In the fall of 2001, I responded to an ad in a local classified publication for a Golden Retriever seeking a new home.  I spoke briefly with the woman on the phone and learned that she had purchased the dog as a puppy,  and had hoped to breed her, but because of her large size, her offspring would be undesirable to people interested in show dogs and now she needed a new home for her. The woman also mentioned that the dog was “hyper, and chewed things.”  After a brief line of questioning I learned that the dog was exercised infrequently, and did not have access to many chew toys. I went and met the woman, who was kind, but a little out of her league with the Golden who as my vet excitedly informed me during our first visit “is the biggest Golden I have ever seen in my life”. I brought Etta home, made sure she got plenty of exercise, and supplied her with tons of new toys and bones. She is a healthy, happy dog who after just two days gave up her inappropriate chewing habits all together.

I mention Etta’s story because all too often dogs are labeled as destructive when really they are just bored. It is essential that all pets, not just dogs, have a wide variety of toys available to keep them entertained when their owners are otherwise occupied. Spending just a few dollars on some toys can save you potentially hundreds of dollars in damaged furniture, shoes, and remote controls in the future.

Please visit our pet toy department for a wide variety of toys sure to entertain your pet for hours.