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Wheelchairs Keep Disabled Pets Moving
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by Amy Judd | March 25, 2008 at 09:59 am
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Luckily however, my friend's parents were not going to give up on their dog, who they'd had for six years, without a fight. One day her dad found this ad for a company that made wheelchairs for dogs and they haven't looked back since.
Sometimes the dog has problems moving around properly and people make comments about what a waste of money for 'just a dog', but my friend's family couldn't imagine life without their constant companion, and as long as the dog is happy and not in pain, a wheelchair is the best solution of all.
A growing number of pet owners are turning to custom-built wheelchairs to restore mobility to furry friends whose legs, hips or backs don't work. The owners' goals are simple: to reward their pets' unconditional love with whatever it takes for the animals to live normally.
The two-wheel carts support the dog's midsection with a padded saddle, and are secured with a shoulder yoke and chest strap. Most dogs have rear-wheel carts to compensate for lame hind legs, though a growing number of front-wheel carts are being ordered for animals with front-leg problems.
Donna Blain's 7-year-old Maltese named Gizmo hopped and hobbled on his deformed front legs before she adopted him a year ago. She ordered his cart after learning the odd gait had damaged his spine and would have required surgery.
Now he wheels himself around for hours on sidewalks, in parks and anywhere he can find treats and praise.
"He's into everything," said Blain, of Woodstock, Conn. "He just wants to live, after all those years of really hobbling and not being able to get where he wanted to be."
Eddie and Leslie Grinnell, founders of Eddie's Wheels, built their first pet wheelchair in 1989 when their 10-year-old Doberman, Buddha, lost the use of her rear legs because of disc disease and spinal problems.
Their veterinarian, impressed by Buddha's revived mobility and vitality, started referring others to the Grinnells. In 1998, they started their own business.
Similar wheelchair makers can be found in Montana, Maryland, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere. Most dog carts start around $250 and can exceed $500 based on the size of the dog, while the cost of wheelchairs for other animals can vary depending on the type and size of animal.
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Amy Judd
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Brooklyn, New York, United Statesdeadheadtattoolover
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (4)
at 08:04 on March 26th, 2008
People really pamper their pets in New York. This little guy was taking a walk in Central Park when I grabbed a few pics. I had never seen anything like this.
arecee has contributed a photo to this story.
at 17:24 on April 11th, 2008
deadheadtattoolover has contributed a photo to this story.
at 17:38 on April 11th, 2008
Nearly three years sgo, my mini dachshund, Jerry, injured his back by jumping off our couch. Instantly, he was unable to use his back legs or wag his tail. The next morning, I took him to the vet right away only to hear what I thought was horrible news. He had broken his back and according to the vet, would never walk on his back legs again. The vet also stated that he would never be able to control his bowels or his bladder again. I took Jerry home knowing that I was in for a new full time job of caring for my injured baby. I would have to express his bladder for him at least four times a day (this is done by pressing gently on each side of the bladder until the urine is released) and just worry about the other messes when they came.
After thinking for a few days, I started looking online for wheelchairs for dogs. I found some wonderful people at eddieswheels.com who were able to make a cart just Jerry's size with only a few measurements. I thought if nothing else, this would help him become more mobile again. I had no idea this cart would nearly cure him.
It only took him a few minutes to get the hang of walking in his new wheels, which didn't surprise me because Jerry, like most dashchunds, is very determined. What did come as a surprise was when he became able again to control his own bladder....no more pushing on his belly every day!!! next came the wagging of his tail again. This was only about five days into using his wheelchair. Seeing him wag his tail was enough to bring me to tears. The vets were wrong!!!! My baby was going to be just fine!!
It has now been almost a year since Jerry has had to use his wheelchair at all. After using his wheels to support his back for a few months, he began moving his back legs again. Now, although he walks a little crooked at times, Jerry is able to run, walk, and potty just like any other dog......like I said before.......the vet was wrong!!!!!!
at 17:42 on April 11th, 2008
Wow, what am amazing story! I'm so glad Jerry is ok, he is so cute! Reading your story almost made me cry!
Thanks so much for sharing this here! I'm glad a wheelchair gave Jerry back his life!