Ok, as embarrassing as it is that I’m riding around inside a tote bag in a shopping cart – there is a good explanation for this!

See, on a day-to-day basis I pretty much go everywhere with my Mom – yet there are some places that don’t necessarily hang a “dogs welcome” sign on the door. But seeing as how there are always some exceptions to the rules, mom decided that if I had a bag for these rare occasions that I might be able to tag along anyway. And if riding in a tote bag means that I don’t have to stay home alone, then I’m willing to swallow my pride – as long as no one tells Trooper!

When my new bag arrived I admit, it looked pretty spiffy.

It was a Lands End canvas tote bag designed just for dogs. It came complete with a firm base at the bottom for me to stand on, an outside pocket to stash my treats, a zipper to close the top, a neck hole, and a leash attachment for my collar (although I probably won’t use the attachment – just for safety reasons incase I ever fell out or anything).

Now I bet your next question is – did I fit? Being as I’m built more like a hot dog than most small dogs, length is an important factor here. Since I’m 17 inches long I probably won’t ever be able to lay down in the bag, but I can sit comfortably in it.

Mom says my new bag is designed to hold up to 20 lbs – and after weighing in at a muscular 18 lbs (I’m much bigger than a mini Dachshund) this bag seems more than strong enough to hold my muscular self.

I took my new bag for a spin around Lowes yesterday – and it was way more comfortable to sit in than on the mesh-like floor of the cart. Mom also carried me around in it for a bit which is quite fun for me – but Mom says my muscular self is a bit heavy to carry around for too long.

And incase you are looking for a new bag to embarrass carry your dog around in too, here’s my list of pros and cons:

Pros:

• Can hold up to 20 lbs (much more than most dog carry bags out there)
• Has a nice solid base to stand on
• Has a neck hole to stick your head out of
• Zips up
• Isn’t too “Paris Hilton” if you know what I mean!
• Budget friendly at $50 (or $35 if you buy it on special right now)

Cons:

• If it were truly made to fit a Dachshund body it could stand to be a tad bit longer with the neck hole a little  deeper as well
• The shoulder straps could be a bit shorter to make it more comfortable for carrying a heavy muscular dog
• A harness attachment would be a much safer than having a collar attachment

You can fetch your own Lands End Canvas Pet Tote for $50 – or they are currently running a 30% off + free shipping special on their site with will bring it down to $35 before tax!

*disclosure: I was not paid or perked to write this review – I just thought my fans might be interested to hear my review of my new doggie tote bag!

 *UPDATE: For those of you looking for the coupon code for Lands End the deal is 30% off everything + free shipping on orders over $50. Use Promotion Code: ENJOY30 PIN: 1850 Promotion ends 4/23/12 at 11:59pm CST