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DIY Dog Cooling Mat

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As my “babies” are growing up and leaving home for college one by one, I find that my dog, Lila, is becoming the recipient of my mom attention. Lila is a fun-loving dog, always the life of the party. I know she loves us and we love her, but she is not a cuddly dog. I have to find other ways to demonstrate my affection for her, so I made her this easy cooling mat to lay on after our long walks. Learn how to make your own dog cooling mat here. 

Looking for more things to hand-make and DIY for your dog? Check out some of our favorite things to make for dogs. Owning a dog can be very expensive and not only does making your own dog beds, coats and toys seem like fun, it is also a great way to save money on pet supplies too.  One of our puppy’s favorite homemade dog toy is a soda bottle ½ filled with rice. It is noisy, it flips and spins and has a spout for him to grab. 

Looking for more sewing patterns for your fur baby doggies? Check out these sewing patterns over on Etsy.

No Sew Easy Dog Bed – Quick and easy to make, you will want this soft and fluffy dog bed for every room, if you are looking for more DIY dog beds check out these articles for making your own dog beds.

DIY Dog Shampoo for sensitive skin – Even doggies have allergies and this recipe is for dogs with sensitive skin. 

Recycled TShirt – Dogs Tugga Toy This project was featured in Moderndog magazine and was so fun to make, the best part was ripping up all the old t-shirts. Such a great way to recycle.

Recycled Dog Collar – Pickup old shirts from thrift stores and make fun collars in different colors and sizes. Make sure to measure your dog’s neck before heading out so you know what size to shirt to buy. 

Check out this article on 15 dog toys you can make at home. 

No Sew Dog Wrap –  Made from old human track pants, very affordable to make.

Peppermint Dog Soap –  Stinky dogs are gone, peppermint is soothing and antibacterial too.

Dry Pet Shampoo – Sometimes they haven’t even dried from their bath before they are dirty again, this shampoo helps to brush out the grime.

Dog Cakes – Perfect for dog parties and doggie friend playdates

Dog Biscuits– 16 yummy dog treats you can make yourself at home in the kitchen.

Looking for pet supplies, toys, food, or gift ideas? Check these out.

Next Pattern:

Have you read?

That Time a Thrift Store Employee Shamed Me – And Your Honest Responses

A few months ago, I wrote “That Time a Thrift Store Employee Yelled at Me – And Changed How I See Thrift Flips Forever

My inbox was flooded with messages from all of you, some agreeing, some furious, and many sharing your own thrifting wake-up calls. Today, I want to revisit the debate with your voices front and center.

The Incident That Started It All

If you missed the original article, here’s the gist: I was browsing my local thrift store for vintage linens (my weakness) when an employee called me out for being a “TikTok flipper.” She wasn’t wrong—I had repurposed thrifted finds before—but her frustration hit hard: “These used to be $2. Now they’re $20. because of people like you.”

Ouch.

I left that day with my fabric and a guilty conscience. But after hearing from hundreds of you, I realized this isn’t just about me—it’s a big, messy issue with valid points on both sides.

What You Told Me: The For & Against Thrift Flipping Debate

“Thrift Flipping is Gentrification – Period.”

From readers who sided with the thrift store employee:

“I work at a Salvation Army, and it’s INFURIATING to watch resellers clear out our plus-size section just to chop it up for ‘aesthetic’ crop tops. Those clothes were someone’s only affordable option.” – M., Ohio

“My mom raised three kids on thrift store clothes. Now? She can’t even afford to shop there. The ‘sustainable’ crowd priced out the people who actually need these stores.” – Anonymous

“If you want to upcycle, go to the ‘damaged’ bin. Leave the wearable stuff for people who can’t afford to be picky.” – R., Texas

“But Thrift Flipping Is Sustainable – Don’t Shame Creativity!”

From readers who pushed back:

“I’ve been flipping thrifted clothes for 15 years—long before TikTok. Thrift stores have always had resellers. Blame corporations, not crafters.” – L., Portland

“I’m a college student. Thrift flipping lets me afford ‘new’ clothes. Should I feel guilty for not being poor enough to ‘deserve’ thrift stores?” – Anonymous

“The real issue is overproduction. Fast fashion dumps 100B garments a year, but we’re fighting over who ‘deserves’ a $5 shirt?” – K., UK

And then there were the nuanced takes:

“I stopped flipping name-brand or plus-size items after reading your article. But I’ll still upcycle stained tablecloths or torn sheets—stuff nobody else would buy.” – J., Michigan

“Thrift stores themselves are the problem. They’re corporations now. My local shop is owned by a millionaire who jacks up prices, then blames ‘flippers’ for the backlash.” – Anonymous

Where Do We Go From Here?

After reading your messages, here’s where I’ve landed:

  1. Blame the system, not the stitchers.Thrift stores are becoming corporations. Fast fashion is the root issue. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
  2. Be mindful. Ask Is this item still usable as-is? Could someone else need it more? If yes, maybe leave it.
  3. Get loud about the real villains. Petition thrift stores to cap prices. Boycott brands like Shein. Support actual charity shops.

Your Turn

This isn’t a black-and-white issue, and I’m not here to lecture. But after hearing from you, I’m convinced: we can thrift flip ethically—if we’re willing to adapt.

So tell me: Have you changed how you thrift since this debate started? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.