Another One Bites the Dust

The 4-pawed demolition squad, otherwise known as the Ninja, has struck again. One of Elsa’s favorite toys that she plays with frequently unceremoniously bit the dust. I thought it only fitting it had the pawfect funeral requiem before it goes to the toy graveyard mending basket.

Hard to believe this innocent looking poodle is so treacherous when it comes to toys. Early on I learned the cute toys with adorable arms, legs and noses that uprights favored were fair game when introduced to this munching machine. I have tried to keep toys without angles, edges or appendages, preferring rounded shapes so as to keep the jaws of death less likely to inflict the special death she foists on them.

Here’s just a tiny sampling of toys that once had ears, fins, and other protruding parts before my ‘Jaws’ eating machine got ahold of them. It always cracks me up how she’ll play nice and then all of a sudden WHAM! Something possesses her mind and she must then eviscerate the ever-loving stuffing out of it.

Sadly many of her stuffies have not been able to be saved, despite valiant attempts by the resident seamstress. Frankly, some were so chewed up, not even the ‘Doctors of TV‘ could put them back together. I think poor ‘Nemo’ here is just about on his last fin. The smiley ball used to have long floppy ears now only sports nubs (I’m surprised she hasn’t eaten the tag). And yet, it makes me happy to see her cart them in her mouth to the back door waiting to go on a walk with a half chewed stuffie in her mouth. Which is why whenever the fabric store has a coupon, I try to find remnants to stock up on for future projects. Looks like I’ll be visiting again soon and trying to whip up something clever that she’ll destuff enjoy even if only for a short time. She seems to enjoy the bone and heart shapes made earlier this year, so maybe Santa will make more of those.

Do you have a Kraken who destroys toys chewer who enjoys the stuffing a little too much?

Live, love, bark! ❤︎

56 thoughts on “Another One Bites the Dust

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Antlers and hooves are big favorites here too but then again often times, so are the stuffies, at least for Elsa. With her sad start in life, I’m pleased she can find joy in these simply acts of destruction and hope with time, there will be less destruction and more playing.

  1. Sand Spring Chesapeakes – Cambria, WI – My husband and I have six "furry" children Gambler, Glory, Guilty, Slammer, Gertie and one cat Bones and two furangel's Norman and Nellie. We breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. We are both avid hunters. We also enjoy competing with our dogs in hunt tests and field trials. That is where you can find us during the trial months which are April-September. When were not at a trial we are busy training our dogs. We go snow goose hunting in Canada each year and do all the hunting that Wisconsin offers.
    Sand Spring Chesapeakes says:

    whoops I have a med ward too

  2. edgar62 – Semi-retired in South Australia. Interests are Music (Andre Rieu, Anna Netrebko) Reading (SciFi / Crime) and History Movies: The Day After Tomorrow, Casablanca, The Man Who Would be King Community: Secretary Support group, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
    edgar62 says:

    Benji has done this but not with too many. However, even although they are de-stuffed, he still plays with them and we still have them scattered all around the house.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      If I don’t sew up the holes, Elsa would eat the stuffing out and who wants to deal with that when it comes out the other end? 😆

      1. edgar62 – Semi-retired in South Australia. Interests are Music (Andre Rieu, Anna Netrebko) Reading (SciFi / Crime) and History Movies: The Day After Tomorrow, Casablanca, The Man Who Would be King Community: Secretary Support group, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
        edgar62 says:

        Indeed – but all he does is pull out the stuffing, admire his work, then walk away and leave it.

        1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
          Tails Around the Ranch says:

          Give that boy a big ear scratch from me. Kudos on being a good boy, Benji.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      I think I need to buy a bag of squeakers from Amazon to replace the broken ones. But it always makes my heart soar when I see how much she enjoys toys after years in a cage at the puppy mill.

  3. I feel your pain! Kloe is a prolific destroyer of stuffed toys and rope toys, although the rope takes her a little longer (a few days versus a few minutes). We’ve even tried those toys that are made out of fire hose material. She uses her front teeth on the seems and systematically “un-sews” the toy and ceremoniously removes the stuffing and piles it next to her. With the rope toys – and I’m talking those that are two inches thick – she pulls on the ends and it I’m amazed at how she can untie the knots. And of course throughout the process she stops intermittently to attack her sleeping sister by running into her and smashing the toy in Kali’s face. Sigh…..

