What's the image that pops up in most people's minds when they think of a dog bed? An oval-shaped object which can be small and fleecy or large and chew-proof; depending on the size and strength of the potential occupant? Uh-huh. Stop right there.

Today's dog bed can come in a variety of shapes and forms. It can be round, square, rectangular, basket-shaped or even custom-built to fit in a corner. The 21st century version can come in as many varieties as the bed for its human companion! Not only can it be rigid or soft, it can be made of wicker, plastic, wood; it can appear as a sofa bed, or a modern version of the Victorian chaise-longue. And what pooch wouldn't want to languish on its own four-poster doggie bed? Today's beds for dogs can be manufactured in such a delightfully snuggly way that the newest of new puppies can be fooled by the warm, furry interior into thinking they're still with their mother. At the other end of the scale, the elderly and infirm dog will surely be happy to relax in his orthopedic dog bed. Shop around and you'll find that most of these now come in sizes ranging from teeny puppy to massive hound. And why shouldn't Man's Best Friend have the best bed his master can afford? A thumping tail, many loveable licks and that irresistible smiley expression will all speak for themselves.

You may find it hard to believe but dog beds can have many uses in the home, which is good to know for when your little (or large) hirsute soulmate has gone to the great kennel in the sky. So what use might you be able to find for your erstwhile doggie's bed then? Well... In the hands of an enterprising toddler one soft, fleecy dog bed can be converted instantly into a sail-around-the-carpet canoe.  Row-boats were never like this on the ocean waves.  Titchy can have no end of fun with such a ready-made plaything.

What about elsewhere in the house and the garden? Turned upside down the plastic or basket-weave type dog bed can become a great place to rest one's weary feet after a hard day at the office. And out in the garden, the thing to do is to bore a few holes in the bottom and convert it into  a large plant pot. Fill it with soil, put a couple of drainage 'feet' underneath and you have the perfect container for growing a couple of tomato plants.  Or cucumbers.  Or sweet peas.  Whatever...

There is, of course, always the possibility that the dog bed might find a whole new life as a sleeping place for the cat.  The old cats vs. dogs question remains.  Would Puss like to sleep in doggie's old bed?  Either on his own, or sharing with a newcomer?  That's one only the cat can answer.  'Cat in a dog bed' conjures up a whole new concept!

On a more practical and compassionate level, once poor poochie has passed on,  it would be a nice idea to simply hand over to the old dog bed to an animal rescue centre where it could be reincarnated as a place of rest for all those unfortunate little waifs and strays. Come to think of it, has anyone ever written a book about A Hundred and One Uses for the Dog Bed?  Maybe it's time they should.  How's this for starters: Today's dog bed can come in a variety of different shapes and forms...