How about putting the slip cover on the dog?

Thinking of ways to change your decor in the New Year?

Well, the San Jose Mercury News has an article about coordinating your pet's needs with your household's.

"Most dogs like to stretch out on rectangular beds that keep their shape, with defined edges for hanging one's head over," says Julia Szabo, author of "Pretty Pet-Friendly: Easy Ways to Keep Spot's Digs Stylish and Spotless" (Howell, 2009).

She recommends a polar-fleece, futon-style bed by Bowser "that's tufted, so the insides don't shift. Burrowing dogs, such as dachshunds, should have a small blanket they can snuggle under. Cats prefer a round concave nest."

How exciting it is to know that William Wegman of the Weimaraner portraits has also designed illustrated fabrics for pet beds. Click here.

I particularly like the article's advice to color coordinate with your pets.

The apartment I rented in Connecticut had beige carpet in the living room and office. I religiously vacuumed once a week, but didn't realize how much Kate really shed until I moved to Poughkeepsie and had hardwood floors.

So if I truly embraced the color coordinating suggesting my life would only be beige.