Mobility is a major factor in a pet’s happiness and keeping them healthy. The ability to walk and run around freely, being able to do what they want to do when they want to contributes immensely to K9 happiness. I have helped over 35,000 pets over the years and I wish I had kept records of how many animals recovered after using one of our carts.
Last week, a mini 3 year old dapple Dachshund named Daisy came to be fitted to a cart. She had suffered a prolapsed disc three week previously, did not have surgery and although she had feeling in her hind legs, Daisy had to drag herself around. She was sad, trembling and scared. She had been the boss of the house, keeping the other 2 dachshunds in the house in their place and now you could tell she was frightened and lost without her mobility. We fitted her to a K9 cart and as usual, the transformation was amazing. We set the height so that the paws were on the ground and she was able to walk in her cart using her rear legs. She walked around, tail wagging furiously and the brightness came back in her eyes. Her owners called when they got home.
They had taken all their dogs for a walk and Daisy was having the time of her life back to her old self and was the boss again! There is no doubt in my mind that Daisy will shortly be back to walking without her cart.
Imagine what it must feel like for them not to be able to get up when they want to. They have no idea what has happened to them They do their best to try and struggle to their feet knowing that either they will not make it and have to drag their body along the ground or at best take a few steps and then fall.
No more long walks. No more being able to get up and go! It is hard to be happy under these circumstances. They do their best but you can tell by looking into their eyes that they are sad. The tails barely wag, if at all! If they have suffered from a condition such as cervical disc disease, coon paralysis or severe strokes they may be quadriplegic so they cannot even attempt to get up but just have to lay there waiting for their owners to turn them over, bring their food to them and suffer the indignity of soiling themselves.
FUN HAS DEFINITELY DISAPPEARED FROM DAILY LIFE!
Now, imagine yourself one day being suddenly paralyzed or having difficulty walking. You would immediately seek medical help. Depending what was the cause you may have surgery followed by physical therapy and while you were recovering you would be given an aid to help you stay mobile. It would be hard enough facing the fact that you could no longer get around on your own without the thought of being bedridden but thankfully you have been given a wheelchair, walker or crutches. If you know of anyone who has had back, knee or hip surgery you will know that they make you get up out of bed right away and encourage you to start walking. They do not recommend bed rest for weeks which would lead to muscle atrophy and other problems.
WHY IS A CART NOT IMMEDIATELY OFFERED TO OUR PETS WHEN THEY NEED HELP?
SURELY THEY DESERVE THE SAME CARE WE EXPECT
EUTHANAISA IS OFTEN THE ONLY CHOICE GIVEN! OR CAGE REST FOR 6 WEEKS AND LET’S WAIT AND SEE!
MOBILITY AID IS NECESSARY FOR REHABILITATION!
MANY HOPELESS CASES WILL COME BACK TO FULL MOBILITY BUT THEY NEED A MOBILITY AID TO HASTEN AND HELP THE PROCESS JUST AS WE DO!
Last month, we fitted Kali, a 5 year old 35lb mixed breed to a fully supportive cart after she had been hit by a car and was unable to support herself in a standing position. Kali only needed a quad cart for 2 weeks and now has moved on to a 2 wheeled cart as she is able to walk and support herself with her front legs. Mobility in the cart allowed her to be in a standing position and allowed spinal healing to occur while the owners were able to encourage her to walk. Without the cart it would have been difficult to keep this dog healthy and it allowed healing to progress quickly. Let us hope that she makes a full recovery!
Chewbakka is a 13 yr old Rottweiler in the Philippines in a quad cart suffering from an embolism. He is walking in his fully supportive cart longer and longer each time and after one week is now walking unaided for a short distance!
Here is a photo right after Chewbakka did 24feet in one go all without prodding or offer of treats. That was this afternoon on his fourth day with the K9 Cart. After his achievement he was smiling and his tail was wagging!
LETTERS FROM HAPPY CUSTOMERS
Maudie
First of all I want to thank you for giving “Maudie” our precious little Dachshund back her mobility. She took to the wheels as soon as she was buckled in. We all remarked that she was grinning from ear to ear so happy to be able to go when and where she wanted to again! She has shown signs of recovery (moving her legs and wagging her tail) our vets keep assuring us that she will be able to walk again in the next few months. Whatever the future brings, we do want to buy the cart so that if she ever needs it again we will have it for her. Thanks again, it is a pleasure doing business with you. Note; You can bet she will be back to walking again very soon!.
Scampi
My precious Scampi is now walking and running on all fours. I wanted you to know that your K9 cart was not a small part of her recovery. It reminded her how great it was to RUN again and allowed her to do that when her hind end was limp.
Stella
Stella took to her wheels like a fish to water. She had a little spin around last night when it arrived. And this morning when WE brought her wheels into the room she tried to run to them. Everyone is enjoying their old lifestyle again.
I could go on and on. The point is that we owe it to pets to offer them a mobility aid while they are recovering. Don’t wait – you would not want to. Or in the case of pets with a debilitative condition, get them a cart when they start having problems walking so that they can be happy and enjoy the best quality of life for the time remaining to them. A pet will never stop walking because it is in a K9 cart.
REMEMBER
- An active dog is a happy dog.
- Mobility will keep them healthier.
- Stress is taken off the pet’s body when everything is kept in alignment, thus preventing further injuries or mal-alignment of other limbs.
- Many, many pets, especially young animals, will recover much faster.
- If they never recover they will live longer and be happier.
- Nursing care is much easier for the owner.
Rental carts for temporary mobility after surgery is recommended and will prevent further injury to other parts of the body (the non-surgical leg).
In conclusion, I urge you all to consider cart rentals together with your massage and water therapy and just watch how much happier your patients are and how quickly they will recover their mobility. Call us for information on our cart packages that will enable you to rent out carts to your patients. Several of your colleagues have done this. Please call me about this or any questions you may have. TRUST ME…MOBILITY LEADS TO K9 HAPPINESS! I see and hear about it every single day!
Barbara Parks
Pet Mobility Rehab Center
(formerly K-9 Carts West)
Langley, WA
1-360-321-2402
www.petmrc.com
petmrc<at>gmail.com