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      I don’t mean to make light of your experience but I just never pictured a Golden as a “seamstress” as well as a “WWF competitor.” LOL

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Heehee I’m gonna start piecing pieces/parts together for Frankentoys! BOL

  4. Bear’s slowed down quite a bit – but he used to be really hard on his toys. He loves to sink his teeth and claws into things (no red dot for him!) – and I must admit that he’s pretty adorable when teaching his toys a lesson.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Funny how the toys never seem to learn. LOL

  5. My Golden Life – Upstate South Carolina – I love animals, especially dogs. I enjoy US history, and reading biographies of our former presidents and other historical figures. I love the music of the '60s and '70s since I was growing up in those decades. I love the Beatles and Andy Williams equally.
    My Golden Life says:

    Shadow – like her older sister – was always gentle with stuffies, unless she wanted one that Callie had. Now, with the demonbrat who destroys every toy in her path around and Callie in Heaven, the only toys that interest Shadow are the balls she can carry in her mouth. Ducky’s favorite is her Kong Wubba. As tattered as it is, she loves it.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Doesn’t it just warm your heart to its core seeing the joy simple things bring our pets?

      1. My Golden Life – Upstate South Carolina – I love animals, especially dogs. I enjoy US history, and reading biographies of our former presidents and other historical figures. I love the music of the '60s and '70s since I was growing up in those decades. I love the Beatles and Andy Williams equally.
        My Golden Life says:

        Definitely!

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      The mortality rate is growing increasingly larger these days.

  6. Choppy has destroyed hundreds of toys. I thought it would get better as she got older. I guess it has – usually, the toys last a few weeks before they meet their deaths, when they used to only survive minutes or hours. Still, “dog toys” is an item that has to be in the budget.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Sam isn’t interested much in toys, that’s Elsa’s domain and she makes up for it in spades. Luckily it’s easy to whip something up on the sewing machine to replace casualties when the budget is strained. 😉

  7. Mabel loves to chew on the ears or legs or tails. They usually last a while but once she gets a hole I have to take away – she eats the stuffing and then will puke it up
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      I’m terrified she’ll get a blockage since she’s eaten more than one sock over the past year. #ohthatdog!

  8. Mee-you Lady Monika mee had a purrfect idea: Sewin all thee reemainin partss together an cree-ate a Frankystine toy fur Elsa deer Ninja doggie! What do you fink???
    *paw patsss* Siddhartha Henry xXx

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Frankentoy…I like that idea and may need to save the bits for those creatures. LOL

  9. Dakota/Caren/Cody – Michigan – Freelance writer, pet blogging professional, product influencer, half of the writing team behind Dakota's Den and "Cat Chat With Cody & Caren" Most importantly, I am a "pet mom" to Dakota, (Shetland Sheepdog) and Cody (my silver gray tabby!)
    Dakota/Caren/Cody says:

    Oh I remember those days!!!! Thankfully Dakota rarely does the toy destruction thing anymore!

  10. Genevieve Petrillo – I'm a teacher-turned-writer - Author of Keep Your Ear on the Ball (Tilbury, 2007) and What If I Don't? (Meegenius, 2014). I love doing school visits and author talks. My stories, poetry, and teaching ideas have been seen in many teachers' and children's magazines. In my free time, I volunteer with Ocean County Volunteers for the Blind and TheraPet.
    Genevieve Petrillo says:

    I used to eat my toys and rip them to shreds when I first came here. Now I play nicely and haven’t ruined one in years. Mom even lets me bring one to the dog park sometimes, so I can run and chase it. Then, just when it smells dirty and gross, she washes it in the washing machine and takes away all the smells I worked so hard instilling.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Moms are sometimes cruel, Cupcake, but only because we love you to pieces. 😉

  11. Kismet – New River, Arizona. – I'm a 16 year old Indian Ringneck parrot curmudgeon in New River, Arizona in the wild west country. If you're a sunflower seed, you're dinner.
    Kismet says:

    Make them do something useful. Get them squirrel stuffies.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      I’d be the happiest dog mom if she could chase away all the real squirrels in the hood so they’ll stop damaging the trees. Sigh

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      It’s hard being a grave digger for toys, isn’t it?

