All Things Dog Blog

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

With Tanner looking at age 7 next year, I'm starting to think about his hips with some proactive measures. I've kept him active and lean. He swims regularly, which is supposed to be the best exercise for a Retriever's hips. The other important consideration has been to add a few extra dog beds to all the spots he frequents. Yes, I'm beginning to look like a pet industry representative. :) How does Pet Beds R Us sound to you?

Just recently I met a local entrepreneur who has started a very inspired new pet bed company. Frustrated by the fact that the inside of most pet beds cannot be washed, Stan saw an opening in the market. He created the Wash 'n Zip Pet Bed to allow for the washing of the complete bed, inside and out. Read on to find out more about how he did this.

If you've had a puppy in training or a senior dog with their own wetness issues, you're already aware of why this is so important. As our dogs age, they have more tummy upsets and those occasional embarrassing moments when they don't make it up and off the bed in time. A washable bed is essential during these years, allowing owners to quickly and easily make the bed usable for the next naptime. No more air drying in the sun for hours before foam rubber is finally dry----urgh!

Building on the sleeping bag idea, Stan added a zipper that goes completely around the openings, assuring that no edges are available for chewing or other pet mischief. He added extra padding to give the beds plenty of support, stitching it in place like a quilt, to assure it stays put for many years of washing.

Both the small and the medium beds fold over twice to bolster up to a truly cushy bed. I asked myself about the difference between the cushion in the small and medium compared to that of the large and extra large. What I found is that Stan apparently went a step further with padding, making the two larger sizes plenty comfortable and supportive, while still easily washable in your home washing machine.

Stan provided me with a Wash 'n Zip bed for each of my boys to review. I've taken my time, giving them the once over. I wanted to see how the extra large took to my washing machine, and sure enough, it came out clean and looking like new.

Want to learn more? Check out Wash 'n Zip on Facebook and Twitter to ask your questions and see what others are saying. They were a big hit at last weekend's AKC National Championship.

During the past two months, a number of my other reviews and photos have showed off the Wash'nZip Pet Bed. I've gotten emails asking about the animal print model, as well as where I got such a large bed for Tanner, my tall, lanky Golden. Wash 'n Zip's ad is in my sidebar. Feel free to visit them anytime. Before I roll with the giveaway, you may want to watch this quick video that shares the story of the creation of Wash'nZip.

Ready to win a small animal print bed for your little one? This bed is 24 inches wide by 18 inches deep. Oliver has enjoyed testing it out and modeling on it. Now it can be yours. Enter on the rafflecopter below. If it's playing go fetch again, just click on the post title and it will return the entry form to your feet. Sorry for any confusion; it's a fussy little form.

Entries will be accepted beginning Friday, December 21 and running through Thursday, January 10. Winners will be announced late on Friday, January 11. Good luck and Happy New Year to you all.

Wash'nZip Pet Beds provided us with 2 beds to review. In this giveaway, I am offering the small animal print one to an appropriately sized pet. Make sure that your dog can use a bed that is 24" x 18". It cannot be replaced. The comments in this review are completely my own; I was not paid to provide this review.