Why is a dog heart toy a great choice? Find out how this simple toy can keep your canine companion happy and engaged.

Okay, so I decided to try making one of those heart toys for my dog, Buster. He gets a bit anxious when I'm out, poor guy. Saw something about these toys helping dogs feel less lonely, like having a buddy, maybe reminding them of their mom or littermates with that heartbeat thing. Didn't know if that heartbeat part was real magic, but figured a soft toy shaped like a heart couldn't hurt, right?

Getting Stuff Ready

First thing, I rummaged through my old fabric stash. Found some soft, fuzzy fleece material – an old blanket I think? Perfect. Nice and cuddly.

Needed stuffing too. Pulled some out of an old pillow we weren't using anymore. Waste not, want not!

And of course, needle and thread. My sewing is, let's say, functional. Not pretty, but it usually holds together.

Putting it Together

Okay, the making part. I laid the fleece out, folded it over, and sketched a big heart shape. Doesn't have to be perfect, dogs aren't picky about symmetry, are they?

Cut out two identical heart shapes. This took a minute, fleece can be slippery.

Then, the sewing. Placed the two hearts together, fuzzy side inwards. Started stitching around the edge. Did a simple running stitch mostly. Left a small gap open on one side, big enough to turn it right side out and add the stuffing.

Once sewn (mostly), I carefully turned the whole thing right side out through the gap. Pushed out the corners and curves. Looked kinda like a heart! A lumpy one, maybe.

Next, stuffing time. Started grabbing handfuls of that pillow filling and pushing it into the heart shape through the gap. Packed it in there pretty good, wanted it soft but also substantial enough to cuddle or chew a bit. Tried to make it feel sort of... solid? Like a little body.

Final step: sewing up the gap. This part is always tricky for me, trying to make the stitches invisible. Didn't quite manage that, but tucked the raw edges in and stitched it closed as neatly as I could. Gave it a good squish to make sure everything felt secure.

The Big Reveal

Alright, moment of truth. Called Buster over. Showed him the new toy. He gave it a good sniff, looked at me, then back at the toy.

I tossed it gently. He pounced! Not aggressively, more like curious. Nudged it with his nose, picked it up, dropped it, picked it up again. Gave it a few test chews. Seemed okay with the texture.

Later that evening, I spotted him carrying it over to his bed. He curled up with it, resting his head right on it. That felt like a win. Didn't put any fancy heartbeat ticker inside, just the soft stuffing, but maybe the warmth and softness were enough.

Final Thoughts

So yeah, that was my little project. Took maybe an hour total? Super simple, really. Used stuff I already had.

Seeing Buster actually using it, especially cuddling with it in his bed, made it totally worth the slightly wonky stitching. He seems to like having something soft to carry around and snuggle. Maybe it does give him a bit of comfort. Anyway, happy I gave it a go.