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  1. #1
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    Unhappy Sunnie is getting a new accessory

    I ordered her a Help Em Up harness yesterday.

    Her hind end has always been a bit iffy...and she has a sore spot on her spine, close to her hips. She's always disliked walking uphill. For the past few years, we've noticed muscle wasting and leg weakness. Sometimes when she races up the stairs with Dan, one or both legs will give out and she ends up splayed out on the step ahead. Downstairs is not issue but we've been watching for that really carefully and have basic slings hanging on close doorknobs by each staircase "just in case".

    Well...twice in the past four days, she sat down really abruptly after getting up (both times involved changing direction just prior to her claiming her spot with me for brushing after I was through with Dan). I don't know if it was both legs or just one...I'm thinking maybe both. The first time I was cleaning the brushes and didn't see how she went down (in the act of turning, obviously) but the second time she'd fully turned and sat down evenly.

    Neither time seemed to freak her out (oh, thank goodness). But her mind is also getting weak, as it were, either from age or anxiety...so that may have just been more of her "out of it" reaction.

    She had her annual yesterday and a rabies shot. We had her bloodwork etc. done two weeks ago so we could evaluate the rabies thing....perfect labs across the board. And I started her on a course of Thuja the day before the shot. All seems well.

    The vet really manipulated her with no reaction from Sunnie except the tell-tale dip when that spot on her spine was pressed.

    I asked the vet if the Help Em Up would be better in her case than the sling...and ordering was the first thing I did when we got home.

    It's the same size Dan will need if his legs end up needing assistance eventually. I bet they will.

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    Aw gee. Sorry you have reached this point but it is good there is an aid to help. Even if it's just mostly on stairs that she needs help I guess you need to have the Help Em Up on her all the time?
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  3. #3
    Senior Dog
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    She doesn't need it now but I want to have it on hand. She's getting up the stairs fine as long as she doesn't try to run...and downstairs has never been an issue.

    I'm anticipating her needing assistance with walking, though...and getting back up after squatting. I plan to have the harness fitted and ready to use as soon as she really needs it.

  4. #4
    Senior Dog
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    I have a Help Em Up harness I used for Elle when she was recovering. They are great. I called her my suitcase because it was so easy to lift her in and out of the back of the Expedition with it. I put an extra ring on the back half so I could walk her with two leashes to stop the pulling as she got stronger. I also used it when we started her fitness program to stabilizer her as she was learning to balance on the inflatable peanut.
    I find it really easy on my back as well as it distributes her weight. It should make life easier and more comfortable for Sunny.

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    SunDance (02-05-2019)

  6. #5
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    I am really sorry to hear about Sunnie's back legs. But wait if I am reading correctly she is 17? That's amazing. I hope the harness will help her to move better, I've bookmarked the site if the day comes that Cookie will need it.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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  7. #6
    Senior Dog
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    Quote Originally Posted by Berna View Post
    I am really sorry to hear about Sunnie's back legs. But wait if I am reading correctly she is 17? That's amazing. I hope the harness will help her to move better, I've bookmarked the site if the day comes that Cookie will need it.
    Thanks. If the vet dentist was correct in the age range he gave us years ago, based on x-rays of her roots, she's turning 15 - 17 this year. He thought she was probably at the upper end but I think that was based on her being such a mellow dog (furry footstool). I aim high, too, just to let myself think she's had the longest possible life before the inevitable happens.

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    Berna (02-05-2019)

  9. #7
    Senior Dog
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    Hugs to you and Sunnie. In her last year, Kimber needed a boost up and to my surprise, it didn't seem to bother her. Hope Sunnie is equally laissez-faire about it.
    Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
    Birthday 9-13-18, Gotcha Day 11-11-18
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    Miss Kimber, CGC, 6/15/2005-1/27/2018 forever in our hearts



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  11. #8
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    It's so difficult to see when the back end begins to fails. Kudos to you for getting prepared. Sending good thoughts.
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    SunDance (02-05-2019)

  13. #9
    Senior Dog Blackboy98's Avatar
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    Good that you are prepared, but sorry that you have to get the harness.
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    SunDance (02-06-2019)

 



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