March 18, 2014

Window Film Success and A Terrier Sees A Mouse


Happy Ruby Tuesday! I'm back to report on the window film results and tell the tale of a terrier's encounter with a mouse.  It was both frustrating and amusing that the entire day of the window film project, Ruby was occupied not with the front window, but with the patio! I was lucky to have my handy dad's help (okay, he did it all) with this venture.  I'm a very visual and creative person but measuring and cutting straight edges are not among my best skills.  We began with a trip to Home Depot, and took turns peering through the window film samples until deciding on the simplest (and least expensive) option: Etched Glass.  It looks like ordinary frosted glass without a lot of texture.  Surprisingly, it seemed to distort the view more than any of the colorful or decorative designs. We also picked up a squeegee and a spray bottle.  The entire project cost about $75.00 for one large window.  

That same day, before my dad arrived, I heard Ruby barking and whining at the sliding glass door that leads to my patio.  I went downstairs to investigate, and found a mouse crouched outside on the doormat.  Ruby was dancing around, pawing at the glass and crying, wanting more than anything to be let outside to unleash her terrier mousing talents.  Finally the mouse ran off, so I let her out to sniff around, which she did very thoroughly, then spent the rest of the day laying by the door willing her rodent entertainment back.  I'm of course hoping that she scared it and all of its friends off for good! 

It took my dad about an hour to install the window film in two pieces.  Most of the time was spent securing the edges and dispersing any air bubbles with the squeegee.  We were both surprised at how effective it was.  My window is now just a rectangle of ambient light from outside, even the outlines of things are blurred beyond recognition.  Ruby was funny the first time she jumped onto the back of the sofa to look out - she kept moving her head in the way she does to move the curtains out of the way, even though the curtains were open, then looking at us with a puzzled expression.  She quickly jumped back down and returned to mouse duty.  It is a little strange to lose my view of the landscaping between the buildings, and Ruby will miss her rabbit-and-squirrel watching, but it will be well worth the loss of perpetual vigilance and the residual stress for both of us every time a dog goes by.  I highly recommend the window film as an affordable management solution for reactivity! 

Ruby really enjoys my dad's visits: an extra tug partner and someone to keep her company while I run weekend errands.  On Sunday I dropped off a large donation of dog and cat food to Ruby's rescue, Colorado Animal Welfare League and went to an Irish Step-dancing performance.  A new dog has come in to Eskie Rescue, a 7 year old female, so we might be meeting her soon - stay tuned!

12 comments:

  1. Yay! I think I'm going to walk through our townhouse complex this week and see if anyone else has their above-door windows covered. This might be a great choice, because it's impossible to mount any kind of curtain hardware up there. I don't know *why* the HOA would care, since you can't see those windows until you're right next to the door, but something tells me that they do.

    Silas loves my parents, too. It's so sweet, since he is uncomfortable with most people. I wish it weren't so hard for them to travel--I'd have them come dog sit here.

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    1. The film is easy to take down if you had to - I think it'd be worth a try! Especially since the choice is between that and potential barking.

      It's great to have my dad so close. I wish so much my mom could have met Ruby - they'd have loved each other.

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    2. FYI - Ive used shelf lining for window film. I found some at Walmart that have the same "foggy" effect and Its incredibly cheaper. It may not work for a large window like you are talking about, but it worked great for a 12 inch window on the side of my front door. Also a bathroom window so my neighbors did'nt get a free show! :)

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  2. I hope the window film continues to work. I'm sure Ruby will appreciate the chance not to be so vigilant.

    Of course you definitely have me thinking about adopting a terrier. We have occasional rat visitors and Honey the pacifist golden retriever just watched as a particularly bold one sauntered down the hallway.

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  3. Wow, what a great idea for the window film. I would have never thought of that. I'll be interested to see how it goes. Riley is constantly up in the front window, and a lot of barking happens when she sees anything go by (people, dogs, squirrels, birds, the wind, nothing, etc...).

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    1. I've been able to keep the curtains open to let light in all week, and Ruby has lost interest in even trying to look out. It's remarkable how much the view is obscured. I'm so glad I gave it a try!

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  4. Great solution! In our old house we had a big bay window that caused similar ruckus when dogs were walked by that we also covered with Etched Glass! It worked wonders. In fact, when we found our current house I was happy to find it didn't have any big windows facing the street. :)

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  5. I want to hear more about the Irish Dance! ;)

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  6. I love that idea so much! If we end up back in our Indiana house, I'm totally going to use it for our front window!!

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  7. Poor Ruby -- she won’t be able to see her pals through your glass door! Haha! Anyway, the advantage of adding some window film is that there will be no more scratches on the glass because the film will protect it from Ruby’s paws. I hope she’s enjoying her new company. Thanks for sharing!

    Greg Arnett

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  8. Measuring the cuts can be tough and even sort of a bother. But I guess that's part of the elegance and usefulness of getting these films as rolls than as pre-set, so we can tailor-made them into any situation, frame or shape. It’s great your father was there to help you out with the rest of the installation. Anyway, I hope you’re still enjoying those window films today. Cheers!

    Christie Goodwin @ Window Enhancements LLC

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