Eco Nap

June 29, 2010 12:28 pm | By Zootoo Editor Margo S.

Feather light, machine washable, “eco-friendly” and made in the U.S.A., the Eco Nap is a “feel good” purchase. The cover is fleece, with a 100-percent recycled liner fashioned from used plastic soda bottles. And the bed is very soft and affordable at $29 for the XS size. But would the dog like it?

To find out, I lay the mat in the middle of the living room and stood back. She reacted by jumping on my bed. Clearly, this was going to take a little time. Meanwhile, the cat liked it. He cuddled right up and took possession.

Since the Eco Nap can double as a crate liner or travel bed, we gave it a road test over a two-hour trip from New Hampshire to Rhode Island. Gabby, my 13-year-old Peke-a-Poo, usually rides on a fleece pillow dog bed, but she doesn’t really like that bed, either. During the trip, she rode on the mat, but my little creature of habit fussed. At the halfway mark, I gave up and let her ride on my lap.

Admittedly, this dog does not like any pet presents, except for stuffed toys. So, it came as a bit of a surprise the next day when I came in from yard work and discovered her stretched out on the Napper. I had placed the mat on the kitchen floor and left it there while I was outside, in case she changed her mind and decided she liked it after all.

Now, she loves it.

The Eco Nap comes in several prints and solids, including crimson, marigold and thyme. A minor hitch is the Eco Nap’s tendency to pick up lint and fur. Overall, this is a comfortable, attractive product, although it may take some adjustment for dogs used to sleeping on the “people” beds.

Pros: A true "feel-good" purchase, featuring the latest in green manufacturing. Also, the Dog Napper is convenient and versatile, doubling as a crate liner or travel bed. Busy dog owners will appreciate the machine washability.

Cons: The Eco Nap might take some getting used to – for those pooches lucky enough to sleep in human beds.