I use my throw blankets for practical and decorative purposes. This blanket is not only one of the closest to feeling like real fur that I've ever felt, but is also one of the more sturdy decorative throw blankets. I have two small dogs who often sit with me in my chair or on my sofa and this blanket has stood up to the two of them lying on and under it without losing any of its softness. The pattern is pretty true to the picture, both sides are nearly equally soft (the faux fur side being slightly softer), and the throw piles nicely for a decorative effect on the back of my sofa. Only reason for the four and not five stars is that I feel it is a little short for a throw blanket.