5 Ways To Help Your Dog Feel Like They Belong

Helping new pets feel at home is a bit of an art form, and no one knows that better than Jane Pearson, owner and mastermind behind Janery, a designer pet bed company focusing on style, function, and ethical manufacturing. Inspired by her rescued dog, Charlie, Jane’s soft spot for animals now give pets a soft place to land–with pet beds pretty enough to place in every room.

She offers the following tips for helping your new dog feel welcome in their new home.

Embrace the form.

Dog beds get relegated to dark corners for lots of reasons, since they are traditionally kind of frumpy–and that’s putting it nicely. The more the bed looks and feels like a beautiful accessory in the space, the more your dog will feel like he belongs, too.

Keep it fresh.

If there’s one thing pet owners have in common, it’s a love of animals–and an aversion to a house that smells like them. Seek out beds with waterproof, odor-resistant liners and modern, washable, upholstery-weight fabrics that can withstand wear.  One way to make pets comfortable and welcome in every room is by providing a conveniently-placed bed that complements your decor, so they aren’t compelled to hang out on your furniture.

Find what fits their needs.

Pets come in different sizes and shapes, and they all sleep differently. If you are wondering how to find the right size dog bed, pay attention to their position. Some small dogs like to stretch, some big dogs like to curl into a small donut, and some dogs don’t like to sleep alone. Your dog’s weight is a good starting point for choosing the right bed, but his sleep shape matters just as much.

Create consistency.

Firm rules and structure help dogs know where they fit in and how to function happily in the family. Finding a dog bed that works–and sticking with it–gives your dog a sense of security. While cheaper, conventionally manufactured dog beds aren’t meant to last; the filling gets bunched, the seams rip, and most fabrics can’t be washed effectively. Think about how you’d feel if someone kept switching out your mattress just as you got comfortable–it’s not a great feeling.

Give some space.

While it’s important to help your pet feel at home, it’s just important to give them their own space. Give your new dog a stylish-yet-functional dog bed next to a couch or tucked in the corner, so pets are close enough where they feel like they are in on the action, but far enough away to get a rest if they need it. Lightweight washable pet mats can also help cover sofas and chairs for pets who are invited up.

Of course, even if you find the perfect dog bed and put it in the perfect spot, it may take some time for your dog to make an instant connection to your home. Rest assured, this transition phase will pass, and it won’t be long before you–and your dog–can’t remember a time when you didn’t belong together.

JJ’s Journey: A Story of Heroes and Heart

JJ is a 7-year-old golden retriever female who is a Therapy, Hospice, and Crisis Response dog. She’s prone to sassiness and constantly in search of bacon, while often confused by those who meet her with a male Irish Setter of unknown origin, despite wearing flowers on her collar. Tracy Calhoun has been a hospice nurse for 23 years and JJ works three days each week alongside her at an inpatient hospice facility, providing comfort to patients, families, staff, and volunteers. In 2015, a short video of JJ’s work at hospice went viral, sharing the power of the human-animal bond with people across the world.

End of life is a difficult topic for anyone to discuss, and stories including animals can be a more non-threatening bridge to the conversation that everyone will eventually need to face. On JJ’s social media venues, Tracy balances heart wrenching stories with more lighthearted moments in a way to reach out and support not only families we have served in hospice, but the general public. JJ also is a Crisis Response K9, responding to national and local crises offering support and comfort.

In 2016, Tracy was approached to write a book of stories involving JJ, her hospice work, and day to day life. These include stories ofwork and play that make you smile, laugh, and cry. "JJ's Journey: A Story of Heros and Heart" was released in October 2017.

It was during the time of writing these stories that JJ was diagnosed with lymphoma. Even during treatment, she has taught everyone she touches how dogs embody the concept of living in the moment. No one has told her she has a life limiting disease, so she continues to live life with zest and work at her second home. Her motto has become “Barke Diem,” a dog’s take on Carpe Diem, meaning seize the day. She has inspired thousands to take on the same approach to day to day life, no matter the victories or challenges.

Click here to learn more about JJ's incredible journey

Unfortunately, on December 29, 2017, JJ lost her battle with Lymphoma. While Tracy and so many others are heartbroken, her incredible legacy lives on with donations in her name to The Morris Animal Foundation. The Morris Animal Foundation is a non-profit organization that invests in science that makes the world a brighter place for animals and those who love them. Click here to donate in JJ's name. 

‘Make the Days Count’: BuddyRest Partners with Grey Muzzle to Provide Hospice Care for Senior Dogs

Every senior dog deserves the chance to live out their final days in comfort and surrounded by love. Yet many senior dogs are not that fortunate. Grey Muzzle's hospice fund is changing that. BuddyRest is pleased to announce a $2,500 matching donation to support The Grey Muzzle Organization's 'Make the Days Count' campaign which is raising money to support desperately needed hospice programs for senior dogs who have only months, weeks, or days to live. 

"We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid," says Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, "and this campaign is moving us a step closer to realizing that vision." As part of the campaign Grey Muzzle is sharing hospice stories and providing information on end-of-life care. The goal is to increase awarenes of hospice-related resources and raise $5,000 to help make hospice a reality for senior dogs in need. 

BuddyRest is delighted to partner with The Grey Muzzle Organization and support this campaign. Trevor Crotts said…"It's easy for us to partner with such a tremendous organization with a cause close to our hearts. We are happy to provide amazing support for Senior dogs with our orthopedic beds, in addition to supporting high impact organizations like Grey Muzzle". 

