Best Friends by Sheri Calming Dog Bed

Dad

Okay, I bought this. You were there when I opened the box. What did you think?

Boldo

The smell was industrial. Plasticky. Like it came from a warehouse in New Jersey. But underneath that—and you have to really commit to smelling it—there's something that doesn't make me want to leave the room immediately. The shape is dumb though. Too much donut, not enough of an actual bed.

Dad

Let's talk about the smell. I know that's your main thing.

Boldo

I've spent three days letting it air out and it's getting better. Still not natural, but it's fading. The foam inside has that chemical thing going on, but the fleece covering doesn't hold the smell. It actually breathes, which is rare. Could use another week outside on the porch to be honest, but I'm not dying here.

Dad

You've had some time with it now. Is it any good?

Boldo

It's comfortable. That's irritating to admit because I wanted to hate it more. The raised edges are actually good for your neck—wait, is that the cat eating my treats off the counter? Your cat. Your cat is up there. No, never mind, she's not touching anything. Anyway, the bed doesn't slide around on the tile and it's thick enough that the floor doesn't hurt your bones when you lay on it for six hours straight, which I do.

Dad

I paid ninety bucks for this. Be honest. Worth it?

Boldo

For ninety dollars you could buy a lot of other mediocre beds. This one is better than mediocre but it's not life-changing. It's solid. It washes, which is good because that's when the smell really comes back. The fleece holds up fine. I'd say it's worth it if you actually use it instead of just throwing it on the floor and ignoring it like the last one.

Dad

Final answer. Would you recommend this to other dogs?

Boldo

Yeah, I would. Not enthusiastically, but yes. It's comfortable, it doesn't stink forever, and it's sturdy enough that you won't destroy it in a week. It's not the best bed ever made. It's just reliable. That's actually worth something.