In September  we were forced to retire our beloved 1996 Subaru Outback and replace it with an economical, gently used sedan. Before long, this new cream puff car took on the look of a dog taxi, on the inside at least. Mud and dog hair inspired us to try the As Seen on TV Pet Rider, a simple and inexpensive cover meant to protect the back seat of your car from muddy paws and pet hair (or the occasional accident).

We purchased our Pet Rider at the Christmas Tree Shop in Paramus for $7.99 plus tax (don’t you just love a bargain?). Dog park friends assured me that this was a good price for a great product. A little skeptical, I searched for some on-line reviews. A few customers on Amazon were concerned about the chemical smell wafting off the Pet Rider, so I was attuned to this when I opened the package. The thing did give off a slightly chemical, moth-ball like odor, but I was determined to get my $7.99 plus tax worth, so after a lame attempt to get the existing dog hair off the seats, I “installed” it.

The cover simply loops over the rear headrests, and seat belt buckles push through a Velcro opening. The material is stiff and yes, has a chemical smell. I left the windows cracked, thinking that perhaps I should have purchased some car air fresheners at the Christmas Tree Shop as well (only $2.99 for a three pack!). But it’s easy enough to remove and throw in the trunk when transporting humans.

Of course, there’s no way to protect the car’s console from Henry’s muddy paws when he wants to help navigate (don’t tell the ASPCA). So if you’re willing to put up with the smell for a few days (or longer) the Pet Rider is certainly effective in keeping your seats clean.

Next up: Wacky walk’r leash (as seen in Real Simple magazine).

This is what we meant in the last post by the dog park being “messy.” Bo, a Great Pyrenees, gave us a hairy eyeball and then proceeded to get all his hair dirty and wet. Sorry we don’t have any “before” pictures, but this normally fluffy pooch was unrecognizable after romping with friends this morning.

Melting snow and a lack of gravel in the dog park make for very muddy conditions. We are grateful for the leaf clean up, but now we need gravel replenishment. Oh, and some more waste bags, too.

As much as we all love the dog park. sometimes bad weather precludes us from attending as much as we would like.  Extreme cold and slushy conditions make for numb hands and dirty dogs. Tired of shivering and having your coat trashed by muddy paws? Enter  Pooch Play, a doggie daycare service located in Petco stores.

While we have often looked in at the dogs at Pooch Play at the Petco on Route 46 West in Totowa, we have never joined in. Doggie day care is not exactly a new concept, and some of our dog park friends have visited Camp Bow Wow and other places nearby. However, we were wondering if anyone had taken advantage of this nearby addition.

Billed as “Serious Fun for Dogs,” Pooch Play has separate areas for our big and small friends, with some mixing, depending on temperament (all dogs undergo a temperament test). Owners must have proof of vaccinations and flea/tick treatment. The rates seem reasonable — $35 for the day, $15 for a half day  — and packages are offered. Pooch Play also suggests making a grooming appointment for your dog during day care hours, and the employees will “nanny” your dog to his or her appointment.

So what are your feelings about places like Pooch Play? Most dogs don’t mind the cold and the mess of the park in winter…but sometimes we do. Is the indoor alternative more for us than them? Weigh in with your comments below.