About BuddyRest

Since 2011, BuddyRest has utilized innovative design and top-quality construction to develop products that improve the lives of animals and make life easier for pet parents. Their award winning dog beds are designed to eliminate painful pressure points and are Veterinarian Recommended to promote joint health in all animals. 

About The Grey Muzzle Organization

Since it began about ten years ago, The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded more than $1 million in grants to 108 nonprofit organizations in 32 states. These grants provide senior dogs with medical and dental care, adoption, foster and hospice programs, and assistance to prevent them from being surrendered to shelters, among other lifesaving programs. 

To donate or learn more, please visit greymuzzle.org and buddyrest.com 

How to Choose the Best Dog Bed

Brought to you by BuddyRest 

With so many dog beds on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Selecting the
right dog bed for the buddy in your life is an important decision – and one which shouldn't be taken
lightly.

A great dog bed will last a lifetime, and can hugely improve your dog's quality of life. But the truth is
that not all dog beds are created equal.

In this post, we will share our top tips for choosing a dog bed that will stand the test of time, support
your dog's health, and provide a cozy resting place that they'll just love.

So, let's get started …

Comfort

Just like humans, dogs need a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Here are some pointers to help you choose a bed that's comfortable – and will stay that way:

Match the bed to your dog's size – Before buying a bed, measure your dog from nose to tail with a tape measure to ensure they'll have plenty of space to stretch out. For dogs that prefer to curl up, you may want to choose a bed with raised and cushioned edges that cradle your dog and provide security.

Choose a bed constructed from high-quality materials – A good bed should provide adequate cushioning that protects your dog from the hard floor. High-quality modern fabrics retain their shape, preventing the bed from flattening down after regular use.

Consider your dog's individual needs – If you live in a colder climate, or own a dog that chills easily, a partially enclosed bed will help keep them warm. Many dogs – especially long-haired breeds – have the opposite problem. They tend to overheat, so choose a bed that's open and made of a material that stays cool, even in summer.

Support

Proper support is very important to your dog's health. Bigger dogs in particular can suffer from
painful arthritis and joint problems that can shorten their lifespan if left untreated.

As dogs age they become susceptible to joint problems and stiffness in their limbs. The best way to
avoid this is by providing a bed that offers excellent support as early on in your dog's life as possible.

That's why orthopedic beds are such a great solution for all canine companions. They're designed to
support the joints, back, and overall body, keeping your dog fit and healthy. It is important to note that Orthopedic or memory foam dog beds are not just for old dogs. All dogs can benefit from having a pressure free support and it is a great proactive measure since most dogs will end up with joint problems.

The highest quality modern dog beds are made from real visco elastic memory foam which conforms
to your pet's body and redistributes their weight evenly across the bed. With standard memory
foam, the weight of the animal's body causes them to sink too far into the bed, causing pressure
points and overheating.

A truly orthopedic bed should provide the following:

• Excellent support for the whole body
• Straight spinal alignment
• Soothing pressure relief

Durability

As we mentioned earlier, a high-quality bed will last throughout your dog's lifetime. Look for top
quality materials that are resistant to abrasion and chewing. Smaller details such as tough stitching
and hidden zippers are signs of craftsmanship and durability.

Cheap dog beds can stain easily and become smelly. When selecting a dog bed, choose a material
that's resistant to stains and odors. Antibacterial fabrics can considerably extend the lifespan of the
bed. They also help keep your dog safe from allergens and harmful canine skin diseases caused by
mold and bacterial growth.

Other Premium Features to Consider

Waterproof Material – Waterproof material increases the durability and longevity of a dog bed and makes cleaning up easy when accidents happen.
Removable Covers – A high-quality dog bed will rarely need washing, but when you do need to freshen up your dog's bed, a removable cover will make the job a whole lot easier!

The BuddyRest Difference

BuddyRest orthopedic dog beds are carefully designed and manufactured with the principles of
comfort, support, and durability in mind. We believe they're the very best orthopedic dog beds
available anywhere, and we're sure your dog will agree!

But don't just take our word for it. Visit our homepage to read real verified reviews from some of our
happy customers.

Here's a reminder of what you can expect from ALL our BuddyRest dog beds:

• Real memory foam
• Support foam
• 100% made in the USA
• 10-year warranty
• Waterproof cover
• Stays clean
• Hypo allergenic
• Chew resistant
• Temperature regulated

If you'd like to find out how our beds measure up to the competition, check out our handy comparision chart:

You can also learn more about the differences by clicking here! 

This article originally appeared on BuddyRest.com 

This Fan from Gunner Kennels Works Hard for Your Dog

We started this company to protect your pet, and it continues to be at the heartbeat of everything we do. That’s why the G1™ Fan Kit has been a priority – and in the making for more than a year.

Many of the activities that we all love to do during these hot summer months include…. Well, heat. And that presents a problem – especially for highly active dogs. We’ve been working, like always, to solve problems and find better ways to protect your dog.

G1™ Fan Kit

Our new high-powered fan was engineered to help keep your dog cool while the kennel remains stationary, and operates on a rechargeable battery thatlasts up to 6 hours on one charge. We designed this product in similar fashion to our G1™ series: rugged craftsmanship that’s high-quality, durable and incorporates features for your convenience – like the all stainless-steel mounting hardware and custom cam levers that make it easy to safely secure it to the crate. 

Plus this thing is weatherproof, able to work in adverse conditions while being utilized in the bed of your truck. And although we never recommend leaving your dog unattended for long periods of time, we can say our G1™ Fan Kit will significantly improve ventilation (especially when stationary) for your four-legged friend.

Your dog works hard for you – this fan works hard for your dog.