Our house is full of plush animals. Elephants, crocodiles, lion cubs, even a swordfish. They live under the sofa, in the hallway and, yes, in my shoes. Tobby, the gentlest dog I know, loves every one of them, and a few of them have paid the price. If you have read The Lion Who Lost His Ears, you already know the most famous victim.
1. Why Soft Toys Matter to a Gentle Dog
Labradors are retrievers at heart. Many of them love carrying something soft around the house, bringing it to you at the door or falling asleep with it nearby. For a dog who is shy with other dogs and nervous around cats, a favorite toy can be a small piece of comfort, something that is always his.
2. What I Look For Now
After years of lost ears and missing tails, I have learned a few things. The toy should be big enough that it cannot be swallowed, especially for a large dog. Double-stitched seams and reinforced ears last noticeably longer. And for a dog like Tobby, a toy that looks a little silly is always a good choice, because it makes the whole family smile when it turns up in the middle of the living room.
Tobby's Pick
Soft, plush dog toys for big dogs who love to carry, cuddle and occasionally rearrange their animals.
See the Toys3. Honest Notes From a Lion Owner
No plush toy is indestructible, whatever the label says, and a determined Labrador will prove it. Please stay nearby when your dog plays, and take the toy away once it is torn, because stuffing and squeakers can be swallowed. Rotating toys every few days keeps them interesting and makes them last longer. And if your dog is a heavy chewer who destroys toys in minutes, a sturdy rubber toy may be a safer choice than plush.
A lion without ears is not a failed toy. In our house, it is proof of years of love, play and laughter.