This is the type of home you have to see in order to take in all that it has to offer, so stop by Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00 to take a tour!

To begin, an imperial staircase leads you to the guest wing or master wing where each of 5 bedrooms has an en suite bathroom, and one has a separate entrance and kitchenette for maid’s quarters or long-term guests. In the master wing, the master suite features a jetted tub, dual-sink vanity, walk-in closet, linen closet, separate lav with bidet, balcony with mountain views, and a second bedroom that could be used as an office or nursery.

The unique kitchen has double ovens, island with produce sink and breakfast bar, desk, wine fridge, grilling station and walk-in pantry with a built-in espresso machine.

The main house also has 3 fireplaces, a sunken wet bar, formal dining room and office. The outdoor living area has a pool, kitchen with bar, bathroom, linen cabinet and a large patio with a pergola.

Additionally, there are on-grid solar panels, horse facilities and a 2-bedroom guest house with a garage.

Open House Details:

Date: Sunday, September 1
Time: 1:00 to 4:00
Location: 1577 Kenewa Street

See you there!

Summer has arrived and our furry friends are definitely feeling the heat. Dogs do not have as many options as humans when it comes to cooling off on a hot day, so it is up to us to make sure they are safe and comfortable when temperatures rise.
 
Aside from obviously never leaving your dogs in the car on a hot day, here are thirteen ways you can help your pups beat the heat.
 
1. Know the signs of dehydration and heatstroke.
 
If your dog is experiencing any of the following, take them inside, cool them off with a fan or wet towels, and call your vet.

• Excessive/heavy panting
• Excessive salivation
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unsteadiness or lack of coordination
• Disorientation
• Seizures or tremors

2. Make sure they have cool, clean, fresh water.
 
Before you head out for the day, make sure your dogs have at least two large water bowls with cool, fresh water. If you have multiple dogs, you may need more bowls; just make sure you have more than one option in case they knock one over or empty it before you get home. Make sure the bowls are in the shade, and you can add ice cubes to help keep them cooler longer.
 
3. Bring water and a water bowl everywhere you go.
 
If you are leaving home with your dogs, make sure to bring water and a water bowl with you. There are many portable options available, such as collapsible water bowls or water bottles with an attached receptacle for drinking. Offer your dogs water regularly while you are out.
 
4. Check the ground temperature before walking them.
 
If the dirt, sand, concrete or asphalt is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it is too hot for your dogs to walk on as well. Wait until the sun goes down and the ground cools off or purchase protective booties to help keep their paws safe.
 
5. Make sure they have plenty of shade.
 
If your dogs need to be outside, make sure they have plenty of shaded options where they can lie down and cool off. If you do not have a covered patio or trees to do the trick, inexpensive shade sails are a great way to quickly add shade to your backyard or dog run. Also keep in mind that doghouses can get hot and stuffy on hot days, so while a doghouse is great for protecting your dogs from the rain and colder temperatures, they are not always the best shade options for your pups. You can also purchase a canopy for your dog’s bed to make sure their favorite spot to hang out is in the shade.

6. Keep them inside with fans or air conditioning.
 
If at all possible, keep your dogs inside during the hottest parts of the day. They will appreciate cooler temperatures and better air flow from fans, swamp coolers or air conditioning units just as much as you do. If you do not have central air conditioning, you can purchase one or more inexpensive fans and place them in areas where your dogs like to hang out.
 
If you are using fans to help keep your dogs (and you) cool, make sure they have grates with small openings to protect your dogs or other pets from the fan blades. You can also place a bowl of ice behind the fan to cool off the circulating air even more.
 
7. Offer them cooler places to lie down.
 
Save the fluffy dog beds for winter (or cooler summer nights) and opt for cots. Raised cots allow air to flow beneath the bed, which will help keep your dogs cooler in summer. Place the cot in the shade and, if possible, avoid placing it on concrete or asphalt. Some cots come with attached canopies to make sure your dogs can enjoy shade throughout the day.
 
8. Offer your dogs frozen treats.
 
Frozen treats made just for dogs are widely available at pet stores and can help your dogs cool off on hot days. If you don’t happen to have any store-bought, frozen treats on hand, you can also try offering them plain ice cubes or you can make frozen treats with broth and water or blended berries and plain yogurt.

9. Give them a wading pool or swimming pool.
 
Some dogs love splashing and playing in water, which makes this an easy way to help them cool off on a hot day. Depending on the size of your dogs, you could use something as small as a dishpan or something as large as a horse trough. Plastic kiddie pools do the job nicely as well. And, of course, there are plenty of products available online that are specifically sold as swimming pools for dogs. Some of these are even shaped like bones. Personally, I use an inexpensive, low-walled stock tank.
 
If you decide to help your dogs stay cool in summer with a swimming pool, remember that they should never be left unattended while swimming or playing in the water. Also, when it is time to empty the pool, grab a bucket and use the water to irrigate ornamental landscaping so that the water is not wasted.
 
10. Avoid strenuous activities in the afternoon.
 
Whenever possible, schedule your walks or play time earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler. If you have working dogs, make sure they have access to water and shade, and give them breaks throughout the day to let them cool off. If possible, schedule herding and other strenuous activities in the morning or evening.
 
