Shed happens: For most pet parents, this is a fact of life. A new pet in the household, particularly one with fur, generally results in the shed factor. It is a lot easier to clean a pet household than most folks realize. With 4 million dogs in need of their forever homes, our friends at Swiffer® along with Bark & Co. are out to stop the shed and make cleanup easier. Cleaning should never be an obstacle to adopting a pet, so Fidose of Reality is out on the front lines to test this theory. Not only will we test the cleaning process with three 8-year-old triplets who desperately want their first pet, but we’ll also show you some fab ideas for stocking stuffer gifts this holiday season.
Triple Threat
Meet Mia, Matthew, and Ryan, who are the nephews and niece of my very dear friend, Ellen. Once a week, the triplets visit Ellen and love to spend time playing with shelter rescue dog, Zola, who just celebrated her 11th birthday. The triplets want a pet, so their mom has decided this: If the kids can prove themselves to be responsible and take a part in cleanup and care of the dog, she is considering allowing them to rescue a dog in the new year.
The triplets’ Mom is not alone. In a study provided by Swiffer, 93 percent of parents agree that having a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences for a child. However, a surprising 75 percent of parents who do not already have a pet say that concerns over messes could actually prevent them from getting a pet for their family.
[Tweet “Thanks to @Swiffer for helping pets get adopted #ShedHappens #sponsored”]
Kids Need Dogs, Dogs Need Kids
As someone who grew up with a dog in her life, I am not alone in believing that animals help children develop character as well as responsibility. Dr. Aubrey Fine, a renowned child development and pet expert, says that a home rich with kindness and compassion, with pets, is good for children.
“Teaching children positive ways to interact with their pets will help them feel more involved and will help crystallize their fur-ever bond,” Dr. Fine says.
The triplets love visiting Zola, and she has taught them boundaries and limits, as well. Zola tries to sometimes “herd” the kids together, which is both adorable and a learning experience for the kids. They know not to scream around her, not to tug on her ears or tail, and why play time and walks are necessary.
Removing Cleaning and Chore Tensions
“But I don’t want to” is a cry heard round the world, no doubt, by parents of kids with pets. When children actually engage in chores and are taught responsibility at a young age, the relationship of parent and child is strengthened as well. To that end, we talked to the triplets during a recent visit with Zola. Here’s an adorable quick video of their tasks followed by how you, too, can help a dog have a happily ever after.
Tools of the Trade
Pet adoption is a topic near and dear to our hearts at Fidose of Reality. Our fundraising arm of the blog is Wigglebutt Warriors, and we crusade to save dogs’ lives. We only recommend products that we believe in, use, and would like to pass on to our readers. This holiday season, consider helping a pet in need. If a new pet comes into your home, talk to all family members about the importance of daily chores. If you know of someone who has a pet and you want to gift that with something practical, the Swiffer Duster and Swiffer Sweeper make great cleanup gifts. Visit the Facebook Swiffer page and get more info!
Matthew, Mia, and Ryan have proven themselves to be responsible, and we are gifting their mom with this video and blog post so she can see the fantastic job they did. Zola was rescued from a drug bust, and she was confiscated many years ago as “evidence.” Zola is the very first pet the triplets have interacted with, and they are very gentle and kind to her. In return, Zola lets the kids make themselves at home with her toy box contents and on her doggie bed.
Have you ever used the Swiffer line of products? Let us know your experience in the comments below. And have a very happy, clean, fret-free holiday season!
Cathy says
I’m so happy for the triplets and for Zola too! Swiffer products are the best!
Carol Bryant says
The kids love Zola and she is so happy to have found her forever home.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Yes! I would lost without my Swiffer. I use it every single day!
Carol Bryant says
We agree – it’s a daily tool around here.
Rebecca Bryant says
I need to replace my swifter. Mines is all wore out I love it so much.
Carol Bryant says
I just did that with my dry Swiffer sweeper – we use it to clean the walls, too
pamela says
I highly recommend Swiffer products. We use these products in our household daily. With three dogs, I can’t count the number of times Swiffer helped save our floors from spills and accidents. These kids are so adorable in this article. They show just how Swiffer products can make your life easier. I wouldn’t be without these products in my home.
Carol Bryant says
Three dogs! Yep, you officially qualify as a Swiffer household, Pamela.
Crystal Martin says
I love how Zola “herds” the kids. She sounds like she is a wonderful dog. And, wow, rescued from a drug bust? She’s a lucky girl to have a wonderful new home!
The triplets seem to be doing a great job learning how to care for a pet. I’ve learned with my own kids that when you throw in some fun cleaning products, like Swiffer, the kids get a bit more excited to jump in and help clean up. I bet their mom is super proud of how well they’re doing!
