The Ultimate in Luxury and Warmth - Real Fur Blankets and Throws

For as long as the human race has existed, we have used animal fur for warmth. Historically speaking, especially in the colder climates, one could safely say that our very survival as a species would not have been possible without the use of fur to keep us warm through the long winter months. Nowadays, of course, fur in its various forms - from fur blankets and throws to elegant hats and coats -- is viewed as more of a highly-coveted luxury in many areas of the world, except, of course in the very coldest regions where fur clothing and blankets are still considered a necessity. Real fur still provides the very best in comfort and warmth, and nothing else is quite the same.

There is no avoiding the controversy surrounding the use of real fur products, and emotions tend to run high on either side of the equation. While there are those who feel that any use of an animal is wrong, most people use animal products (i.e., eat meat), wear leather shoes, etc. Does it make more sense or is it more humane to discard the pelts after eating the steak?

The truth of the matter is the historical practices that created much of the controversy in the first place - such as the large inhumane farms, inhumane and indiscriminate trapping, overkill of species for their pelts - these were all practices that took place years ago. With the advent of State and Federal wildlife agencies that set seasons and limits for the benefits of the species, most of the issues that created the controversies have been handled and resolved. The trade of the furs of illegally poached animals is also declining thanks to very strict laws and enforcement all over the world.

Many of the newer fur-gathering models use practices that are much more eco-responsible, and in some ways, mirror the ways of our cattle and sheep-raising forebears in that nothing goes to waste. In many cases, for instance, as with lamb or cattle, the entire animal is used not just for its fur, but for many other products as well, including food.

It is also important to note that faux fur is made out of synthetic materials that are petroleum based. Manufacture of these synthetics, primarily nylon often uses more energy resources than real fur in the production process, not to mention that the end product is far from being biodegradable. Nylon can take as long as 10,000 years to fully break down in a land fill. Faux furs don't hold up nearly as well as the real thing either, meaning that they will have to be replaced more often.

Today's furs are gathered in a few different ways. Animals that are legally hunted and trapped are two main sources, as are animals that are caught predating on farm and ranch stock. In countries such as New Zealand, some non-native, invasive species that have overpopulated and become nuisances are being used in great numbers -- to the delight of environmentalists, ranchers, and the general public alike. With these new management practices in place, there is no reason to not produce and enjoy the luxurious warmth and feel of a real fur blanket.

For high quality, real fur throws author Stephen Daniels highly recommends the high quality products produced by Trailside Traditions. The owner has been in this business for more than 20 years, and takes pride in the quality of the fur he uses, and his eco-responsible suppliers.