My search for a well-made, high-quality dog bed for my dogs finally ended in January 2016 at L.L.Bean. Up to that point I had bought so many dog beds and no matter how much I paid they were not well-made and ended up being useless junk so, I would end up throwing them out. Searching online, I landed at Maine-based L.L.Bean a brand we all know and trust where I found the L.L.Bean Premium Rectangular Denim Dog Bed Set. All dogs should have a bed that’s not just soft but also healthy for them, no matter how big or small. I have Dachshunds so not just any dog bed will do they need a therapeutic core that supports their long, low spine inherent with Dachshunds. This L.L.Bean rectangular dog bed is built with memory foam to eliminate pressure points, relieve hip and joint aches, and support comfortable pain-free sleep. I was genuinely excited when I found it at L.L.Bean, so I purchased one Premium Rectangular Denim Dog Bed Set and one extra denim cover to test it with my “kids”.
Fast forward a few weeks to February 2016 when I ordered more dog beds, premium denim covers, and the inner Rectangular Protective Pet Bed Liners which serve as a barrier layer keeping moisture away from the inner foam core (the cores will last longer and never smell of pee). I bought several extra protective and premium denim covers as I had a large “flock” of Dachshunds and wanted to be sure I had plenty of spare covers on standby while washing the others. I had a large flock of Dachshunds back then, sadly many have gone over the Rainbow Bridge so my family is smaller now. We love our dogs like family members and they should have a good dog bed for napping and sleeping and this dog bed fills the bill, so to speak.
Seven years and counting and these dog beds, including both the inner protective liners and the premium denim outer covers, show absolutely no wear and tear, none. No seams coming loose or apart, no fraying anywhere, no loose threads — and these have been laundered a lot. The premium denim cover has this impeccably piped edging that remains intact to this day, again with no wear and tear at all. This piping brings a nice polished look to the dog bed, tailored and looks good in my home — a win-win, the perfect dog bed and it looks good in my house! As I have shared I have Dachshunds so the small size works perfectly for me but the good news is that L.L.Bean offers this dog bed in four sizes; small, medium, large and extra-large.
Now for some tips to ensure yours lasts as long as mine.
TIP #1: Do not dry the denim cover or the protective pet bed liner in the dryer, EVER. — I have drying racks for my clothes that work great for drying both types of dog bed covers. By air drying, you won’t shrink the covers — air dry them ideally on a drying rack. Speaking of a drying rack this type is the BEST as it has a mesh top so you have a space for things that need to be dried flat, like delicate shirts and sweaters. For drying the dog bed covers I use the lower rungs, which works great.
TIP #2: Regarding the liners and the covers when you wash them before you put them in the washer FULLY CLOSE THE ZIPPERS this protects the zipper teeth and ensures years more use, [seven years and counting].
TIP #3: When air drying the Protective Pet Bed Liner zip it fully open and carefully turn it inside out and put it on your drying rack. Be aware there will be a lot of water trapped inside due to the barrier lining that keeps moisture from penetrating the core. So, do this step in a way that the water does cause problems with furniture, floors, etc. These tips will help to ensure you and your dogs will enjoy years of use.
