I've had this rug for about a year now. It started as a cover for wood bench, but then ended up on the floor, as my dog took a liking to it. I was worried about the effect of having a dog lie on it for hours a day, but it has held up remarkably well, with some intermittent brushing (I actually brush it with my dog's brush). It still looks like new, even with several machine washes. I am pleasantly surprised by the thickness and quality of this item, considering the heavy use.