As you know, Izzy is a greyhound. And as a devoted greyhound owner, I belong to several Facebook groups dedicated to greyhounds. One is the Greyhound Collective, based here in New Zealand.
Early last week, a fellow owner posted that their hound loved their large stuffed caterpillar from The Warehouse (the New Zealand equivalent of Walmart) and – coincidentally – they were available at the annual toy sale for 50% off (so $40 compared to $80)…
The caterpillars being sold by The Warehouse are 250 cm long
…and so started the Greyt New Zealand Caterpillar Craze!
I slept on it overnight and then decided Izzy should have one. I ordered it online and then emailed my friend Marie “I’ve just bought Izzy one of those caterpillars.” Marie wrote back “So did I, for Ben” Gosh, I thought – we are good dog mothers…
And then another one and another one posted on The Greyhound Collective. Their hounds were also reveling in their new colourful friends. It’s been like that all week (and the sale is still going). More and more New Zealand greyhounds are loving their warm and cuddly friends. It’s winter here and greyhounds feel the cold. A caterpillar makes a greyt friend on a cold winter’s day…
So enjoy these snaps of our Caterpillar Craze…can you spot Izzy?
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 
I’m being a mean Mum and resisting. Our house is just too small! Some of us have been joking about organising a hire-a-caterpillar scheme. We could buy one and circulate it on a weekly basis!
I also have a small house. I have found that the caterpillar can be wound up to save space!
I wonder what it would cost me to get one for Fred. I definately have to see. She would love it.
I imagine you can get anything in the USA. But if you need assistance in sourcing, then contact The Warehouse at http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz. I’m pretty sure they are made in China.
thank you give Lynn Bunny a hug for me
I started getting my Leonberger’s this caterpillar back in 2016 and can no longer get them. I have 2 still but would like another to save for future Leo’s. I now have a smaller one for our Puppy (10 wks) but can’t even get the 6ft anymore. Does anyone know who may still be carrying these giant caterpillars?