ok, here is my 2 cents worth, first, trash the black, I learned the hard way to always use good 100% cotton. And yes I do make quilts for my Great Dane, he is a big part of my family. Nothing fancy, just squares with cotton batting and I tie them, but he definitively knows his quilts and doesn't want anyone else on them. Someday I would love to make an heirloom. but I quilt for the pleasure that It gives me. And I love seeing Mortimer, (dog) happy on his quilt. Ninnie in NC