11. Brush them often.
 
While it is tempting to shave dogs to help them stay cool in summer, with many breeds, it is actually best to leave their coat in place, which will help keep them cool and protect their skin from sunburn. However, you do want to groom them regularly to remove tangles and mats. If you are considering shaving your dog for summer, talk to our vet first to make sure it is the best way to help them stay cool in hot weather.

12. Offer them a wet towel, ice pack or jar of ice.
 
When I was younger, we used to put mason jars filled with ice in the rabbit pens so that they could wrap around them and keep cool on hot days. This also works for smaller dogs who might appreciate a jar of ice to wrap around or lie near to help them stay cool. Alternatively, you can fill a hot water bottle with ice and cool water or you can offer them an ice pack wrapped in a towel. If you don’t have any ice handy, wet a towel with cold water, wring out the excess and lay it in a shady spot where they like to hang out or on top of a raised cot for extra cooling.
 
As a side note here: If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, do not use ice to cool them off. This can cool their body temperature too quickly and cause them to go into shock.
 
13. Expand their wardrobe.
 
You can help keep your dogs cool is summer with cooling bandanas or cooling vests. Using these options does not mean that you can hit the hiking trail in 100-degree weather, but they will help your furry friends stay cooler if they have to be outside on hot days.
 
While you are expanding their wardrobe, you might also look into a visor or sunglasses. These can also help keep your dogs comfortable in summer.
 
 
Side note: Dogs primarily cool themselves off through their respiratory system. If you have snub-nosed dogs, such as bulldogs, Shih Tzus and pugs, their smaller nasal passages make it more difficult for them to release heat through panting. You will need to be even more diligent to make sure your snub-nosed dogs are safe and comfortable on hot days.

This is the type of home you have to see in order to take in all that it has to offer.

To begin, a split staircase leads you to the guest wing or master wing where each of 5 bedrooms has an en suite bathroom, and one has a separate entrance and kitchenette for maid’s quarters or long-term guests. In the master wing, the master suite features a jetted tub, dual-sink vanity, walk-in closet, linen closet, separate lav with bidet, balcony with mountain views, and a second bedroom that could be used as an office or nursery. The unique kitchen has double ovens, island with produce sink and breakfast bar, desk, wine fridge, grilling station and walk-in pantry with a built-in espresso machine.

The main house also has 3 fireplaces, a sunken wet bar, formal dining room and office. The outdoor living area has a pool, kitchen with bar, bathroom, linen cabinet and a large patio with a pergola. Additionally, there are on-grid solar panels, horse facilities and a 2-bedroom guest house with a garage.

Open house details:

Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 1:00 to 4:00pm
Location: 1577 Kenewa Street

Chloe is a one-year-and-one-month-old, spayed, tan and white Chihuahua. Chloe came to the Humane Society earlier this year as an owner surrender because her owner could no longer keep her. Chloe is a very beautiful little dog with a nice soft coat. She loves people, but she would prefer to be adopted by a family with adults only. She has lived with cats, and she's enjoying meeting some new dogs and making friends. She has been on some pack walks and done great on the leash. Chloe would love to be adopted soon, but she's being very patient and enjoying her days in the play yard. She is very playful and she loves toys and treats. She's a special little dog and she will make a terrific pet for the right family.
 
Included with every dog adoption will be the first DHLPP shot of the series, a rabies vaccine, a medical exam good for up to three days from participating veterinarians, implanting an identification microchip (registration extra), spay or neuter surgery, if necessary, as well as a collar, ID tag, and a leash. For dog adoptions, a yard check will be performed prior to adoption. In addition to adequate fencing and shelter, those wishing to adopt a pet must provide either proof of ownership of the residence or a rental agreement for that address indicating that pets are allowed. If you are interested in learning more about adoptions, please contact the Humane Society of Ventura County at (805)646-6505.

This custom home near downtown Ojai exudes traditional charm with a wrap-around porch, formal entry, brick fireplace, wainscoting, crown molding, built-ins, formal living and dining rooms, butler’s pantry, and four bedrooms – each with walk-in closet and en suite bathroom.

It is clear as you meander through this exceptional home that every detail was attended to, including designing elegant spaces both for entertaining and for comfortable everyday living.

The large kitchen with two islands, two pantries, breakfast bar, breakfast nook and a desk for managing the household is ideal for someone who loves to cook, while the covered patio is perfect for outdoor living and entertaining.

Gorgeous mountain and valley views stretch to the East End, and you are only about a 10-minute bike ride from the weekly farmers market, shops, restaurants and activities in the downtown village.

This stunning home offers much too much to list, so call now to schedule a tour to see all this home has to offer.

