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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Hi, Kacy,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I would not use a soft-crate with a dog
that is not already both crate-trained and mature if you are going to be unable
to supervise. They do hold up, but they are not fool proof for a determined
chewer/digger/scratcher.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I personally prefer wire crates, and that’s
what I keep set up for my girls – I have three set up normally, so that
they can go in and out at will, and they love them. Often are found resting in
the crates even when the crates are open, because they are their “safe
spots”. I also feed them in their crates, so that no one bothers them
while they are eating, and they can relax for the meal time.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I like the wire crates both because they
allow the dog to still see out very clearly and be “part of the action”
even if they are confined (for example, if they are ill, or if I’m
working with power tools and don’t want them at risk), and also in terms
of looks in the house. Now granted, a crate is generally *<b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>not</span></b>* a decorator touch in your home, but I
find that the black wire crates tend to “fade into the background”
a bit more than travel/plastic crates. I also prefer a crate with double doors –
one at the end and one on the side. This allows you to arrange the crate in the
way that best fits your room, and to be able to rearrange if you redecorate. If
you have an injured dog, the side door also makes it easier to get them in and
out.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Don’t buy any crate retail – you
can do much better online. I usually get mine through catalogs –
comparison shop JB Wholesale, or <a href="http://www.petedge.com/">www.petedge.com</a>,
or <a href="http://www.kvvet.com/">www.kvvet.com</a> is where I usually find
the best crate prices – my favorite is the MidWest Crate Double-Door
LIfeStages crate.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>So that’s my vote.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=2 color=navy face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;color:navy'>Sylvie McGee<br>
HeavenScent Bassets<br>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Olympia</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">WA</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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