Flieber Dog Playpen

Dad

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

Boldo

I thought you bought me a new chew toy. It was not a chew toy. It was a bunch of metal bars and a weird mesh. I watched you assemble it for 20 minutes. The cat watched from the couch. She looked smug.

Dad

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

Boldo

The metal doesn't smell like much. That's fine. But the mesh panels have a weird plastic smell, like a new shower curtain that hasn't been hung yet. I spent a good five minutes investigating. It's not offensive, but it's not bacon either. Actually, are there any treats nearby? I feel like we've been talking about this playpen long enough.

Dad

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

Boldo

It keeps me contained. That is its job. I will say I tried to escape twice. Once by brute force—no luck, the clips held. Second time I tried digging under the edge. The bottom bar hugs the floor pretty tight. So, fine. The cat sits outside it and stares. That part is annoying.

Dad

I paid $80 for this. Be honest. Worth it?

Boldo

Eighty dollars? I could have eaten that much in premium kibble in a week. But you didn't ask me. For what it does, it does it. The mesh is sturdy enough that I haven't shredded it. The clips haven't broken. I guess you didn't waste your money. But don't expect gratitude.

Dad

Final answer. Would you recommend this to other dogs?

Boldo

If you get crated all day and want a portable holding pen that doesn't collapse when you lean on it, sure. But if you're a dog who likes to redecorate the living room, your dad will probably still buy this. Also, I just remembered—the cat threw up on the rug this morning. Nobody cleaned it up. That's the real issue.