I bought this because my senior dog needed an elevated bed to make it easier for her to get up. I also needed a dog bed with sides because when she would slip off her other bed (that was two inches off the ground) she would get upset... :(. This bed is perfect. I purchased the XL and my dog is a lab weighing 65 pounds. She has PLENTY of room. I probably could have gone down one size BUT this size allows her parents (me and my husband) to cuddle with her! :) It's soft! It was super simple to cover. It cover isn't as "tight" looking as in the photo BUT if I wash the cover it would probably "shrink" and appear tighter. Needless to say that doesn't impact the quality of it at all! It's perfect and she loves it!!! Wish we bought it earlier in her life!