KyJen: Hard Boiled Softies Review and Giveaway~ 1/1

Momma Told Me: The world is a dog's toy box.

Growing up, we never had the room for a dog to properly live with us; or at least by the time we did my parents were much more engulfed in other issues than to take on a new pup. We had cats, several of them, through the years. For this reason, dogs fascinated me. They were the forbidden creatures of the pet world, and I took every chance I got to schmooze those friendly enough. Whether it was the neighbor's pooch, or the four legged friend of a family member, I was often seen making faces and chasing after dogs. Mind you, I didn't always have this romantic relationship with the canine kind; there was a time where the line had to be drawn, and I was made to see just why Momma preferred Purrrrs to Pups.

The event in question revolved around one coveted stuffed dolphin (Flipper) and a routine visit to grandma's house. Just old enough to have weened off my security blanket, but not yet willing to set down my favorite toy, I flounced into her living room already anticipating the reception of sloppy kisses I would surely receive from my canine family. The following was a blur. 1, 2, 3 dogs? barreled towards me, all near my own height and powerful enough to knock me backward in their own anticipation. I made a shrill noise, something to the effect of "Puppy!!!" and placed my arms out to wrap around a furry mane. One of the others, likely jealous they were not receiving hugs, took the moment to notice I had dropped my precious dolphin, and in an instant was off. The dog I had been holding jerked back, to investigate the commotion and, puppyless, I was now aware of the fact Flipper was gone. What followed was a comedic game of moneky-in-the-middle, in which grandma and Momma continually cornered the offending dog, while the other 2 pups worked in tandem to protect the revered 'toy'. After all, it was just a 'game' to them!

I'm ashamed to admit there were many tears to follow, when Flipper returned hemorrhaging his insides, a grizzly sight to behold. Of course, today, I understand pups are no different than children. They have no concept of ownership, and will play with anything, simply because it looks fun! The best solution? Well, to purchase them their own, designated toys, of course! But what do you do when Fido tears through their toys, only to be left fighting boredom, shortly after the tags are ripped off? Because KyJen knows that both owner and pet are left with nothing but frustration when a good toy goes bad, they've dedicated an entire team to creative and engaging toy construction. Makers of the popular Squeaker Mat series, and one of a kind snack hiding, and plush, Puzzle toys, KyJen understands an owners need to nurture, and keep the peace.

We recently received a KyJen Petey Penguin Hard Boiled Softies toy for review, with Kyra, here on Momma Told Me. The unique Hard Boiled Softies line is designed with the rough play pup in mind, and features a durable rubber 'yolk' that resembles a kong, and is safe to chew. This oval shaped inner core is actually entirely removable (from the soft plus character lining), and makes a grunting noise that's a little more tolerable than high pitched squeaks, yet just as engaging. Because the character 'skin' is entirely removable, it is easy to wash and clean by hand, so there is no fear of outdoors play. In fact, the rubber core allows this penguin to bounce and engage dogs in unexpected ways, and is ergonomic for long distance throwing. We love that Petey lasted this rambunctious (8 month) pups initial trials, and has persevered longer than her other toys, as the noisemaker did not die within minutes of being broken in. Puncturing the thick rubber 'yolk' and stopping the grunter has proved to be impossible as of yet, for Kyra.

Petey goes inside and out, though the muddy character sleeve is always promptly washed before making its way inside for indoor play. And yes, the rubber 'yolk' passes as a toy on it's own in the mean time. Kyra will sit and 'honk' on her Hard Boiled Softie until someone gets up to throw it, then barrel back for another round. In general, these are fairly solid/sizable toys, about 4" in height and intended for medium to large breed mouths. Don't let that discourage the small breed owners though, I've seen these toys loved by everything down to short legged little dachshunds. Because their interaction can change from rolling and chewing to tossing and bouncing, it is very versatile, and great for multi-dog homes. The current collection of characters includes a Bee, Penguin, Shark, Sheep, and Hedgehog. Hard Boiled Sofites, by KyJen, retail for $13.99, and are sold nationwide at major pet retailers, and online.

What Daughter Says: Give them something constructive to chew on, choose educational and engaging toys by KyJen.

One Momma Told Me follower will win a Hard Boiled Softies of choice, from KyJen!

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