Have you noticed that pet beds cost an arm and a leg? Like this one from LLBean or this one from Drs. Foster and Smith ($119-$199!). Or how about this one for $89.99 -- are you kidding me, Petsmart?! There are cheapies out there, but many of them are sewn into their covers and, hence, not machine washable. Ick.

As an experienced pet-mama, here are my requirements for a good pet bed: 1) inexpensive, 2) durable, 3) a color that hides grime, and 4) easy-to-remove, machine washable cover. If you have access to a sewing machine, consider a simple DIY pet bed like this one. Just use a cheapo bed pillow for stuffin' and use whatever fabric you like for the cover. Bonus: you can buy fabric that matches the rest of your decor.

What I love about these instructions is that the designer, Candace, keeps it super-simple and affordable. You're basically sewing a big open-ended pillow-case. No fussing to attach a zipper, velcro or button closure. For a bigger dog, you can use multiple pillows. However, in that situation you will have to have something to hold them all together in one unit. Here's what I do to make my own DIY beds for larger dogs: I use an inexpensive under-bed storage bag. Choose one like this, made of fabric that breathes, not a plastic one. Stuff the pillows into that, zip it closed, and stuff that bag inside your homemade cover. Voila! Your dog will be in hound heaven.