A few decades ago, family pets slept in a laundry basket with the sides cut down for easy entrance and a fluffy, washable cushion inside. They may not be particularly attractive, but they were functional, and dogs never complained.
Nowadays, however, the name of the game is finding unique dog beds and other accessories. Did you know you could buy your pampered friend a Windsor canopy bed, a fancy pink-feathered sofa and even a stretch limousine? You could also find a bed made of special orthopedic foam that will cushion your dog's joints and keep him feeling young well into his senior years.
The problem with these unique dog beds is that none are free - or even cheap. To put your doggy in a unique bed of his own, you'll shell out the equivalent of one or two car payments. This article suggests ways to find unique dog beds at prices that won't break the bank.
Finding a Unique Dog Bed Step 1: Do Your Research
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Just for now, pretend that the sky's the limit and look high and low for the unique dog bed. Websites you might want to try include www.glamourdog.com, http://spoiledrottendoggies.com, and www.theritzyrover.com. Find the absolute bed of your dreams. Once you¡¯ve got it, then it's time to start compromising.
Finding a Unique Dog Bed Step 2: Check Discount Sites
A Mammoth round bed for large dogs can cost $100 or more. A PetSmart bed designed for the same size dog is only around $40. No, you probably won't get all the choices in colors and shapes that you would through the designer, but your dog will get a bed that meets the unique needs of his size, and in the end that's what's really important.
If you're tickled by the idea of dogs sleeping on real-looking furniture, zip over to Petco.com and get your dog an iron bed frame or a spindle bed for about $200 less than you'd pay at a designer site.
Other sites to check out include www.petmarket.com, www.cheappetstore.com, and even www.amazon.com.
Finding a Unique Dog Bed Step 3: Check the Auction Sites
If you're still committed to the idea of seeing your dog sleeping in his own limo or basking on a pink frilly bed with a canopy, online auction sites can help you realize your dreams at a fraction of the cost of designer sites. Although availability and prices are quick to change on auction sites, eBay and such sites can get you a unique pink canopy dog beds for under $25, and a small pet "catillac" (also appropriate for dogs) selling for less than $15.
Finding a Unique Dog Bed Step 4: Make it Yourself
If you're at all handy with a needle and threat, you can make your dog his dream bed. Patterns and instructions for making dog beds can be found on www.sewing.org and www.twocraftyladies.com. Making your own dog bed frees you to select almost any color or fabric in the store (as long as it's washable). Moreover, you'll never have to worry that your pet has the exact same bed as the dog next door.
Choosing a unique bed for your pet dog should be a fun experience that doesn't end in bankruptcy. These suggestions let your creative side run free while paying attention to the practical side that manages your bank account.
