If you have ever lived with both cats and dogs, you know how different they can be; and for some reason, dogs are often more afraid of cats than vice versa—especially when it comes to the comfiest places to sleep, as this video proves. Who is winning: cats or dogs? I would say the human beings who can’t help but be amused by this ongoing detente between canines and felines perfectly illustrated below, in this video where cats steal dog beds.  

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The post Cats Steal Dog Beds and Hilarity Ensues (Video) appeared first on EcoSalon.

The dog days of summer are just around the corner and we’ve rounded up ten great, green dog beds for your hound to lounge away the hot afternoons. There’s something for every pooch – from no frills futons to prissy perches – nap time in the canine world never looked so good!

West Paw Design

1. The Eco Nap from West Paw Design is made in the USA from IntelliLoftâ„¢ fibers comprised of post consumer recycled plastic. If you opt for the Extra Large Eco Nap, you’ll divert 40 plastic bottles from reaching landfills. This mat comes in a variety of colors and is a nap pad, more than a bed. It is machine washable, so no need to worry if Fido drools during slumber!

2. The Eco Slumber Bed from the same company is for pooches who like a bit more pouf in their bed. It is also made from and filled with West Paw Design’s IntelliLoftâ„¢ fibers and features a zippered, removable cover over the pillow – both of which are machine washable.

3. The Organic Bumper Bed is a cushy circular dog bed with padding for your doggie to rest his head while getting some ZZZs. Made from the same eco fibers as the two beds above, it also features a zippered opening and is machine washable. It is available in cool colors that will easily mesh with home decor including Basil green, Stillwater blue and Huckleberry purple.

Olive Green Goods for Modern Dogs

4. How relaxed does the dog above look on the Hemp Oval Dog Bed? Makes me want to curl up next to him. Designed especially for larger dogs, this natural hemp dog bed features a clean and refined “linen” look. The background on the green nature of hemp from the site: “Hemp is a highly sustainable crop, grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. Hemp can be grown in near drought conditions, which significantly reduces the drain on precious water resources. Hemp is also naturally very durable and strong, and resistant to abrasions, tears, mildew and sun exposure.” This bed is filled with super-loft recycled fibers made from soda pop bottles and may be machine washed and hung to dry.

5. The Oh Head Hemp Dog Bed, also from Olive Green Goods for Modern Dogs, comes in a bright orange hue with a hand-painted dog design that is hand-dyed using azo-free dyes. Featuring a 100 percent hemp canvas shell, this bed’s eco stats also include a removable and washable inner bag that is stuffed with a mixture of scrap foam and recycled poly-cotton otherwise destined for the landfill.

6. If you want your dog’s bed to rival your other household decor in sophistication and appeal, opt for the Herringbone Organic Dog Bed (shown above) which is made with stylish Variegated fabrics that are printed using GOTS approved inks, on 100 percent organic cotton canvas that is grown and woven in the USA. Function meets fashion with this bed, because the fabric is finished with an eco-friendly stain, water and moisture repellent that is also anti-microbial, mold and mildew resistant. Sweet little dog bones comprise the clever pattern on this shi-shi-la-la bed!

7. If you have a penchant for butterflies, share your affinity with your dog by giving him an Organic Flight Dog Bedoutfitted in whimsical silhouettes of butterflies set against a earl grey damask background. This 100 percent organic cotton bed is free of allergens, flame retardants and dangerous chemicals. The pillow inside is filled with an allergy free, eco-friendly green fiber, and the bed is completely machine washable. Just make sure house guests don’t confuse this pretty perch as a floor pillow for humans!

Dog Bed Street

8. The regal looking canine lording over his yard at the top of this post is sitting pretty in an Eco-Tech Orbit Bed. Made from Eco-Tech polar fleece fabric constructed from polyester fibers from recycled plastic soda bottles, it also features waterproof nylon, making it perfect for outdoor excursions and water retreats.

9. The Eco Futon Dog Bed offered at Dog Bed Street is for perfect for low-maintenance dogs who just want a soft place to land. Far from frumpy, it is overstuffed with recycled fiber and features the same Eco-Tech polar fleece mentioned above. Your green dog can rest easy knowing that this futon has diverted 20 plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill.

Greener Pup Beds

10. Greener Pup eco-friendly dog beds come in four different shapes to accommodate all types of dogs: round, rectangular and cuddle bug style round or rectangular, which feature a plush backing making them akin to an armchair or sofa. Beds come with a removable, washable cover that is made from recycled fabrics and the bed’s filling is made from 100 percent recycled plastic. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a fabric cover – choices range from simple solids and subtle patterns to funky designs. Note: If you have a rescue dog, you can receive 25 percent off your purchase at Greener Pup Beds!

Images: Dog Bed Street, Olive Green Goods for Modern Dogs, Olive Green Goods for Modern Dogs

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This is the third in Luanne’s new lifestyle column, Life in the Green Lane. Read the inaugural column, “The Pros & Cons of Being Married to an Eco Man” and the follow-up, “Why Is it So Hard to Get My Mom to Go Green?”.