Features include:

Four bedrooms
Four bathrooms, plus two powder rooms
Formal living room with French doors & mountain views
Formal dining room with adjacent butler's pantry
Casual dining room with large windows for natural light
Large kitchen with two islands, desk & breakfast bar
Two walk-in pantries
Brick fireplace in family room
Walk-in closet and en suite bath in all bedrooms
Large master bedroom with room for seating area
Two walk-in closets in master bathroom
Two separate vanities in master bathroom
Wainscoting and crown molding
Custom paint and built-ins
Oak, tile and carpet floors
Custom touches and traditional charm throughout
Approximately 5.43 acres
Wrap-around, covered porch
Covered patio with built-in BBQ grill
Separately fenced backyard
Mature, well-manicured landscaping
Fruit trees
Three-car garage with sink and built-in storage
Gorgeous mountain views
Valley views that stretch to the East End
Approximately one mile to downtown
Less than 10-minute bike ride to farmers market
Close to shops, restaurants, galleries, spas
Close to Ojai Valley Trail and hiking trails
Close to schools and parks
Approximately 25 minutes to Ventura and beaches
Approximately 77 miles to Burbank

Call Nora Davis or Jan Lewis for more information or to schedule a showing.

Pride of ownership is seen throughout this beautifully remodeled, single-level Arbolada home.

The welcoming, traditional design begins in the living room with a gas fireplace, built-in bookshelves and oak floors. This opens to the slate-floored dining room adjacent to the casual dining area and well-designed entertainer’s kitchen with granite counters and Miele, Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, including a wine cooler and bar refrigerator in the buffet.

A second fireplace and Jacuzzi soaking tub in the master suite makes this an ideal place to unwind at the end of the day, while the separate, 500 sq. ft. office offers the chance to finally work from home or write that novel.

Outdoor living areas include a gas fire pit, seating areas, a built-in BBQ, and a saltwater pool and spa with a baja landing.

There is also a 4-car garage, RV parking and guest parking.

This home offers far too many updates and upgrades to list here, so this truly is one that you must see to fully appreciate.

Just some of the features include:

1953 ranch-style, single-level home
Four bedrooms, three bathrooms
Two fireplaces
Wood and slate floors
Sub-Zero, Viking and Miele appliances
Wine cooler and bar refrigerator
Granite counter tops
Formal and casual dining
Two walk-in closets in master suite
Jacuzzi soaking tub in master bathroom
Separate, approximately 500-square-foot office
Two gated entries
Saltwater swimming pool with Baja shelf and spa
Gas fire pit
Built-in barbecue grill
Mature landscaping and oak trees
Raised, river rock garden beds
Four-car garage
RV parking with hookups
Guest parking
Walk or bike to downtown, schools, farmers market
Approximately 70 miles to Burbank

Learn more on the property information page, or contact Nora for a private showing!

This four-bedroom East Ventura home went into escrow quickly after coming on the market. While this one might be on its way to new owners, there are lots of other homes for sale that might be just what you are looking for! Contact Nora today to find your next dream home!

Features of this Ventura home include:

Four bedrooms, two bathrooms
Wood-burning fireplace
Breakfast bar
Two closets in master bedroom
Large closets in guest bedrooms
Tile shower-bathtub surrounds
Upgraded, double-pane windows
Private backyard
Patio
Two-car garage
Mature landscaping
Cul-de-sac location
Easy access to Foothill Road and Loma Vista Road
Easy access to Highway 126

If you are interested in selling or buying a home in the Ojai Valley or Ventura County area, call Nora today!

This is the type of home you have to see in order to take in all that it has to offer. To begin, a split staircase leads you to the guest wing or master wing where each of 5 bedrooms has an en suite bathroom, and one has a separate entrance and kitchenette for maid’s quarters or long-term guests.

In the master wing, the master suite features a jetted tub, dual-sink vanity, walk-in closet, linen closet, separate lav with bidet, balcony with mountain views, and a second bedroom that could be used as an office or nursery.

The unique kitchen has double ovens, island with produce sink and breakfast bar, desk, wine fridge, grilling station and walk-in pantry with a built-in espresso machine.

The main house also has 3 fireplaces, a sunken wet bar, formal dining room and office. The outdoor living area has a pool, kitchen with bar, bathroom, linen cabinet and a large patio with a pergola.

Additionally, there are on-grid solar panels, horse facilities and a 2-bedroom guest house with a garage.

Ojai Open House Details:

Date: Sunday, August 4
Time: 2:00 to 5:00pm
Location: 1577 Kenewa Street (off Creek Road)

Enjoy a cul-de-sac location and proximity to Hwy 126 from this four-bedroom home in the Kim-Wells neighborhood of East Ventura.

Most of the home is original, aside from the upgraded, double-pane windows and sliding glass door, which bathe the spacious rooms in natural light. Start your day at the breakfast bar between the kitchen and the dining room, then end your day relaxing in front of the living room fireplace.

A private backyard with a block wall, patio and plenty of room for a vegetable garden is a great place to entertain, while the two-car garage offers ample storage and a door leading directly to the kitchen to conveniently bring in groceries. Each bedroom has a large closet, plus a coat closet in the entry and two hall closets offer lots of extra storage.

This one has great potential as an investment property or add your personal touches to make it your forever home.

Homes in this popular neighborhood sell quickly, so don’t miss the chance to make this one yours!

Open House Details:

Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 1:00 to 4:00pm
Location: 366 Ridgeway Place in Ventura