Creature Comforts

Recently, I've ordered some new gear for the critters at the foster house and wanted to give props to a couple great companies!

Everyone with dogs probably knows KONG toys. And, because they are just the best, they are certainly not hurting for business. So, why give them props here? Because the company is super rescue friendly and offers "seconds" (products that are slightly damaged) at a reduced price to qualified rescuers. So, if you are with a rescue group, check them out at www.kongcompany.com, contact them and ask what they can do for you. Their customer service folks are super helpful and friendly. And, if you are not a rescue, but a dog owner, buy a KONG for your doggy! Yes, they are expensive, but they last forever and provide hours of entertainment for your critter. And you can spend the money knowing that the company you purchased it from is doing their best to help rescue critters everywhere and enhance their time in shelters!

When you have multiple critters, keeping dog and cat beds clean can be a challenge. I've spent so much money on fancy beds (it's kind of an obsession; I can't pass up a good deal on a cute critter bed, even when we don't really need one!). My bed purchases always end the same. We enjoy the bed for a while, but when it gets soiled, there isn't much you can do about it. Usually you can wash the shell, but eventually, when the insides get ruined one way or another, there's nothing left to do but toss the bed in the trash. It's such a waste!

I was searching the web for something indestructible and found Mollymutts.com. Their beds are pure genius! Molly Mutts sells "dog duvets," that allow you to stuff the bed yourself. You can use old towels, blankets or clothing to stuff the bed. Then, when your bed gets soiled, all you do is pull out the stuffing and throw the whole kaboodle into the washing machine! You can even purchase stuff bags so that you can pull out the beds insides in one piece and throw it in the wash that way. I ordered two (to start, I'm sure I'll get more) and they are fabulous! The patterns are adorable and the fabric is super tough. It's 100% (pre-shrunk) cotton, almost the thickness of canvas.

Even better, they are a fantastic company to work with. I ordered my beds and, without even asking, was credited 25% of the order because I do rescue. What company sends unsolicited gifts like that?! So, again, order a Molly Mutts bed and know that you are working with a company that happily helps homeless critters.

Need a non-fabric bed? Perhaps one for the inside of a crate, the back porch or just somewhere in the house? Try Kuranda! Shelters know these things have a long shelf life for the tortures dogs can but them through, but they also sell beds for home use, in pretty colors to match your decor. They have crate beds, regular beds, cat climber beds and, the one I am most coveting right now . . . bunk beds! Kuranda is another company that is very rescue friendly. Find your favorite rescue's website and look for the Kuranda photo and link. You can donate a bed directly to the shelter of your choice. It arrives fully assembled and ready for a critter to curl up on!