My dog has fleece. And that’s not all. There are dozens of reasons why this impossibly adorable pug is leaving behind a puny carbon paw print.

If you consider dogs part of the family then it’s important they’re pulling their weight in the eco department along with the rest of us.

My little Smokey may not be as earthy as those drooling, stick- fetching, shaggy water dogs you see at Ocean Beach. But he plunges into nature pretty darn well for a pampered, toy breed favored by Tibetan monks, Chinese emperors and 16th century European royalty.

Plus, he’s a champion chick  magnet. I can’t take him anywhere without hormonal, puppy-loving teenage girls gushing over what looks to them to be a huge stuffed pet. Their devoted boyfriends stand by while they give up some love to my guy. “Ohhh, is that your pug? Can I pet him? What’s his name? OMG, he’s sooooo cute!”

Okay, so being a magnet doesn’t earn you an LEED certification, but these other things count – things you won’t learn at obedience school.

Here’s why my dog is cuter..I mean greener…than lots of other dogs.

1. Carpools on Playdates

Smokey gets picked up for his group, The Littles, a couple of days a week, and this has helped him become the socialized, refined gentleman neighbors invite over for biscuits and tea. Also, his owner (me) is saving fuel by not driving him myself.

2. Named for the Bear

Every time we call out his name, “Smokey, stop eating those Bounce sheets,” people are reminded of that famous ranger bear Smokey who first appeared in 1952 to get clueless cigarette smokers and weekend campers on a campaign to prevent wildfires. My mother argues he should be named Oliver or Churchill or something that goes with brandy and a cigar. But Smokey was already named when our babysitter gave him to us ’cause she was moving and couldn’t keep him.

2. Reuses Everyday Household Objects

A savvy consumer not taken in by the notion that new is best, Smokey forgoes the fancy, synthetic dog bed for a cozy laundry bag or basket filled with warm sheets and socks. Good boy! That’s my good green dog! However, his favorite mount is our laps and that costs nothing at all and we like it because he is so lovable and sweet.

3.  Maintains a Strict  Organic Diet

We feed him Newman’s Own organic pet food, as well as organic kibble and free range chicken broth in a reusable stainless steel dog dish. Occasionally, we let him have a treat, such as organic string cheese, which was a great training aid for prompting him to sit, lie down and stop eating Bounce Free sheets.

4.  Walks the Walk

Smokey is an avid walker who adores cruising to a nearby playground or hiking at Fort Funston. Walking keeps him fit (pugs have a tendency to pack on the pounds) and also calms him down. Walking is great for me, too, and for pet owners like you! Besides, Smokey gets rather nervous riding in cars. He insists on having the windows rolled all the way down and whimpers uncontrollably until we arrive at our destination. My husband is the same way.

5.  Wears Made-in-the-USA

Whether starring in a 4th of July parade in Sonoma or escorting his sisters on Halloween, Smokey wears locally-made garb, from patriotic bandanas to harnesses and muscle shirts. He feels we import too many toxic toys and products from China, and although he springs from the Asian culture and resembles the Foo Dog in looks and stature, it all stops there.

6. Creates a Warm Fur-ness

If you can sleep through the intense snoring (being hit over the head with a large mallet can help) then you don’t need to turn up the heat on a cold night in San Francisco. When Smokey stomps on your ribs and flops down on you or near you, it’s like a natural furnace that keeps you toasty all night. Just ask old Audrey. She likes to hang with Mr. Smokes for sunny afternoon cat naps. Audrey showed him who is boss from the very start, but now she needs him. Oh, yes she does, girl.

8. Prefers Biodegradable Pooper Scooper Bags

He won’t tolerate any other sort of bag for scooping up his shit. Funny, that’s one of the reasons I love him so. I once tried to pick up a poop using a plastic grocery bag and boy did he yelp. He likes that Bio Bags are made with planet friendly corn that breaks down. We use bio bags for composting, too.

9. Is Never, Ever Wasteful

Kids might kvetch, “there’s nothing to eat,” but Smokey never takes that stance because he will eat just about anything that resembles food. While I’m preparing his meal, he cries and dances manically in a circle, a tribal dance reminiscent of Native American rituals praising the buffalo. If a scrap falls on the floor, he laps it up. If he feels the compost we set aside could be more useful as a snack, then he asserts himself like a good steward of the planet should. And if Audrey won’t finish her own breakfast, Smokey recycles that into his dessert.

10. Conserves Energy

Like the best hybrid, Smokey is efficient at conserving fuel. Here he is after completing a five mile course along the Great Highway bike path. He parked his tired pug ass on the sofa for a snooze before dinner.  After dinner, he usually rests until his late night walk with dad. Then he parks it until breakfast.

OMG! My pug is sooooo cute!

Images: Luanne Bradley

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