The Magic Bed

We both turned 50 (in dog years) recently - "Dad" says we'll be getting offers to join the American Association of Retired Pooches, but I think he's just trying to be funny. Anyway we still feel and look like young pups if you ask me. There are many factors to staying young, including choosing the right "parents", a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

And, of course, getting plenty of beauty rest. I've heard some dogs get to sleep on the bed with "mom" and/or "dad", but for a Great Dane? Get real. Anyway, who wants to get yelled at every time they start into a little snoring? So we got "mom" to make us some super-comfy beds, and we thought we'd share the simple, inexpensive design so you can ask your "folks" to fix you one too. Just give them that woeful look - you know the one - when they ask you to lay down on a hard floor or plain carpet.

Our beds are made from three layers:

1. an "egg-crate" foam pad, about 1" thick.
2. a "memory-foam" mattress pad, another 1" thick. This is especially good for big dogs like us, or anyone prone to joint problems.
   
3. a blanket on top for softness and washability. We prefer solids or plaids, but hey, if you dig SpongeBob, we won't say a word.
   

Take your "parents" for a car ride to a Wal-Mart or similar store to pick all of these up. Have them cut the pads to size if necessary, then lay the blanket on top (folded in half if it's big enough), wrap it around the edges and tuck it in. That's it! Your job is to curl up on top of it and give a big sigh of contentment.