I have been a “dog mom” most of my life.  As a little girl, my parents would make a point to avoid driving by pet stores. I would cry every time we drove by one and I saw a puppy sitting in the window. Pet stores always had puppies in the windows back then!   Eventually the pressure got to them. To end the misery, my parents finally gave in and bought us our first dog – a boxer named Duke. Best day ever!

His story must be written into a book someday.  He rivaled Hooch from the famous 1989 movie Turner & Hooch.  Drooling everywhere, too big for his own good, full of gigantic love and total devotion.  Duke was so protective he used to follow me to school and stand up with his front paws at the classroom window, looking for me.  After a few days of that, the principal called my parents and kindly requested he be corralled at home during school hours.  Can’t say that I blame the man.  Duke was a commanding personality!

And Duke was the first of a succession of “best dogs ever!”  Every one of them had their own wonderful quirky qualities that won our hearts forever.

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Can’t Own A Dog?

But what if I couldn’t have a dog?  Oh, my goodness, I don’t know what I would do.  Having a dog makes me feel so loved.  Canine devotion is unsurpassed by any creature on earth.

Dogs love their owners as if there were no one else in the whole world. Their gaze is nothing short of adoration. They are content to stay by our sides, waiting to be petted or handed a little treat. They are interested in everything we do, whether we want them to be or not.  They WANT to be with us.  Does it get any better than that?

So, when I saw this “sleeping puppy” animated toy yesterday, I fell in love with the concept.  There are people whose lives feel complete with a dog but they are unable to own one. How lonely is that? Whether it is a little child longing for her first pet, or a dog-loving senior citizen in living quarters where real live dogs aren’t allowed, this little sleeping puppy with its gently “breathing” body could be a real comfort.

 

My heart was touched by some of the customer reviews, like one reporting that a loved one in a nursing home now has one. He sits there petting the little guy much of the day.  This family member said grandpa’s anxiety has greatly reduced.

It is not about fooling someone; nearly everybody will know it is simply a sweet, furry toy.  What it is about is bringing a little joy, a reminder of the love that was once enjoyed with pets of the past, and a sense of not being alone. Having a dog at your side can bring a soothing reassurance, even if it is only an adorable pretend puppy.

Till yesterday, I didn’t even know the sleeping puppy toy existed.  Now that I do, I just had to tell you, too, in case there is someone you love who needs one.

 

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Does your cat lover want a sleeping kitty toy?  They have them, too.  This black and white kitty is one of several styles to choose from.  Again, she is very lifelike, cuddly and takes little to no care. 🙂

 

Pretend Sleeping Puppy Toy Breathes Like a Real Puppy Share on X