Doggy Steps Infomercial

Is there actually a demand for this product?

[jsinger]

"Is Fido getting too chubby or old to crawl into YOUR bed on his own?"

--
I've been seeing ads-- lots of them and in prime time on major cable channels-- for a product called "Doggy Steps." For $39.99 you can buy a three step set of canine stairs ("But wait! There's more...")

First time I saw it, I thought I stumbled into an old Dan Aykroyd SNL sketch (remember Bag O' Glass?).

Dog owners: Is there really a need/demand for such a product?

[hannamyluv]

I've seen a doggy stroller for sale in a catalog. Pets are big business. Many people (not all just many) who don't have children treat their dogs or cats like children. They have their portraits taken, they but them fancy foods and toys. There are even pet supply commercials that now refer to your pet as your child and you their parent.

[abbeyvet]

There is both need and demand big time.

Think of it, you have an big old labrador, are you going to stop taking him with you or lift him into the car and deal with the back surgeon's bill when it comes or buy some doggy steps?

I take it you are not a big user of Dog Hotels?

[jsinger]

We only have cats. One is very old, virtually incontinent and can barely walk (he can't climb steps at all). He just stays on the floor and mostly in one place all day. He really needs to be "put down" but we keep delaying that.

Yeah, I understand spending money on a pet, but a dog staircase...?

Wonder how many people sleep with their dogs, especially a big old one?

[bobothecat]

Guess that's why I use the name I do...

Bobo was a cat of mine for 12 years - died of diabetes - guess it's my way of offering him his shrine.

No steps though... :)

[grandpa]

a big old one

Somebody think about the little ones, and the young ones. There's a new chihuaha at the house here, and if he gets to sleep with anyone it's because he was put there. And if wakes up and has to go.. well, you can guess where it will be. Doggy steps are a great idea for smaller dogs.

a three step set of canine stairs ("But wait! There's more...")

I'm thinking the little one here needs at least 6 steps, or just a long ramp. Hopefully, that was the more part.

[Sarah Atkinson]

My aunt and uncle had a homemade one for their scotish terriers. They had a high bed and their dogs liked to sleep at their feet. They also had spare bed downstairs that was just for the dogs to sleep on.

[pageoneresults]

Pets are big business.

Pet Spending Purring Along [yahoo.businessweek.com]

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Assn. (APPMA), sales of pet products topped $34.4 billion last year (2004), more than doubling the level seen in 1994.

[Murdoch]

$39.99?!?

I could make on of these with $1.00 worth of materials

Give me a break. Another Dilbert situation where a company makes something totally useless and then gives it to marketing to try to sell it.

[Frequent]

I've actually been planning to build a set for our dachshund. I can definately see where there's demand.

Freq---

[kevinpate]

Never underestimate the willingness of a pet owner to do something for their critter(s).

It is not unheard of for a pet owner to drop in excess of US $900 on a major vet bill and elect to endure personal helth conditions brought on by the decision to forego personal medication and other regular expenses as a partial offset for the money that went for the pet.

With that level of commitment out there, buying a critter step would be a no-brainer to many.