Through the years I have searched for the perfect toy for my dogs. For me that means a toy they can’t destroy after the first 5 minutes it hits their mouth. My English Setters are tough on toys. If it has a squeaker inside, forget it! I’m sure they think some live creature is buried inside and they have that toy ripped apart instantly in pursuit of their prey. I envy my friends with dogs that play for hours tossing one of those fuzzy, squeaking toys in the air or carry it around softly in their mouths.
Once I thought I had the toy dilema solved. As I walked up and down the dog toy aisle, examining every toy, carefully reading the labels, my eyes spotted the words guaranteed indestructible. I picked up the bone-shaped toy constructed of super-ultra-strengh material. It looked like a tennis ball-shaped like a bone, but it was hard-as-a-rock. It was priced at $20. At that price, I felt it had to be as advertised. And, well, I had nothing to lose. It had a money-back guarantee. I decided to spring for the $20 and get the dogs this perfect toy for Christmas.
Pictured above is my beloved English Setter Phoebe on Christmas morning after she was presented with her gift. She immediately took to the toy. She moved aside, away from the rest of the family who were consumed by a sea of wrapping paper and gifts. She was in her glory gnawing on the hard, indestructible toy. For a moment, I thought – perhaps I should keep my eye on her – but dismissed the thought remembering the labeling of guaranteed indestructible. Relax, I told myself. She’s enjoying herself. On with watching the family open their gifts. Fast forward 20 minutes… I cast an eye toward Phoebe, who was now surrounded by bits and pieces of the indestructible toy. It was shredded to pieces! I’ll give it this much… it outlasted all other toys I’ve bought by 15 minutes.
I had never returned a toy my dogs destroyed, figuring the fault lay with my dogs. This time, however, the advertised line that lured me in, plus the price tag of $20, found me at the returns desk of my pet food and supplies store the day after Christmas.
It’s been many years since Phoebe made short order of the indestructible toy and once again this Christmas I’ve given in again. I really want my dogs to have something to chew on and play with. So, I’m giving the Bionic Bone (large) a try. This time it’s labeled: dog toy for aggressive chewers. And, this time – on Christmas morning – I won’t take the labeling at face value.