They say a dog is man’s best friend, and well we couldn’t agree more. Both Christine and I love our dogs so much, that we’ve decided to add a new category just for pets. Are you like us and celebrate their birthdays? Hang stockings for them at Christmas? Do you love to score your furry friend a little treat every now and again? If your answers are YES, YES & YES, then we hope you will discover some new finds and great ideas within our pet posts.
Toys Toys Toys!
I love seeing Puck (my Golden Retriever) play with her dog toys. The only problem is that other than a Kong, it is difficult to find toys that she doesn’t destroy. That is until I came across Fluff & Tuff Dog Toys. I first noticed the adorable stuffed creatures at a local pet store. Walter Rabbit was staring me in the face and practically jumped into my cart, so I knew I had to give them a try. As soon as I arrived home and pulled Walter out of the bag, Puck was all over him. My normally wild child was holding the rabbit in her mouth like she had found a new friend. Puck and Walter were basically inseparable. I had to sneak Walter away to wash and get him back to Puck as quick as possible. (Oh, did I mention these toys wash up beautifully?)
Christine’s dogs, Seamus (a Cairn Terrier) and Finn (a Golden Retriever) also love the toys. One of their favorites is the Albert the Monkey. In fact, the toys are so loved that one or the other jealously guards them and then the daily tug-of-war happens. Walter Rabbit , Albert the Monkey and Edsel the Elephant have all been part of the toy lineup for months and all are still in great condition.
Fluff & Tuff Story
Out of curiosity, I did a little research to see how Fluff & Tuff toys were constructed. I discovered that they are not about being indestructible and while durability is an important part of their equation, the real magic of Fluff & Tuff is in the actual mouth-feel for the dogs. The toys are made from high quality, ultra-plush fabric and instead of cheap canvas and hard edges, Fluff & Tuff toys are made with double-stitched folded seams. They have securely stitched eyes, long-lasting squeakers (encased in sewn fabric pouches) and a thick mesh liner to reinforce the outer fabric. All of these details make the toys last longer, but they also make them much more fun for dogs to chew, chase or cuddle.
Giving Back
Also in my research, I learned about the owners Ellen & Chris – they seem amazing. I say this because they have a bunch of giving back programs! During the month of June, they run a program called #igiveafluff. If you share a photo of your dog with their favorite Fluff & Tuff toy on instagram with the hashtag #igiveafluff, they donate a toy on your dog’s behalf. And each holiday season, they design a limited edition Holiday Charity Toy. The toy is available from October through January and 100% of the profits are donated through their Fluff & Tuff Charitable Foundation. I LOVE this as much as I love the toys!
Research & Development
I was also introduced to some of their support staff. In Research & Development, there’s Georgia and Harry, two highly trained canine experts. Each brings to the table years of field research with specific experience in the area of dog behavior as it relates to “dog toys.”
(I think Puck will be putting in her application for a part-time position)
Here are a few of our other favorites:
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give us unconditional love.
For me they are the role model for being alive.” – Gilda Radner
