for you.

2) Do you want a purebred or mixed breed dog? Unfortunately, many animal shelters and dog rescue organizations will have plenty of each. The main difference between purebreds or mixed breeds is that with the pure breeds you will have a much better chance of knowing how big he'll be once he reaches adulthood and what basic physical and behavioral characteristics he will probably have.

3) Learn all you can about the different individual dog breeds: visit local dog shows if possible to see many different dog breeds in one location, speak with groomers, dog breeders and your veterinarian. These dog professionals can all offer you more insight into various dog breeds - the good and bad of each, and can help you decide on a few dog breeds that you may be really interested in.

4) Are you already an experienced dog owner, or will this be your first dog ever? There are a lot of dog breeds that are not appropriate for a first time owner. Knowing all you can about the breed and what the breed was originally bred to do (it's original job) is a big step in understanding the dog and what you could possibly expect from it.

5) What is your lifestyle? Are you sedentary or are you very active? Some dog breeds require a lot of daily exercise - both mental and physical. A half hour walk given to a Basset Hound is no where near enough exercise for an Australian Shepherd. Researching many dog breeds thoroughly before getting one is truly essential.

6) Can you properly provide housing for your new dog? Dogs are very social animals and your new dog should really be part of your family pack - they really do better when they are a real part of the family. And the best place for your new dog is in your home with you. You should also have a securely fenced area for your dog to exercise in. Having your dog chained in the back yard is not proper housing and is also very cruel. Which brings up a new issue.....

7) How much time can you truly devote to your new dog each day? Can you really commit to the dog for it's entire life? What if you have to move? Add another child to your family? If you have children, are you ready to teach the kids to peacefully co-exist with the dog? If you can't devote time to raising the dog, making sure it is socialized and well trained for the rest of it's life, then please, do not get one.

8) Puppy or adult dog? Keep in mind, puppies do require a whole lot more work than adult dogs do overall. You will have to schedule additional time for puppy classes, training, socialization, and many other activities. Remember, these are babies. Housebreaking and teething are just a few of the things you'll have to go through with a small puppy, but not necessarily an adult dog. Training and learning is a lifetime activity. One obedience class does not make your dog trained.

9) Can you afford to own a dog throughout it's entire life? Getting the puppy or dog is just the beginning. Now comes all the other things you'll need to get: vet checks, leashes, collars, extra toys, all sorts of treats, a crate and other necessary supplies, puppy shots every few weeks, training classes, food (the bigger the dog the more food you'll go through), medical emergencies, etc.

10) What about dog grooming? All dog breeds need some kind of grooming - even the hairless ones! Some breeds require only a few minutes of brushing once a day while others may require professional grooming. It's very important to know that all dogs also need regular attention to their teeth, ears and nails. Also, all dogs shed - some dog breeds may shed less than others but this is one fact you must accept. I hope all these steps have gotten you to thinking that adding a dog to your life is no small thing. Impulse buying can often lead to trouble. It's your job as a future dog owner to think about both your life as well as several dog breeds to help decide on which breed is the best possible match for you - BEFORE you bring that new dog home.

Written by Debbie Ray, Courtesy of ezinearticles.com.

Products To Love In August

Small dogs will go crazy for KONG Small Cozies. We've taken our top six medium Cozies and sized them down for little mouths. Our Small Cozies have the same added layer of material to last longer, plus a squeaker to entice play. Small dogs and puppies will love to cuddle and lick the soft plush. Parents beware - if there are kids in the house, you might need more than one Small Cozie. Please click here for more information.

The Room with a View Pet House is an indoor/outdoor structure specially designed for smaller animals in your home. Constructed of kiln-dried wood treated with natural color stains to enhance its appearance and durability, the lower lounge area has a raised bottom to keep pets dry and features steps along the side of the house that lead to a rooftop balcony where your pet can sun-bathe and play.The construction is lightweight, easy to handle and has a calming, natural scent. Please visit www.amazon.com for more information.

Inspired by the warm weather, Blueberry Pet's new classic collection is perfect for everyday wear. Elegant and simple, this medium turquoise harness is made to show off your dog's unique style all year long. With the heavy duty buckles and d-ring, this durable dog harness is made to last long. This product is available in 6 colors: royal blue, dark orchid, neon green, Florence orange, medium turquoise, and French Pink. Please visit www.amazon.com for more

DYI Project - August

Courtesy of handsoccupied.com

Looking for that ultimate doggy chew toy? You found it!

