DIY Network

Introducing Tattoo and Elvis From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-108

Tattoo and Elvis are headed 'west.'

This is Tattoo and Elvis. Their owners are roommates Claire Newhouse and Amanda Grizzanti. Amanda and Claire have just moved into a new home and need help getting Tattoo and Elvis settled in. The new place has a great fenced yard, so the guys will be spending a lot more time outside. That's where the Barkitecture crew comes in. Dr. Karen and Kenny will help by giving tips on the dogs' care and create a stylish new home for Tattoo and Elvis.

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Tattoo and Elvis

Tattoo and Elvis are brothers, twins to be exact. They are mixed breeds, but appear to have a little springer spaniel and Labrador in them.

Dr. Karen Tobias and Kenny Alfonso are on deck to help transition Tattoo and Elvis to their new environment. Dr. Karen will offer some helpful advice and tips to Claire and Amanda for introducing them to their new home. Kenny will build Tattoo and Elvis a funky and functional doghouse.

A Wild West town will be perfect for these cowboys!

Wild West Town Plans

Elvis and Tattoo have been using a store bought, heavy duty plastic lawnmower shed for their house. It's functional, waterproof but not very aesthetically appealing. Claire and Amanda made an investment in the structure, so Kenny is going to use the shed in his design. The roommates have also made investments in cowboy outfits for Tattoo and Elvis. This little bit of information gave Kenny an idea!

How about an old Wild West town? Can't you just see "Tattoo's Saloon" and "Elvis' General Store" in the backyard? All Kenny has to do is design the storefront and attach it to the existing plastic shed. It will look great!

Kenny will use four 2x4 pieces of lumber and one 1x12 for the frame, then bolt the frame to the front of the shed. To get that old west feel, he will use salvage planks as the front exterior. Kenny will buy very little new wood and mainly use recycled wood. After attaching the planks to the frame with a nail gun, he will paint the general store and make some awesome signs. Tattoo and Elvis can then head west to their new home on the range.

Barkitecture Tidbits:

• Springer spaniels are members of the sporting dog group which also includes retrievers and pointers. Springers became popular with American hunters during the 1700's.

• Springer spaniels can get matted hair inside and behind their ears. Use clippers to trim the hair. Springers also have a tendency towards long hair between their paw pads than can pick up debris. Be sure to use scissors and clip the hair on the bottom of the feet.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com