Sometimes, great design comes from the humblest of origins. Such is the case with wine and apple crates, which can be repurposed to serve a pretty purpose in every room in your house. Check out some of my favorite examples in the slideshow!
Have Your Pups Escaped the Crate Like Camden?
Here's an excerpt from a super-cute blog post from the OnSugar blog The Husky Diaries.
Here's an excerpt from a super-cute blog post from the OnSugar blog The Husky Diaries.
Once upon a time in a far away land there was a 16 week old puppy named Camden. He was growing so fast, at lightning speed, that one day while his dog parents were at work he exploded out of his crate with super hero doggy powers.
Check out more pictures and details about Camden's mischief here, but first tell me if your wily pups have ever done the same thing!
Keep Crates Cool With This K-9 Kooler!
I know I don't need to remind you not to put a crated pup in direct sunlight — he's not trying to get a tan!
I know I don't need to remind you not to put a crated pup in direct sunlight — he's not trying to get a tan! In addition to also selecting a spot away from windows or heavy objects that could hurt him in an emergency, good ventilation is key. If your apartment gets super toasty (and you can't leave the a/c running while you're not home), pick up this K-9 Kooler.
On sale for just $9.50, it runs up to 100 hours on 2 D batteries — so more cost-saving than corded fans — and clips to any crate or kennel for home or travel use. Stay cool, dogs!
This Crate Makes the Car Part of Vet and Groomer Trips Easier
When picking up a jumbo-sized bag of dog food at my local pet megastore, I noticed a frustrated-looking owner try to lure his poodle into a standard crate in the back of his SUV fresh from the in-house groomers.
When picking up a jumbo-sized bag of dog food at my local pet megastore, I noticed a frustrated-looking owner try to lure his poodle into a standard crate in the back of his SUV fresh from the in-house groomers. Now, some people find it easier to load up a pup inside the home before carrying the animal and crate out to the car, but this isn't always possible on the way back.
With larger dogs, couple a pet ramp with a side opening crate like The Other Door Steel Crate ($200). It's way easier to let a pet walk in from the side than have to maneuver to the traditional lengthwise door in a limited car space or this model has (yet) another door on top for lifting and loading – that's three ways total!
How Spendy Is This Crate?
I'm surprised this kitty doesn't look more pleased to call this crate her own – it's one of the swankiest on the market.
I'm surprised this kitty doesn't look more pleased to call this crate her own – it's one of the swankiest on the market. But just how swanky?
Well, to refresh your memory, I already featured a traditional eiCrate ringing in at several hundred dollars . . . how much do you think this golden one will cost ya?
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Do You Pad the Crate?
For those pups who find safe havens in their crates, it helps to have a comfy cushion to come onto.
For those pups who find safe havens in their crates, it helps to have a comfy cushion to come onto. North, who rests inside one during the day, prefers to drag his crate pad out as soon as I come home and bring it next to me in the living room . . . which means I need to put it back myself every time I leave. I'm thinking of upgrading with an investment in a heavy-duty version like these beautiful Luxury Dog Crate Mattresses ($60) instead of my current lightweight counterpart. Do you pamper a pet by placing a product like this inside his crate?
Growing Up Samson: No, It's Not a Cage!
It looks like I'm not the only one in favor of using a crate!
It looks like I'm not the only one in favor of using a crate! Samson is totally comfy in his little home, and according to LilPeaPod, sometimes even prefers his own private space to other spots in the house!
Right before I took this picture, my BF, Samson and I had just gotten home from a long walk. Normally, Samson likes to curl up with us on the couch and take a nap, but this time he crawled right into his travel crate and went to sleep! I caught this photo right after he snuck away to catch some zzz's.
He looks so sleepy! Are your pets more comfy in their small, private spaces, or do they prefer to sprawl out around the house?
Do You Know What Your Pets Do When You Aren't Home?
This water loving chocolate lab caught having some fun on his family's waterslide had me laughing out loud!
This water loving chocolate lab caught having some fun on his family's waterslide had me laughing out loud! It's either super hot outside and he's trying to cool off, or he's just really in love with the slide! Since the video says the user caught the dog sliding into the pool when he thought the family was gone for the day, it makes me wonder what North would be doing if he weren't crated while I'm at work!
Have you ever caught your pets doing something naughty or just plain hilarious while they thought you were gone?
New Product Alert: eCrate (now the eiCrate) Hits the Shelves
Although most of you loved how it looked, but wouldn't buy it due to its staggering price tag, the eCrate (now the eiCrate) has hit the market full force, now with a bit of a price break.
Although most of you loved how it looked, but wouldn't buy it due to its staggering price tag, the eCrate (now the eiCrate) has hit the market full force, now with a bit of a price break. Coming in at $320 instead of the $550 as originally reported, and with a number of colors to choose from – from black to gold – this baby is super chic. But, if you want a little more bang for your buck, $575 will get you the Starter Kit that includes the eiCrate, crate liner, a bed, and they'll even throw in a nice cover so your pet can enjoy a cave-like feel while he's resting. I happen to just love the dream design . . . but still not sure I could dedicate my entire tax rebate check to this cause!
Pampered Pals: Crate Haven Pet Crates
Since I know that many of you crate train your pups, I am happy to tell you about this one.
Since I know that many of you crate train your pups, I am happy to tell you about this one. Crate Haven not only blends in with your furniture, but it is furniture! Doing double duty as crate and side table, Fido can rest while you watch the tube, and you have somewhere to put your drink.
Although some crates are more conceptual than others, this seems to be a solid piece that you can incorporate into your home. The bad news is that it doesn't exactly come cheap. The Harrison model pictured here goes for $600 while other models range from $450 to $1300. The trend in pet accessories does seem to be leaning towards smart design – from artistic pet beds to fashion-forward doggie clothes – so it's no surprise to me that it would extend to your pet's second home as well. Are you a fan?
