Despite our best training efforts, my family’s golden retriever, Lola, was destroying our kitchen entry door. Whenever someone came to visit, she’d leap up to look out the window, scratching up the wood in the process. As part of our kitchen remodel (“Fit for a Family,” FHB #255 pp. 30-35), I decided to design a custom kitchen door with full-height glass in four panels to allow in more sunlight and be more accommodating to Lola. The door was crafted by our cabinetmaker, Jim Picardi, with detailing to match the rest of the kitchen.
Not only does the new door let more southern light into the kitchen, but Lola no longer needs to put her paws up on the door to see outside. With glass at her eye height, she can watch visitors approach while keeping all paws firmly on the floor. As a bonus, she enjoys sleeping just inside the door on the slate floor, which is often warmed by sunlight coming in through the glass. It’s now her favorite spot in the house.
