Our dog Calvin got a Christmas gift from some friends. It's called Hide-A-Squirrel, and it's basically a plush toy house with three small toy squirrels stuffed inside of it. The squirrels squeak and the idea is that your dog will want to rip the little squirrels out of their nest and that this will keep him occupied.
But that's not all. This is so much more than just a toy.
Here is the actual description from the side of the Hide-A-Squirrel box. I am not making any of this up.
Finally, there is a dog toy that challenges and develops your dog's intelligence and problem solving skills. Help satisfy your dog's natural instinct to search, stalk, and capture its prey. Develop and strengthen eye-paw coordination skills as your pet discovers how to remove the three squeaking squirrels from their home. Treats and other toys can be substituted for the squeaking squirrels for more fun!
I asked Calvin to review his new toy and here's what he told me.
"Are you kiddin' me! Do you know how condescending it is for you guys to think I need a toy to develop my "intelligence and problems solving skills?" I'm a Sheltie, for cryin' out loud! I'm among the smartest breeds on the planet. And as for "problem solving skills," I've solved the problem of getting you two to fry up my own fresh ground turkey every week and put me up in a fancy place that gives me play space and TV every time you leave town. You could even pop for a massage for me if you wanted to and weren't so cheap. So, in this family, who needs to work on their intelligence and problem solving skills, huh? And I love the part about "eye-paw coordination." I'm a dog. Look, if you wanted me to grow up to be a surgeon, then you went in the wrong direction a long time ago. Finally, if you think making me work harder to get the treats I deserve means "more fun!" to me, you're smoking some turkey-jerky I'd like to try myself."
So, overall, not a great review I'm afraid. But that's Calvin; he's always had attitude.
The Hide-A-Squirrel might be just the thing for your dog. Especially if you live in Portlandia.
Have a good weekend.
