🐾 How a Cooling Mat Saved My Best Friend’s Summer – A True Story from Canada
By: Emily Robertson, Vancouver, British Columbia
I still remember the day we brought Max home.
He was a rescue – a golden retriever with eyes so warm you’d forget he came from a shelter where he’d spent nearly two years waiting for someone to notice him.
Max had been through a lot: abandonment, anxiety, and countless hot summers spent alone in a kennel with no relief from the sweltering heat.
When he joined our family here in Vancouver, I promised him he would never have to feel alone or uncomfortable again.
But last July, I realized I wasn’t keeping that promise as well as I thought.
British Columbia can get surprisingly hot, especially during the peak of summer.
Even with the air conditioning on, Max would pant relentlessly, pacing the living room with his big brown eyes begging for help I couldn’t seem to provide.
He would lay on the tile floors to try to cool down, but nothing worked for long.
I knew overheating could be dangerous, especially for larger dogs with thick coats, and I felt helpless watching him struggle.
That’s when I stumbled across the Cooling Mat for Pets from VICI Empire.
I was skeptical.
I had tried other “cooling” beds in the past that felt flimsy and never stayed cool for more than a few minutes.
But the reviews were different – real pet parents sharing honest stories about how this mat actually made a difference.
So I decided to take a chance.
The day it arrived, everything changed.
I laid the mat out in Max’s favorite sunny spot by the patio door.
He sniffed it suspiciously and then slowly settled down.
Within minutes, the panting eased.
He relaxed his head onto the mat, closed his eyes, and fell asleep more peacefully than I’d seen in weeks.
That was when I knew – this was more than just a product.
It was a promise kept.
The mat itself feels sturdy and cool to the touch without refrigeration, electricity, or any gel inside.
It uses an innovative fabric and inner layer that instantly lowers the temperature the moment your pet lies down or even touches it.
Unlike other products that rely on gel fillings, this mat stays consistently cool and recharges automatically after a short break when your pet gets up.
It has a gentle, quilted texture that’s soft but durable enough for Max’s big paws.
I love that it’s non-toxic, easy to clean, and folds up neatly when we travel to the cabin.
This summer, instead of dreading the heat, Max enjoys it.
He lounges comfortably on his mat while we barbecue outside, completely at ease.
And I get to watch my best friend live the carefree life he deserves.
If you’re a pet parent who’s ever felt helpless watching your dog overheat, please know there is something you can do.
This mat isn’t just another accessory – it’s a lifeline in the summer months.
I’ve shared this story because I know how real the struggle is.
Our pets trust us to protect them.
Sometimes, it takes something as simple as a cooling mat to make all the difference in their world.
Stay cool, stay happy, and always stay kind to the animals who love us unconditionally.
— Emily & Max