I thought that vegan readers and other dog lovers would appreciate this photo of our new pet handicap ramp and short story: our 16 year old mutt, Webster, has pretty severe arthritis in his hips, despite chiropractic care, Glyco-Flex, Tramadol, Fish Oil (sorry!), etc. He still loves to walk–almost as much as he loves to eat–though it’s slow going and our house-sitter refers to the way his hips give out as causing him to “bounce” along.
Our house is built on pilings, so there is no way in except up a few stairs. Traversing the stairs has become a challenge for Webbie, some days more than others. Though I can pick him up because he only weighs 50 lbs. and change, he really doesn’t like it.
So, after a recent incident almost causing Web to injure himself, Doug Barnes, a retired neighbor and genius wood-worker agreed to build and install this beautiful ramp system at an unbelievably reasonable price. Webster can now live out his last days with something closer to the independence he has always enjoyed.
Thanks, Doug!
October 20, 2009 at 11:09 am
That is one amazing gesture! And one lucky dog (literally) 🙂
October 20, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Ricki~
I knew that you, of all people, would appreciate it almost as much as the dogs. I think we should leave the ramp up permanently, as we've got an 11 year old and a 5 year old and there will be more geriatric dogs after them for sure.
October 20, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Wowza! What a cool ramp! My husband and I have five dog-kids under 30 pounds, so we had some ramps specially made for the bed and couch, but nothing this intricate. Very nice. (I'm kind of a ramp geek, can you tell?)
And best wishes to Wdear Webster!
October 20, 2009 at 9:49 pm
A "ramp geek"–love it. Never met one until now! I guess those under 30 pounders do have trouble with beds and sofas. Webster, of course, can no longer jump on the bed and doesn't really like being picked up and put on it. I wonder if he'd like a ramp? But then there's Huff, the great dane, who just steps onto the sofa and our very tall sleigh bed. Pyttle, with one hip replacement and one hip reconstruction can still jump onto both bed and sofa. It's not always pretty, but she does it, though, unlike Web, she doesn't mind a leg up now and then. Thank you for your well wishes and the same to you and yours!