Showing posts with label Fuzzy Rohde. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fuzzy Rohde. Show all posts

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Gary, Fuzzy and The Leash





Any number of e-mails arrive daily asking if I'd be interested in trying this dog product or that cat product. I don't do a lot of product reviews but if something catches my eye because I think it might be useful, I will agree. One press release that arrived had several products in it before Christmas. One product caught my eye but not for the reason the publicist or manufacturer might have thought.


The Kinn™ Kangaroo Leash with Super Soft Fleece Handle, Shock Absorber leash and a Kache™ Poop Bag Dispenser made of the highest quality nylon webbing, making it even softer to the touch. It is described as a six foot leash for dogs up to 90 lbs. Cat owners could also use it with a harness. I don't have a dog at this time but I have a few trusted friends who will test dog products for me.

When I saw the leash and read about the super soft fleece handle I had one of those lightbulb moments. My friend, Gary Rohde is disabled. He has limited mobility in his hands and an active rescue dog, Fuzzy, who is taken for walks at least twice a day. Holding a regular leash when you have that sort of disability can become a fairly painful experience. I asked Gary if he'd like to test the leash for me. He readily agreed. I asked the publicist to send it to him instead of me, since he would test it. 


Here's his report now that he has been using it for several weeks:

When I first opened the box up it was a little confusing because the pooper bag dispenser was zip-tied to the shock absorber, extremely tight, so it was difficult to cut off.  So, either attach it someplace else, like on the handle or there has to be a better way without using a zip tie. Use something with a little more give that the person can get a scissors in to separate it from the leash. That is my only real complaint, except that the pouch can only carry one pooper bag and that would be a small one for a small dog’s output.  There is a little pocket in the back for a key or cash. I could only wish that it had Velcro on the pocket.

The handle I found absolutely superb, the fur is absolutely easy on your hand and wrist making it the perfect leash for someone who has weakening extremities. It slides to fit my hand when walking Fuzzy who weighs 25 lbs.
 
The leash is very solid. The one I tested is grey which tends to disappear from sight when walking my dog at night on a dark street. I’d love to see it in a color that would be more visible after dark, or add something to it that would be visible, perhaps reflective.
The shock absorber does its job. It’s where the dog’s collar is hooked to the leash, it's a little rubber washer. When Fuzzy took off a little faster than I was prepared for, it did its job and didn’t choke him, nor did it hurt my hand.

I recommend it not only for people who have normal use of hands and wrist, but I highly recommend it for people who have hand and wrist issues like mine. It’s very solidly made. Construction of the leash is excellent, no issues with that at all.  It’s not falling apart. Even in a rainstorm, it didn’t split, it was fine. It didn’t shred or separate. The seams are all tight. Far better to buy a leash that’s well-made and will last. It exceeded my expectations.

Thank you very much! Fuzzy enjoys the leash and I enjoy the soft handle. It helps my sore hands when taking Fuzzy for a walk.



Thank you, Gary, for a most comprehensive review. Obviously, he and Fuzzy give it thumbs and paws up!

The Leash Retails for $29.95

www.KinnInc.com  and at Amazon.com as well as select boutiques and Veterinary clinics.

Note: I received no compensation for this review, nor did Gary Rohde. He was sent a leash for review.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Review: The Chuckit LIGHTPLAY Toy & Giveaway

Photo of Fuzzy by Gary Rohde


When it comes to testing toys, I have an assortment of volunteers. One of the most avid toy testers is Fuzzy who has owned Gary Rohde in Southern California ever since Gary rescued him from a shelter. A rather insecure, anxious dog who seemed to come not with baggage but a full set of luggage, he has flourished under Gary's loving care, great socialization and gentle training. 


Photo by Gary Rohde


Fuzzy has turned into a connoisseur of dog toys. Give him one and he'll be happy to play until he has either destroyed the toy or finally grows tired, whichever comes first.  When I was offered an opportunity to test Chuckit, a LIGHTPLAY toy by Petmate, Fuzzy was a pretty obvious choice. 


LIGHTPLAY Toys aglow!


A bonus of this group of new toys is that it can be seen when it's starting to get dark and great indoors to keep you from falling over the toy in the middle of the night if it's still charged. The Max Glow rubber charges under a bright light - including light from a cell phone in less than 10 minutes and the glow lasts for up to 30 minutes of nighttime play.


Lucas & Fuzzy Photo by Gary Rohde


I asked that one of the toys be shipped directly to Gary and Fuzzy.  It arrived quickly and Fuzzy immediately bonded with the box - after all, it was for him, contents and all.  



Gary unpacked the toy and Fuzzy loved it, playing with it on the sofa in their apartment. Then off they went for the real test - outdoors on one of their multiple daily walks.


Photo by Gary Rohde
Gary is disabled but even he could play with the toy, throwing it for Fuzzy in the safety of a friend's yard. Then he enlisted one of Fuzzy's friends, a young man named Luke and while Gary shot still pictures and video, they played together with the joy kids and dogs seem to naturally share.

Fuzzy gives this toy 4 paws up!  Gary and Luke seem to concur. The fact that Fuzzy hasn't been able to destroy it is another major plus since he's hard on toys.  Gary enthused that, "Fuzzy loves it!"

As you can see in the pictures (and the video below), Chuckit is a big hit with Fuzzy, Gary and Luke. 

If you want to learn more, you can go to Petmate's website:  http://www.petmate.com




Video of Fuzzy & Luke by Gary Rohde

If you want a LIGHTPLAY toy for your special canine friend, please comment on this post. A winner in the U.S. will be chosen at random from all entries.  Check back on Monday when I'll announce the lucky winner!

NOTE:  I was not paid for this review. The toy was sent to Gary Rohde so he and his dog, Fuzzy, could test it.  No money changed hands. This review is based on Gary's experiences with the toy, his dog and their young friend, Luke.