First issue!
Best of FDL 9/21-9/27: Tough crate pads, birthday celebrations, joring boots, beloved Bissell vacuum
Hi everybody! 👋 Welcome to the first issue of the FDL newsletter! Bear with me as I learn this new platform (Substack) and figure out the best way to curate the weekly content.
The idea here is that there is so much info in the FDL Facebook group (6,400 members, 25-35 posts a day) and it’s increasingly difficult to find/see things on Facebook (not to mention just needing a break during all this 2020 drama), so a weekly newsletter summing up the best ideas, product recommendations, upcoming events, etc. would be useful.
(Thanks to Bob R. for the photo!)
Crate pads for chewers
What type of inexpensive crate pad do you recommend for a chewer?
The biggest piece of advice: nothing
If he chews them up, he shouldn’t get anything in his crate. It’s a privilege to have nice things and when they destroy them, they don’t get them.
I wouldn’t put anything in his crate, that's asking for an obstruction
Nothing until they are out of chewing stage. Not safe for them
Other ideas:
Primo pads with tie-downs (I’ve personally used Primo pads - they aren’t indestructible but they hold up pretty well…just make sure you clean underneath them regularly! It can get seriously gross under there.)
Thick horse stall mat (have fun cutting it up!)
Spoiling your dog on its birthday
There were several posts about how to celebrate your dog’s birthday (I have 11 dogs so mine are lucky if I even remember their birthday…but kudos to everyone who celebrates in style).
(Thanks to Rachel T. for the photo!)
Of course no birthday is complete without treats. These were the top-recommended dog cake bakeries:
Other ideas:
“Dog sports and extra raw meat or a full can of wet food”
Private parties (at the local feed store, renting an agility building, swim party)
Photoshoot
Best canine boots (for joring)
What the hell is “joring” do you ask? I did some quick research and it’s when a dog pulls a person along (on skis, bike, skateboard, etc.) I just got this image of my one-year-old Dutch Shepherd pulling me along on a bike - that would be terrifying.
Anyway, there were several recommendations for Ruffwear:
Ruffwear Griptrex are pricy but SO worth it. I love mine and plan to use them for joring!
Another vote Ruffwear. I use mine when I roller blade
Someone brought up a great point about dog boots in general (obviously I’m not a jorer but my husband Todd does halftime shows on hardwood basketball floors and it has been really difficult finding the right boots for high-drive fast-turn activities like frisbee):
Ugh this is such an untapped market. All of the shoes I’ve tried or researched suck in one way or another
FDL is…
FDL is DEFINITELY busting your camp chair and ringside grooming table out in the parking lot at work for a comfortable lunch on a beautiful fall day.
Even when the dogs aren't around, I'm fine dog living 😂
Amen!
"If you could talk to your dog for 30 seconds and it was guaranteed they would understand completely, what would you say?”
Top comments:
My dog does understand what I say, she just chooses whether or not she wants to respond! Lol! 😄
Do not step on my feet when entering or exiting a door.
Stop putting your asshole on my face while I am sleeping.
I need you to work the sheep a lot wider, when we're right up their asses we can't move up to intermediate level in herding mmkay?
Stop sniffing my butt and crotch. I love you.
Dude, you wouldn't have to wear a muzzle if you could just think before you act.
I definitely second that one about not stepping on my feet when exiting a door…
Best memes of the week
Something to buy
Barbara R. recommended the Bissell PowerForce Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum - $54 at Walmart! - a few weeks ago, and since then several of us have bought one.
Some of the feedback:
A big THANK YOU to Barbara R. for recommending this $54 Bissell at Walmart. I used mine for the first time today. 1. The amount of dog hair it sucked up from my tile floors was disgusting (in the best way), it was *so* much faster than the shop vac I usually use and emptying it? You don’t touch any of the gross parts. Love this vacuum! Only negatives are the width & height, which means it didn’t fit under my end or coffee tables or TV console.
I’ve been using one of these all summer at our AirBnb and I will buy one as soon as we get home to replace our Dyson. Great vac for hard floors, carpet and upholstery.
My Dyson just gave out. I was happy to see this post. I bought it today and used it. It works very well. And a lot lighter than my Dyson.
So I just bought this vacuum based on your post and it's def worth the price. I ran my beloved and fabulous Riccar over the bedroom carpet then followed with this Bissell and the Bissell picked up a little more dust and hair...wow! My pros...lightweight, carrying handle, great suction, on board tools, easy to empty and clean, five roller height options, fits under my door stops, great price, fairly quiet. My cons...handle is not ergonomic which is odd for such a lightweight vacuum, cord isn't super long (who cares?), no light (who cares?), whines occasionally (so do I). Can't speak for durability but so far I'm happy. Thanks for the post!
In my own experience, it’s definitely worth $54. I have an old Shark and while the Shark has some features I like better (a longer cord, longer wand for tools, lift-away canister), the Bissell picks up MUCH more hair and dirt from the carpets, at a fraction of the price. It was easy to put together (for Todd - haha - I always ask him to put everything together) and so far it works great.
FDL Swag
Hats, t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more.
Resources
Fine Dog Living Facebook group
Not a subscriber yet? Here’s the Easy Button: