We’ve havin’ a heatwave… an atypical tropical heatwave… And mama has been worried about my ability to keep cool in the face of extreme temperatures (well, extreme for Portland that is). So a few days ago, she spent almost an hour in the REI store picking out a new cooling vest for me. First she went online, did lots of research, and even emailed a few companies to ask about their products. As I am the King of Terriers, not just any vest would do. Going to REI was a pretty involved thing, as after deciding that she’d invest in one picking out the correct size was a challenge and took her the better part of an hour.  It turns out that since I’m right on the cusp between Medium and Large, she wasn’t sure which was going to provide the right amount of protection against the evil sun and heat without being uncomfy.
We went with the Large and mama is very pleased with the way it fits! I don’t have any issues putting things on over my head, and then it just clips on both sides of my shoulders. A snap to put on. The thing that mama liked about it the most was that this vest works with just water – there is no freezing of inserts and no possibility of anything hurting me – and after the initial soaking you can reactivate the cooling powers by just pouring more water over it. Perfect.
And yes, it seems to work! This covered my entire back – which, being black fuzz, gets very hot in the sun – and the coolness of the vest keeps my skin cool. Most importantly to me, this vest doesn’t limit my ability to do some of my favorite things, like trampling plants…
Going for long walkies…
Finding interesting things to add to the “Keep Portland Weird” file…
And of course, peeing.
The vest is from Ruff Wear – it’s their Swamp Cooler vest. It works well with my deep, manly, muscle-y chest, is easy to use, and most importantly, IT WORKS. I was definitely more comfortable in the 90+ degree heat with this on, and during our hour-long walk mama poured a cup of water over me two times for added refreshment (it’s SO GREAT to not have her pour water directly on me).
And see? It’s actually quite dashing on me. And I can wear my favorite harness over it.
Of course we still take it easy on our walkies – mama still has that broken toe and it is going to be 90+ for the next few days – but now I don’t feel the need to plop down in the middle of the walkie because I’m too hot. I can go back to plopping down for more important things…
Like eating sticks, of course.
Love,
Bogart
Ruffwear has the most awesome dog gear and you look mighty fine in your swamp cooler, Bogie!
– C
oh bogie we think your new cool coat is awesome my momma loves ruff gear its such a good brand loves and licks and we hope your mommas toe is feeling better
Bogie, you look smashing!! I did sigh with great relief when I saw that Yes, you can pee in it. Seeing you in that vest made me want one, too. Even though I’d still refuse to stick my nose outside during the heat of the day … he heee …
Luv,
Bel
Bogart,
How very handsome you are in your cooling vest! We can hardly wait to meet you! In fact, we are already arguing who will get to sit by you at the park, while our mama’s picnic!
Love,
Sasha & Savannah
mama blogs about us sometime on her blog: http://www.hoodacrefarms.blogspot.com
Dashing is exactly the right word! How nice of your Mama to do that for you! I have a bandananana that is made of the same stuff, I think, but the vest would work much better! Enjoy it, and know your Mama loves you.
gussie
Hello Bogart.
Your new summer jacket looks very nice indeed. Do you think that one day you might post a picture of your lovely wuzzy self that’s big enough for me to have as my desktop wallpaper?
Have a fun weekend.
That looks so very cool! I will have to hit up Old Girl for one of those things! It gets h-o-t-HOT here in Texas!
We like it, we like it! Our mom wants to know if they make those for hoomans? It is 97 degrees, here, today, so we ALL need one! I just saw our mailsman sticking his snooter out the window of his little mail truck like a doggie! We’re sure glad you’re staying cool and we hope your mama is too!
Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches
Very dapper, indeed, Bogie. Darby’s mama is going to REI as soon as possible to get him one, too, as it’s also a tropical heatwave here in the deep south.
Glad to hear that Portland is still weird! Darby likes weird.
Hi Bogart.
Nice suit!
I ordered it immediately.
Thank you for your good information.
Bogart, you look like one cool dude in that new vest. I love Ruff Wear! I wear their snazzy red tennis shoe (yes, just one) to keep me from slipping on bare floors. Works so good. Thanks for letting us know that the vest works so good, and your sweet mom for doing all the legwork for us to find out!!!
Keep walking buddy..
Tripods Rule
Max Versagi
Bogart,
You have inspired me to get one of these for my dog Buddy. Although we walk early in the morning, the temperatures are still in the high 80’s and low 90’s. The summers are downright toasty in Phoenix.