As tried by April: It's a robe. It's a blanket. It's a Snuggie.

I cannot even begin to say how excited I was when I saw them. I walked in the door at PetSmart and three people asked me if I had seen them

yet.

"Seen what?" I asked.

"We have the dog Snuggies."

No further explanation was needed except to tell me where they were stocked in

the store. I bought one that day. Most of my co-workers were surprised I hadn't

already ordered one off the television.

When I arrived home, I dropped everything I had, tore open the box and called for Zoe.

The bright pink fleece engulfed my little dog. Disappointed, I exchanged it the next day for a smaller

size. Again, I was disappointed. The size small wouldn't even go around her neck. I decided to exchange it for the one I previously had. For whatever reason, the dog Snuggie jumps from Chihuahua size to Boston plus. The medium is exactly twice as large as the small, a problem many customers would complain about in the days to come, but I decided too big was better than none at all.

Zoe wears her Snuggie when the house is a little chilly. It makes a great robe for after baths. The light-weight fleece doesn't absorb a lot of

water, but keeps my damp little dog warm until she completely dries. She especially enjoys her Snuggie thrown in the dryer for a few minutes to get it extra toasty.

A few weeks buying Zoe a Snuggie, I found myself in Dayton opening Christmas presents with my family on Christmas Eve. I had asked my brother for a calendar. As he passed presents out to everyone, he handed me two gifts wrapped in bright green paper. I knew the flat 12 inch by 12 inch gift was the calendar but was

puzzled by the larger wrapped box.

I opened it and to my surprise found an Ohio State Snuggie. All I could do was smile and laugh. My brother told me he had to get it when he saw it, something that was very hard for him considering he is a huge Michigan fan.

That evening, I curled up on my parents couch to watch a movie. Three small dogs forced their way under the Snuggie as well.

The Snuggie has become a staple on my couch at home. I use it daily and so does

Zoe.

The Snuggie does allow for the mobility of my upper body while keeping me warm. It truly is great for reading a book.

It's a little long for my short stature, not allowing me to walk through the house with it on. The extra length does allow me to tuck the bottom of the Snuggie under my feet, keeping my toes a little less frigid. It's a win-win situation.

Wearing the Snuggie backwards like a robe has it's perks too. I can lean over the table and eat or work at my computer and remain wrapped up and warm.

Growing up, I remember having the blankets that snapped up, but never had a blanket with a name having so much pizazz.The Snuggie is a brilliant invention. I can't believe it took this long for its creation.

There is nothing special about the Snuggie. It is merely a light-weight fleece blanket with sleeves. A simple blanket that I find myself wrapped up in almost every day. If I am not using it, Zoe makes herself a covered nest with it. I think she is attracted to the soft fleece and of course, the warmth she will receive.

If you don't have a Snuggie, get one. If you need a unique gift idea, buy one for a friend. Snuggies come in many colors and prints. I believe you can now get them for children, and I don't mean the furry ones.

Be on the lookout, my Snuggie will be making appearances camping and tailgating.