I've read about the danger of cocoa mulch and dogs for years, and have only used it when I didn't have pets. It does smell great, though. I love pine straw but we don't have it up north. :(

We put one in primarily due to the fact that we were going to have only a painted backsplash and we also wanted protection beneath the window sill (where it's higher than 4" so that it reaches the sill). If you're going to tile, there's probably no reason to do it unless you like the look. Sorry about the tiny pix...either something is wrong with Photobucket or GW. Even when I play around with different sizes the last few days they ALL come out this size!

funny hadn't seen it before souns like it was fom a British Comedy

This is my standard reply I am posting everywhere regarding that stupid over edited video. My words: I watched several times before commenting. That dog was being recalcitrant but there was no terror in his body language. Ears were up, tail waving, leaning into his trainer. He was being more willful and just maybe a wee bit anxious about going in but there was zero terror or anything close to it. Anybody who works with larger dogs would know this. Sometimes they just balk. Just like kids will balk even thought they are normally fine with something. Once in she's a happy camper. The video is highly edited to play on the emotions of average people that don't work with dogs in advanced training or agility.