Thursday, September 25, 2014

DoggyStyle: On the Dog Bed That's Perfect for People, But Not for Dogs

While we've always been fans of using alternative decor as dog beds, as our dogs have been getting older we thought we'd invest in some good structured beds to keep them comfortable as they age.
We asked all of you for advice for good beds, and we heard so many great recommendations (here)

We will have some beds coming soon, but since our new home has 3 levels (so many stairs!) we've also been looking to have something comfortable on each level so they don't have to walk as much.
And real dog beds can be so pricy!
I thought it was my lucky day when I discovered 2 beautiful Fatboy Marimekko Doggielounge beds in just their size on Craigslist. These beds had never been used, they were only used as props in a photoshoot with children, and while they tout all this state-of-the art technology, normally retail for around $180 each (!!), I was able to get them for $50 each. 
Did I mention these beds were really beautiful?
Fatboy is an upscale design company that specializes in making really fancy--meaning expensive--human beanbag lounge chairs. The thing I really liked about their Doggielounger brand was that it uses a nylon cover that is really easy to clean and is water-resistant so we had the option of bringing them out on our deck. They are filled with beanbag pellets and the idea is that they conform to the shape of the dog giving extra support and comfort.
And have I mentioned how really beautiful they are? These are beds I don't mind leaving out.
So they had everything we wanted, but it turns out these beds are not so perfect for dogs.
The beanbag pellets actually make it hard for the pups to get comfortable. Especially poor Mr. B. He spends a lot of time trying to adjust his bed but when he steps inside the bed it becomes rock hard. Then, because it's made of the nylon material, he starts sliding off. A couple of times he ended up on the floor or just in really uncomfortable positions. Did you notice in the top photo how he's desperately trying to hold on? He did end up sliding off just after that photo was taken.
So while we were really excited about these, they turned out to be not so perfect (but still beautiful!).
Since the pellets are housed in a separate bag, we are going to try finding a separate type of insert that will be more comfortable and it won't shift as much once they climb in. 
Stay tuned as the pups try more beds to find one that's 'just right'.

Also:
I didn't think they were comfortable, but this is what Mr. B always lays on.
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12 comments:

vmail said...

Perhaps a large fabric / craft store (ex: JoAnn Fabrics) has a foam insert in a size that would fit those beautiful dog bed covers? Or maybe try an upholstery store?

Shelly said...

I've found some great beads at Sam's Club, believe it or not! However, I can also recommend this one.. it's a hunk of memory foam.. that's it. It comes with a waterproof cover and then two outer covers.. one in a denim and one is a brushed cotton type so you can wash one and use the other. They come in different sizes. I got the extra large for my 80 lb shepherd mix who is 14.5 years old and deals with joint issues. It's also a good size for my Pit Bull and my Dalmatian/Border Collie

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E3EC9M/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Annie & Pauls Mom said...

Have you looked at the foam inserts that LL bean sells? Just an idea. I'm also thinking some blond wigs for GoldyB and GoldyM as they try to find the beds that are "just right"

Unknown said...

I am a huge Marimekko fan, so I can see this type of scenario would happen to me. As soon as I invest financially and decoratively, my pibble just says no to the charming vignette I visualized. The hideous fleece blanket in the teddy bear print is apparently doggie cloud nine, though...

Unknown said...
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EttersMerchantile said...

I've never used their products for a dog bed but I have for couch cushions that a dog chewed up to make more comfortable for himself and as a filler for a teens bean bag chair. They have many different densities available. http://www.thefoamfactory.com/

Unknown said...

I've used foam egg-carton-type mattress covers, folded up, in the past. You can double or triple them to fit inside the cover, the dogs seem to like laying on them, and you can generally buy them for a pretty reasonable price.

Unknown said...

It sounds like they are overfilled with pellets...have you tried taking some of the stuff out?

Two French Bulldogs said...

Those are pretty cool beds. You are a pretty good negotiator as far as price
Lily & Edward

Rachel @ My Two Pitties said...

I snagged several memory foam bed toppers for free on Craigslist and cut them to size to put in our Target bed covers. Since yours are thicker, maybe you could do the same and stack 2 or 3 pieces to make it fill the cover. I've never met a dog who doesn't love memory foam and it's so great for those creaky joints!

liliana876 said...

I wonder if sanding the top of the bed would help Mr. B not slide, but then the bed might not look as nice.

I think memory foam would be great!

Elizabeth Flores said...
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