Where do you like to do your holiday shopping? Oh, sorry — is it too early to be asking that question? Well then, let’s pretend you don’t have a long list of people, and possibly dogs, for whom to buy gifts in the next few weeks. Let’s talk about shopping in general.
When I’m hunting for Ace-related products, there are a few places I like to check routinely. Even though the big box pet stores often have what I’m looking for, sometimes I want something unique, something that’s a little different and that makes me feel good when I buy it. I like to go to locally-owned pet stores for that reason.
However, nothing rivals the selection you get when shopping online. So what’s the online equivalent of shopping at a small business? You can put a lot of effort into searching for folks selling original dog products, or you can check out websites that showcase original and handmade products, like Etsy.
Recently, I received a message from Tanya Rock Malkon at WagBagzzz Pet Beds, a new company selling handmade dog beds through Etsy and also on its own website. She fearlessly suggested Dogster sample one of their beds. How cool is that? Of course I was excited to test-drive their unique concept of a dog bed. As she writes on her website, Tanya noticed her dogs liked to cuddle in her kids’ beanbag chairs, so she created beds that are squishy and deep. She also wanted the removable duvet covers to be machine washable and stylish.
WagBagzzz are available in four sizes. Ace and I sampled the large size ($90), which measures 36x36x14 inches. The small size ($44) measures 22x22x11, medium measures 28x28x12 ($65), and extra large is 45x45x14 ($120). We chose the blue diamond duvet pattern, which is 100% cotton and quite soft, yet sturdy (you also have the option to order a duvet made from a plush, fuzzy material). The pattern is accurately represented in the photo: a nice deep blue with dark blue piping around the edges. I am an amateur seamstress and I can tell you that the duvet and interior bag are well made. Also, the fabric is printed (and, of course, made into a bed) in the U.S.A. Replacement duvet covers range from $25-$55 depending upon size.
I washed the duvet according to WagBagzzz’s instructions (cold wash with a mild detergent, air dry), and put the wash on a delicate cycle just to be safe. The duvet did not shrink at all. Because of the nice, long zipper that traverses the bottom of the duvet, it was easier than I expected to stuff the fluffy interior sack back into the duvet.
And wow, when I say fluffy, I mean super fluffy! This bed truly is unique in that respect. The interior is filled with what appears to be shredded foam, like the kind used to stuff chair cushions. This stuffing is ingenious, because it means the bed conforms to your dog’s body when she lies in it and bounces back when she gets up.
Ace immediately took to this bed, which is actually a bit of a surprise. She has this one bed that we got her when she was a brand new little baked potato of a puppy, but other beds she’s not too crazy about. She either ignores them or, in the case of one unfortunate bed, urinates on them while making eye contact with me as if to say, Nope!
The large bed is 14 inches high, which is almost taller than Ace’s head. This didn’t seem to faze her, and she climbed onto it easily. The bed is large enough for her to stretch out, and it becomes like a nest when she curls into a ball in its center.
In a size large, this bed takes up more room than other dog beds I’ve owned for little Ace. If you have a small apartment like I do, finding room for the bed could be a challenge.
However, something I noticed shortly after Ace got out of the bed for the first time is that the WagBagzzz also cuddles an adult human body fairly well. Ace looked so comfy on that bed that I decided to give it a try. Then my roommates and friends gave it a try, also. We decided to make space for the WagBagzzz in the living room, not only for Ace but also for human lounging (sorry Ace). In a way, the bed has come full circle: inspired by a child’s beanbag chair, this dog bed is beanbag chair-like enough for the dog’s lazy owner. It’s certainly prettier than any beanbag chair I’ve ever seen!
Dogster Scorecard for WagBagzzz Pet Beds:
Quality: The materials are soft and durable, and the bed is well constructed.
Function: The bed was as squishy and comfy as it looks in the photos, and the duvet washed up nicely.
Style: I love the blue diamonds duvet cover pattern, but you can choose from multiple other prints and fabrics.
Creativity: Tanya noticed her dogs loved her kids’ beanbag chairs, so she fashioned a whole new kind of dog bed for our dogs to enjoy.
Value: At $45 to $120 for a handmade dog bed, I think this is an incredible deal.
Bottom line:
WagBagzzz Pet Beds are a great example of what you get when you shop at small companies: an innovative, unique dog product you can feel good about buying.
Dogster readers, where do you go for unique dog products? Share your recommendations in the comments section below.
About Ace’s Mama: This East Coast transplant enjoys the bounty of San Francisco, including its microclimates, farmer’s markets, and secret stairway walks. When she’s not walking with, talking about, or kissing the face of her Boston Terrier, Ace, she blogs about Ace’s adventures. Product reviews writer and guinea pig at Dogster.
