Instant dog bed

The folks at Green Dog blog picked up on a clever way to save money by using what you have to provide a bed for your dog. It's called the Jet-Set Dog Bed.

Basically, it's a dog bed created from an old suitcase.

Ingredients:

• Suitcase with floppy opening side
• Heavy-duty double-sided tape
• Pillow (or two, depending on the suitcase size)
• Fuzzy bath mat (slightly larger than inside of suitcase)

  Not for everyone -- or every decor -- perhaps, but a unique idea, especially considering the high cost of dog beds.

You can also find instructions for making your own cat condo and "quilted dog jacket" at the ReadyMade web site.

** Dogs will naturally take to something like this, I'm convinced, but maybe smaller dogs more than bigger canines. Last time I moved, I frequently found my scruffy terrier Fritz curled up in one of the boxes waiting to be unpacked. The laundry basket was another favorite hangout.

My dogs now are quite content to use the well-worn dog beds I've had on the floor for a few years. Cowboy plunked down in one almost immediately after I brought him home nearly a year ago and it remains his favorite special spot.

So where do your dogs like to hang out? Your furniture? Fancy dog beds? The laundry hamper?