Carol Bryant says
The kids actually wanted to clean and asked if they could take the Swiffer duster home, so I let them take the whole kit. I know their mom is thrilled.
Zola was confiscated as evidence during the bust – thank goodness she found a good home.
Heather says
I need to bust out my swiffer right now. The house is a sty!
Two French Bulldogs says
Swifter help!! BOL mom said she could make wigs from our furs
Lily & Edward
Carol Bryant says
Bwah hahahah wigs – well that could be a whole new business model. Glad Swiffer can help.
Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says
Oh boy…. with 3 Siberian Huskies, AND 3 cats….. swiffer is my THANG!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Carol Bryant says
Oh yes, we can relate – and I know 6 pets means more shed – Happy Holidays to you and your pack, Jenna!
Karissa @WithOurBest (@withourbest) says
Aww, what sweet photos. I love Swiffer. It is great on my hardwood floors and with my pup paw prints in the winter!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Wonderful photos of Zola and the kids. I think Swiffer works great with pet hair. With a dog and a cat in our house, we use Swiffer all the time.
Carol Bryant says
I told the kids to stop by anytime to clean – they loved it and took the products home!
Amanda says
Zola looks like such a sweet pet! My children love doing chores to help with their pets!
Carol Bryant says
That is wonderful and teaches the kids to do the chores and play as a reward 😉
Ashley @irishred02 says
We use Swiffer to help combat the pet hair. The duster is the best for us!
Carol Bryant says
Yes and what amazes me is I think I did a good job cleaning and then what I see on the Swiffer duster blows my mind.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I do not have any pets, just 5 kids and they are messy! I LOVE my Swiffer Wet Jet to clean my floors and their messes!
Carol Bryant says
Isn’t that wet jet awesome?
Lorane says
Swifer is such a handy cleaning tool. You can easily get rid of all pet dander and shedding in a breeze. Great review
Bethany Delk says
I have used a Swiffer for a long time and love mine! This looks like an upgraded version that I need to have in my life!
Carol Bryant says
Yes and they are so affordable.
Daisy the French Bulldog says
Omg the triplets melted me! What a great job they are doing. Great photos and GREAT post! We love LOVE Swiffer in our house too!
Carol Bryant says
The kids love the dog and vice versa — my dog on the other hand said,”mom when are the kids leaving?”LOL We love our Swiffer, too – thanks for stopping by.
Rose says
I love Swiffer stuff. I broke the handle on my Swiffer Wet Jet and I need to get a new one.!
Liz Mays says
I totally need to start using a Swiffer. Our cat is pretty clean except for the occasional fur ball, which leaves a huge wet mess.
Bri says
I really need some of these swiffer cleaning tools at my house because pet hair is literally everywhere.
Kelsie - It's Dog or Nothing says
Love Swiffer products! The wet jet is great for a quick clean of muddy paw prints or slobber 😉
Carol Bryant says
Kelsie, it is an honor to have you stop by – I know you must get some muddy feet for sure 😉
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
I’ve actually been using swiffer for quite some time and I have to agree that they do work. Great way to get the kids to clean up too.
Rosey says
My son is begging for a dog. We will see. I think he’s old enough now. 🙂
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Evidence in a drug bust? That is horrible. So glad that she is in her forever home now!
Carol Bryant says
Yep, it was a drug house and they confiscated the dog. Thank goodness she got a forever loving home now.
Jeanne Melanson says
I really like how you tied this post together — kids + dogs + cleaning = success! It is true that we need to educate our children about how to act around pets, but to also have them assist in the clean-up is wise. It teaches responsibility and respect. I love that. Bravo!
Carol Bryant says
Thanks, Jeanne. I loved that the kids wanted to help out and then the reward was playing with the dog. Win-win and Zola had a ball, too.
Cathy Armato says
The triplets are awesome, they’ll have no problem helping out with cleanup now that they having those amazing Swiffer products. Hey, how ’bout they swing by my house and do some swiffering of my Huskie’s mountains of fur?? LOL!! I’ll have to get me some Swiffering tools too!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We luv Them
Kristin says
Love that it tackles that tricky pet hair. And Swiffer products are so easy to use!
Maryann says
Love my Swiffer products! So helpful around the house and I love that the kids that help using their products.
LauraFunk says
I love our swiffer products. They are super easy to use and clean well
Carol Bryant says
We cannot live without our Swiffer. I use the handheld for the office and computer room.
Elsie Hardy says
I like the idea the kids to look after their pets and to clean behind them. If I take dog for my children I will definitely force them to clean the god’s hair and dirty stains that the pet will make.