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Finley the Vizsla Tries Out the QuikShade Pet Bed

Written by: Whitney C. Harris

Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Dogster Team

a dog with a chain on its neck

Finley the Vizsla Tries Out the QuikShade Pet Bed

Having a backyard is a boon for any pet parent. But making sure your pup is cool during the warmer months can be a challenge. My dog, Finley, loves to sunbathe first thing in the morning, but by 10 a.m. it’s way too sunny and bright for her to be soaking up those rays. She inevitably comes back inside, often panting from the heat.

When I first saw the QuikShade pet bed, it struck me as some sort of brilliant cross between an impeccably structured hammock and a personal patio awning. It keeps your pooch comfortably elevated while providing all the necessary shade from the season’s relentless sun. I couldn’t help but smile because it was exactly the kind of backyard throne Finley needed. Our lawn is frequently littered with dry pine needles, and there are portions of the day where little to no shade can be found, so our pup needs elevation and cover to keep her safe and comfy.

Finley likes lounging outside, but too much sunlight can easily overheat her.
Image by Whitney C. Harris

Upon opening the QuikShade, it basically assembled itself. It took maybe 10 seconds to unbend and snap to attention. The hardest part was finding the perfect spot in our yard. I eventually settled on the northernmost part, right near the wood pile that Finley likes to march around while keeping an eye out for squirrels to chase.

When I placed the QuikShade in its new home, Finley wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was this contraption hers? The baby’s? Perhaps something she wasn’t allowed to touch? Once I coaxed her onto its durably webbed netting, she settled in and made herself comfortable. The hammock-like bed conformed to her long and slender body, and it provided great airflow, so she was fully supported but not suffocated. Finley spent a good hour lounging in the QuikShade that first morning, which is a lot for my active and curious pup!

The QuickShade pet bed keeps pup off the muddy ground and also provides a necessary cover.
Image by Whitney C. Harris

That same day, Finley helped herself to her new favorite spot during some mid-afternoon playtime in the backyard. She usually joins me and the baby on a big blanket spread out on the lawn, but she seemed to prefer the more personalized perch, probably for a bit of distance from my daughter’s grabby hands and loud shrieks. Whatever the reason, I was glad that Finley had a place to call her own at a time when the house is increasingly taken over by baby toys that are off limits to her.

What’s more, the QuikShade was the only way my pooch could stay close to that prized wood pile while keeping her relatively neat fur off the muddy mess on the ground. And Finley is just the kind of dog who likes to keep herself clean, stepping over and around rain puddles, much to my delight.

Finley likes to relax in the elevated pet bed while keeping on eye on the yard for squirrels.
Image by Whitney C. Harris

Dogster scorecard for the QuikShade Pet Bed

Quality: A-. QuikShade is essentially the pet equivalent of the popular folding beach chairs that humans enjoy at outdoors events of all types. I was initially worried about the bed blowing over in the wind because of its substantial canopy, but we haven’t had any issues with it staying put.

Style: The digital camo design of Finley’s bed was just her speed considering she’s a hunting breed. QuikShade also comes in Tan, Blue, Yellow Diamond, Southwestern, and Leopard to suit all tastes.

Function: Made with a steel frame and PVC-backed polyester, the bed is even sturdier than it looks. Although the canopy is angled, I did find that some tree debris and rainwater collected over time. Simply turning over the bed remedied the situation.

Creativity: The shaded bed is a relatively simple concept, but there aren’t any others out there that combine a vented seat with a substantial canopy.

Value: The $29.99 to $59.99 price tag is really reasonable considering the bed has dual functions, a worry-free locking mechanism, and is built to last.

Bottom line

Pet parents who love to travel, go camping, or just hang out in the backyard with their pups will get plenty of use out of this portable pet bed.


Featured Image Credit: Torben Gettermann, Unsplash

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