SleepyPod: Luxury Pet Carrier Giveaway and Review~ 11/19

Momma Told Me: Vacationing with pets is stressful on everyone.

While some may argue they're fashion accessories, the majority of pet owners agree these little balls of fur, our pets, are just as much a part of the family as an uncle or child. So it's only natural we feel anxious at the thought of leaving them behind. Let's face it, like a small child, they cannot comprehend why 'Momma' is leaving, they simply know that she will be gone, for an undetermined amount of time. And, whether you're a busy businesswoman, or a devoted stay-at-home mom, the holidays pose some of the biggest travel complications. Thankfully, most holiday family trips are to a relatives home, where traveling pets are likely to be better received- but some also include resort excursions and hotel stays. Then there are the 'spoiled' pets, like Truffles, who have spent 90% of their life so far at their owner's side. And, believe me, if it wasn't so odd for a cat to travel in public, she'd gladly go out with me on errands too.

Not too many Christmases back I found myself packing for a weekend getaway right before Christmas. A friend ad I were going to head up to Dutch town, Solvang, and spend some time shopping. Her dog, a miniature chihuahua was exceptionally well behaved, and often spent road trips peeking out from her Hobo style purse. Unfortunately, this was a much longer road trip than he was used to, and to the hotels it mattered not how big he was, or how calm he could be; he was a dog. The poor little guy spent most of the driving portion of the trip in a hard bottomed (ventilated) duffel bag, then a prison like crate for the remainder. I remember how guilty his Momma had felt, ever time we had to close the door to his, begging, little face. If only there was a way he could keep his privacy, yet still tag along.

More recently, when Miniature Yorkie, Harley, came into the family I found myself thinking back to poor little Chip (the chihuahua) and his crestfallen mother. Harley's Momma is quite fashion forward, and loves to travel, most recently completing a week long excursion to the Hamptons. 1 year old, 4.5lb Harley had previously faced the fate of being 'babysat' while Mom and Siblings went away. That is, until I discovered SleepyPod, the luxury pet carrier for cats and dogs up to 12.5lbs. With a very bold and modern take on lifestyle pet carriers, the SleepyPod is also most likely the most comfortable bed your pet will ever have. With consideration to on-the-go needs and in-action transport, this safe and secure carrier transforms from private transport to open air bed in less than 20 seconds. It also features a list of impressive variables and features for a tailored experience that conforms to your pet and it's needs.

Most pets associate travel with negative experiences, like vet check ups or kennel stays, so SleepyPod aims to set your pet at ease. The most predominant feature is the shape. This 2 piece outer shell consists of a durable round bottom (the bed) and domed cover with mesh ventilation. For pets who prefer their privacy, the dome can be zipped entirely, as a closure, or allow your pet's head to pop through the center with snaps that double as a handle and central support. Because the top and bottom remove entirely from one another you can acclimate your furry friend to the new digs by integrating the bottom of the Pod as a bed. This helps the animal feel secure and safe, as well as understand that the territory is all it's own. When you're ready for travel, simply zip the dome top on and sling the SleepyPod over your shoulder (via provided strap), or leave the center open to carry as a basket.

Because SleepyPod is lined with an ultra soft plush bedding material, and foam padding, your furry family member will never be subject to traumatic hard surfaces and cold plastic floors (associated with crate carriers). And both the foam lining, and plush bedding slip remove for full cleaning! Additionally, the experience can be enhanced by adding a pet safe, battery free, warming pad during the Winter. Simply unzip the padding and bedding layers, and tuck the thermal heat pad beneath (not included). For a system designed to work with the SleepyPod, specifically, check out the SleepyPod Warmer Kit, and invest in a summertime bedding alternative, Mesh Bedding. SleepyPod is available in 6 fashion friendly colors; Jet Black, Strawberry Red, Sky Blue, Dark Chocolate, Arctic White, and Blossom Pink; with two size options SleepyPod and SleepyPod Mini.

We originally received a SleepyPod Mini in Blossom Pink for 4.5lb Miniature Yorkie, Harley. The SleepyPod Mini is small enough to fit under an airline seat, yet only able to accommodate furry passengers up to 5.5lbs (dog) or 7lbs (cat). Keep in mind that breed and build of dog does trump weight, and when shopping you should consider the circumference as well as depth and diameter. While Harley is 1lb below their suggested cut of, she is a little longer in build and we quickly decided the Mini would be too cramped for it's intended everyday use. I should note here that, regardless, she took to the SleepyPod Mini instantly, jumping in, and sitting patiently. When I contacted SleepyPod about the fit they were quick to suggest the Original SleepyPod, and informed me that the used one would be donated to a local non profit! (Thanks to Harley's wide butt there'll be some really happy little pups!) When the SleepyPod Original arrived we could instantly tell it would be a match made in heaven.

It was as if she'd been waiting for her new bed to arrive, as she jumped in before Momma could get the lid zipped on! The original SleepyPod measures 17" across, a perfect fit for 11" Harley, and with plenty of wiggle room for stashed toys and comforts. We love that the plush bedding is (almost) as soft as Miss Harley, and that she can now travel to work with Momma, where she obediently sits atop her desk. The SleepyPod also buckles conveniently into most standard car seating formats, for additional security in transport! It truly didn't take long for this little girl to claim the SleepyPod as her own (much to the cat's, 5x her size, dismay), and Harley recognizes the SleepyPod as a safe spot at home or on the go. Momma can even convert the top into a handle and transport her without disrupting Harley's beauty rest! From the design, to it's quality materials and construction, the SleepyPod is a well worth investment at home, and in travel; sure to last for years!

What Daughter Says: Put your Princess (or Prince) at ease, with the SleepyPod Luxury Pet Carrier!

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