Supplies:

• 105 inches (8.75 yd) of 1 inch-thick cotton rope like this

• scissors or knife• dog treats• 2 twist ties

Directions:

Using two twist ties, secure the ends of your rope from raveling. Then, follow the instructions below for tying it into a monkey’s fist knot. I find the monkey’s fist knot to be challenging, so it might take a couple of tries to get the knot just right. This toy is really just a giant monkey’s fist, but before finishing and tightening the knot at the end, you slip in a dog treat (see step 5).

Dogs:Man’s Best Friend

Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades. Owning a dog can be a positive, enjoyable experience for the entire family. Keep in mind however, that the decision to own a dog is an important one that should not be taken lightly. A dog is not just a fun diversion or entertaining gift. Owning a dog requires a commitment from you that will last the lifetime of the dog. The responsibilities of owning a dog and the joys of owning a dog hold an equal place of importance. If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, here are some important considerations for you to keep in mind.

A dog is an important member of the family. If you live in a city, you will need to devote a lot of time to walking the dog, ensuring that the dog gets plenty of exercise and fresh air, and you will most likely be taking your dog along on family excursions and trips. If you live in a country setting, you will need to ensure the safety of your dog and protect the dog from the hazards that come from a rural setting. Holidays and special occasions will include the dog and you may even find yourself including the dog in family portraits and gift giving occasions.

Dogs bring companionship and joy to any family. The time and effort you spend caring for your dog will be returned to you in the form of the lifelong loyalty and friendship that you will receive from your dog. The dog will provide you with a friend to talk to, be an entertaining companion, and can also provide a sense of security and protection for your family. Individuals who are confined to their home or the elderly will find great joy in owning a dog and the problem of loneliness will be greatly reduced.

Because you will spend a lot of time caring for your dog in the form of walks and playtime, a dog can be a big health benefit for the owner. You may find yourself exercising more than you ever have before, and talking to your dog is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Owning a dog is beneficial to you and your family and the dog will be forever loyal and grateful for the time you invest in its care.

As unlikely as it may seem, owning a dog can introduce you to new friends that last a lifetime. Walking your dog, training classes, and romps through the park are great ways to come in contact with others who share your interests and love of dogs. You can be certain that your dog will bring you joy in your private life and introduce you to other dogs lovers as well.

Owning a dog can be equated to raising a child. You must be a responsible parent to your dog just as you would to a child. You can rest assured that being a responsible, loving dog owner will bring you many benefits, the most important of which is the trust and friendship of a pet who will love you unconditionally for its entire life. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and can even be costly when you factor in trips to the vet, having the dog groomed, and taking care of unexpected medical expenses. The hardships involved in dog ownership are well worth your time and money. You will never find a more loyal, devoted friend than a dog who loves you unconditionally.

Written by Keith Kingston. Courtesy of ezinearticles.com

Welcome to Main Street Realty where you get "good ole fashion Main Street service"! I havebeen selling real estate in SW Missouri for many years, know my market and look forward tohelping you in the future. Come visit me to see the difference where you are greeted with greatservice and friendly smiles along with lots of real estate knowledge!

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THIS MONTHS FEATURED LISTING

$264000

Listing Number: 60030894

Beds: 4

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 2324

Lot Size: 12.35

City: Buffalo

State: MO

Need a wonderful home, horse barn and super location? Beautiful home with LOTS of living

space features a gorgeous fireplace, large master suite has a lovely private bath and LOTS of

closet space! Kitchen is newly updated with tile and new counter tops. Sunroom opens out to

large, multi-level deck, nice yard with shade and fruit trees and room for a garden. Buildings

include 2nd garage, nice loafing shed and HORSE BARN with 3 stalls, wash and grooming

area, tack room, working pen/corral and great for other livestock as well. Pasture is fenced &

cross-fenced with plenty of grass and hay. Private well but there is also city water on the east

parcel. Location is perfect with home tucked down a private drive, necessities 2 minutes away

& Springfield right down Hwy 65!

Laura Coots 417-345-4366417-733-2066main-streethomes.comlaura@main-streethomes.com