  12. The toys over here explode regularly all by themselves, lol

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      So you guys have exploding toys too? Must be a conspiracy of dog toy manufacturers. 😉

  13. Kate Crimmins – Retired Human Resources executive with two bossy cats ready to share insights, experiences and wisdom to make you laugh and think in new ways.
    Kate Crimmins says:

    I have cats who like catnip toys. I found the bought ones that look like mice or some other critter get destroyed. There are ears or fake whiskers all over the carpet. Now I buy thin muslin or cut up old tee-shirts and make square packets of catnip. Way cheaper and they seem to take a lot of abuse. I’ll see teeth marks but there are no appendages to tear off. Yet they are still able to hunt them, roll over them and toss them in the air. The good news is that else doesn’t chew shoes.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Oh, but she does. Shoes and anything else she can wrap her choppers around! 😆

      1. Kate Crimmins – Retired Human Resources executive with two bossy cats ready to share insights, experiences and wisdom to make you laugh and think in new ways.
        Kate Crimmins says:

        Oh no not shoes!

        1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
          Tails Around the Ranch says:

          Oh yes. Shoes, socks, eye glasses, blankets, just to name a few of the things she’s eaten. 😇

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      😆 As I look over my two little snowflakes snoozing on the sofa, they probably wouldn’t be very good survivors either.

  14. Riley taught Lucy how to deadie a toy the second week she lived here. I’ve had to pull things like chewed socks out of his butt. I know, gross. Have you ever tried the (expensive) thick nylon stuffed toys I’ve seen online and at the pet store?

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      I have. She isn’t much of a fan of the sturdy toys. Naturally. 😁

  15. B Harmony – Wife, mother, former healthcare paraprofessional, loves chocolate enough to manage a chocolate shop, writer, a member of the Reluctant Renovators, Believer, twin, preacher's kid. Not necessarily in that order, and definitely not a complete list.
    B Harmony says:

    Love it! Eugene and Lily Belle only chew off appendages, after that they don’t ruin them. They’ve had one red stuffed ball for years that Lily Belle must have in our bed with us at night. She will often have it on the bed long before she goes to sleep. So sweet, until we all forget then she’s searching through the house or under the bed looking for it. So, then we get down on all fours looking for it…

    well. It’s worth it. ❤️

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      A lost toy can be catastrophic for the dog and her family. 😍

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      How funny…he looks so innocent. 😇

  16. Chelsea chewed the noses or equivalents off first. Then squeakers. Cole protected his toys, and took care of them like the gentleman he was. Milo goes into some kind of trance while he systematically chews off legs, arms, tails, feet, any standing off bit. Make no mistake, they have been torn apart. Several had a mass funeral this week.
    His reply? Next!
    LeeAnna

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Neither of the OESs chewed up the toys (many which have been passed down to Elsa) so her evisceration is a weird thing for me. But clearly she enjoys them when she pounces and tosses them in the air. She too goes into a trance once the decapitation starts, that’s when I have to intervene so she doesn’t eat the innards. On the plus side for Milo, it’ll be a smaller box to pack, right? 😇

  17. easyweimaraner – brittany – Weimaraner /Braque de Weimar, born in 2009, male & fabulous From: Britanny / France Likes: Plushtoy-Shredding, Spikebones,long distance Walks, everyday a Gift, Chicken, Shoes, Underwear, my squeekie Pig & my whole Life Dislikes: Water, Cats, Beaf, Cats, cleaning my Ears, Cats, the Vet, Cats, Snow & CATS! Profession: Student of psychological War-technics & Terrorism, after my Masterdegree i become to rule the world or maybe to be the owner of toys r us. actually i'm not sure... Status: Single Pets: Hell, NO! i prefer a petfree home. but owner of two slaves for my comfy Misc.: Greencardowner for Masterbed, Master of Beggin, Prince of Thiefs We decided to leave Easy's datas as they were... although we lost him in november 2016, he is still with us.... and his little brothers Phenny and Nelly promised to write on not as Easy the weim, but as easy Weimaraner... About us: Mr. Phoenix, born 9/9/2016 a virgo and always clever&smart...Neilson, born 7/28/2017 a leo who thinks he is clever&smart...
    easyweimaraner says:

    I like your new designed toys, they look a little like mine … we could invite all friends to a wrecked toy eggs-hibition… and for the win we buy new toys… deal?
    btw: the mama laughed as she saw the queen video… she misheard the lyrics and she and her friends sang; another one waits for bus… ;O)))

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Phenny and Elsa should open a design company for wrecked dog toys. I’m sure they would make a killing. 😆

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