Owners of big, messy dogs...

...I am about to write a personal recommendation on some things, so listen up (or, in this case, read on...)!

My sweet little six-month-old puppy Amos has gotten to over 70 lbs. and is growing so quickly, he's limping from growing pains (of course, it took us two vet trips and x-rays this week to figure that out).  Anyway, from the time he was small, it was clear the water and food dishes on the plain floor with a little "place mat" underneath just wouldn't do.  For one, he basically ate up his place mat.  Secondly, he LOVES water and I don't mean drinking the water.  I mean the kind of love where you drink a little, then lay your face and ears in it, then start digging your way to China  in it (little insert for The Office-lovers - "why is it CHINA?") and sling water all over whatever room your water dish is in and then roll in it kind of love.

Slipping in water was not safe, having a constantly wet dog was gross and having to literally mop up water more than eight times a day was frustrating.  After a couple of months we wised up and went on the search for something -- anything -- that would help dial down the water dish madness.

Then we found it - priced to leave on the shelf in an expensive boutique pet store.  So, we wrote down the web site and ordered one as soon as we got home. The NEATER FEEDER.  This thing is the bomb and I'm not even kidding.  It's spill-proof!  I never clean up water off the floor now.  And, it's more "ergonomic" for Amos (if you're in to those kinds of things), so he doesn't have to bend over so far to get his food and water!  Check it out...they even come in different colors so you can get one that coordinates with your decor. :-)

Secondly, in case any water does get on the floor, it will never be known with a Waterhog mat covering the floor.  This we ordered from L.L. Bean and it is absolutely wonderful.  It's great, too, just for rainy or snowy days because it literally contains everything to keep your floors clean. If you're using it mainly for a pet, as we are, then it's best they be potty-trained first, of course, or otherwise you don't want that soaked up in the rug! :-)  It's easy to clean, too, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

I just wanted to share these two things that have really been time-savers, to say the least, with owning a large-breed dog!  They're not the most fun, frilly things, but very practical and worth every penny!