When Your Dog Can Reach the Counters
If you have a tall dog, you know the struggle.
For the last few months, cooking with Levon has been a challenge. He’s curious, energetic, and always right where the food is. The biggest problem? He can reach the kitchen counters.
We tried training. We tried telling him to “lay” and “stay.” But the moment we turned our backs, he was back in the kitchen checking out whatever was on the counter.
One day I even found him standing on the stove licking a skillet. Thankfully it wasn’t hot, but that moment made me realize something needed to change. It wasn’t just annoying — it could be dangerous.
The Weekend Plan
Last week I was constantly jumping up from my computer to tell Levon to get down from the counters.
That’s when Conor came up with a plan.
He builds houses for a living, and he decided the best solution was simple: build gates for the kitchen.
Sometimes the best fixes at home are the practical ones.
Building Custom Kitchen Gates
Over the weekend, Conor built two custom gates for our kitchen.
Watching him work is always impressive. Craftsmanship like that doesn’t just appear overnight — it comes from years of building and problem-solving.
These gates weren’t just functional. They were made specifically for our space, and they instantly made our kitchen feel more organized and calm.
And most importantly, they keep Levon safe and out of trouble.
Adding Color to the Kitchen
Once the gates were built, it was my turn.
Our kitchen is colorful, and I love it that way. I’m slightly obsessed with Pioneer Woman kitchen pieces, and I grew up loving color in every space. It just makes life feel happier.
So we picked bright colors for the gates to match the rest of the kitchen.
Now they’re not just practical — they actually add to the space.
A Dog-Proof Kitchen (Finally)
The result?
A kitchen that finally feels dog-proof.
Levon can still watch us from the other side, but he’s no longer underfoot or climbing toward the counters.
We love it.
The children... not so much.
But sometimes the simplest projects at home end up making the biggest difference.
Watch the Full Project
I just finished the YouTube video about the whole project, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
You’ll get to see the gates, the painting process, and a little bit of the chaos that comes with life in our kitchen.
Ways You Can Support Our Dream
If you enjoyed this story and want to support what we’re building, there are a few simple ways you can help.
Shop Our Online Store
One of the best ways to support our work is by purchasing artwork from our online store. Every print helps us continue creating and sharing these moments from our life and adventures.
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Your likes, comments, and shares help more people discover our work.
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Buy Us a Coffee
If you simply want to support the work we’re doing, you can also buy us a coffee. It’s a small gesture that helps fuel early mornings, editing, and all the creativity in between.
However you choose to support us, we’re incredibly grateful you’re here and part of this journey.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support helps us keep creating, telling stories, and building a life filled with light, color, and meaning.
