(Feb 27 2003) - It may be a cool, wet day in the valley but a local company is hoping to ease the fears of pet owners once the summer heat arrives. They've come up with a new product--called Fido's Fountain--that's designed to keep pets hydrated even when their owners aren't home and 8 On Your Side  put it to the test.

Lets face it, playing fetch in the backyard can work up a thirst--for the person throwing the bone as well. Everyone knows dogs need water, especially in the hot summer months. Local inventor Mark Winney says, "I was actually working on another invention, and my German Shepherd Vinny started drinking out of it, so it didn't take long for the light bulb to turn on."

Fido's Fountain is a three-and-a-half gallon bucket, with a system that allows it to refill each time your pet takes a drink. "Small dogs can reach that too, cats, ducks, chickens, giraffes, any type of animal," Winney adds. 

At the Dewey Animal Shelter, Dr. Joseph Freer says convenience is great, but he advises all pet owners not to become too dependent on anything: "The most important thing is that you don't become 100% dependent on it, and figure you can leave for the week, and leave fido out in the summertime and god forbid the water gets turned off in your area, or a freak malfunction, or the dog does something to make it malfunction you are depending on free choice water on automatic you may come back to the wrong thing," he says.

The inventor says protective devices are in place to prevent that. For example a latch comes with the bucket that allows the owner to secure it to a wall, preventing the pet from knocking it over.

In our 8 On Your Side test the product worked. We hooked it up in an employee's backyard, and their dog, Goldie, used it. However she didn't drink enough for the refill system to turn on. The product retails for $26.99.