Yellow Labrador Retriever Barney is a little over a year old. He has a picture-perfect face, a sweet temperament, and knows how to sit, stay and come on command.
Twice a day, Barney eats California Natural dry dog food, with a Wellness Pure Rewards Jerky Bit chaser, washed down with filtered water. Barney also eats his bed.
In his short life, Barney has consumed four dog beds.
Bed #1
The first bed was a pricey monogrammed nest carefully chosen for its durability, level of comfort, and coordination with the decor of the house. Sometime during his first night with the bed, Barney discovered a loose thread near its zipper. By morning, the bed was virtually unrecognizable. Owner reaction: horrified.
Bed #2
Barney’s owners thought perhaps the destruction was a fluke, a one-time occurrence resulting from boredom or lack of exercise. They bought him another bed, not an expensive Orvis, but one they found online that was touted as “tear-resistant.” This time, it took Barney several days to find a weak seam and work it open. Owner reaction: frustration.
Bed #3
Somewhat chastened but still willing to give Barney the benefit of the doubt – plus they could not imagine having him sleep on the bare floor – his owners purchased an inexpensive replacement from PetSmart. Overnight, Barney easily shredded the bed into gummy wads of fabric and fluff. Owner reaction: resigned.
Bed #4
In a “Duh” moment, his owners recognized that Barney had an appetite for canvas and foam rubber, and stopped purchasing beds. They bought an indoor/outdoor floor mat with a rubberized bottom from Walmart, and checked it thoroughly for errant threads. There were none. Despite their vigilance, Barney found that he could tuck a corner of the mat between his molars and get a satisfying chew that way. Owner reaction: call a trainer.
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