Item is very plush and the sides are relatively supportive, not too flimsy to support the weight of a larger pet.  It arrived in plastic shipping envelop with no damage to fabric/material.  I purchased this pet bed for one of my senior cats who is approx. 16 lbs (quite large) and also suffers from chronic hip problems.  He also dislikes change (currently prefers sleeping in a cardboard box with blanket) so hopefully he will take to his new ultra plush bed in a week or so.