Doggy ADA
This weekend we took on a special project beyond the normal fix-up stuff around the house.
With Coco continuing to get older (she's now 14!) she's been struggling more and more with the back stairs. This is actually part of why we moved to this house from our condo, too, since that was three full flights of stairs. Even so, the short flight in the back yard is rather steep, so we had to to something to help her out (short of carrying her up and down, of course).
So, now our back yard is equipped with a ramp that even the ADA could love...
Actually, it's a bit too steep for wheelchair use (18-ish degrees) but it suits four-legged folks just fine.
Action shots after the jump...
Coco was a bit intimidated at first. We spent quite a bit of time walking her up and down it, rewarding each trip with carrots. (Yes, our dog is a big fan of vegetables...)
By this morning she'd built up her confidence and was taking the ramp on her own.
I guess we all appreciate the dignity of independent living.
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Comments
That's lovely - she's a lucky dog.
Posted by: mindy | August 8, 2005 7:57 AM
Way to go Coco! She is a lucky dog to have owners like you guys. There is alot I would do for my dogs too including take care of them as they get older.
Posted by: Jocelyn | August 8, 2005 8:18 AM
How great is that! Thanks for the smile and warm fuzzy feeling. What a lucky dog.
Posted by: becky | August 8, 2005 9:14 AM
That is just great! However, when you start putting "Depends" on coco, I'm not sure I want to hear about it.
Posted by: Greg | August 8, 2005 9:48 AM
That is too sweet! She's a lucky pooch. I love to see people care for their animals in their golden years.
Posted by: Patricia W. | August 8, 2005 10:16 AM
So fantastic! I love it.
Posted by: Anne | August 8, 2005 11:57 AM
how great!! I have friends that built a ramp for their husky for the very same reason her reward was also carrots. My dogs big fans of fruit, my husband says fruit for the fruit!! apple and watermelon are the favs. lucky coco!!
Posted by: ams | August 8, 2005 12:05 PM
Now that's dedication! I love it! Hey, I see you're approaching your 100th house blogger!! That's pretty exciting!
M.
Posted by: Serendipity House | August 8, 2005 12:08 PM
Yes, great job guys - what a nice alternative to the horrendously expensive ramps they sell in the pet supply catalogues that don't look like they'd work half as well as what Coco now has.
Posted by: SD | August 8, 2005 12:24 PM
That's wonderful. Now I'm gonna go and get all teary.
Posted by: Kristin | August 8, 2005 12:46 PM
Aw, you guys are such good doggie parents. How sweet of you to take care of Coco this way. I can relate, having two elderly cats - we had to move the litterbox upstairs so Grandpa Kitty wouldn't have to struggle with the stairs anymore.
Posted by: emily | August 8, 2005 5:06 PM
Great idea & what wonderful dog owners. Coco looks great trekking up that ramp!
Posted by: Trissa | August 9, 2005 12:21 AM
Awwww, what good dog parents you guys are! I just lost my oldest cat Molly last month. She was 18 and similarly coddled with a fluffy bed, complete with heating pad. I'm sure Coco appreciates everything you do to keep her quality of life to a high standard.
Posted by: kitschywoman | August 9, 2005 11:31 AM
Do I see lilacs on that bush? This late in the year????POPS -30-
Posted by: POPS | August 9, 2005 11:57 AM
That's nifty. Yay for Coco!
Posted by: tully monster | August 9, 2005 4:01 PM
very sweet and thoughtful.
Posted by: irasali | August 9, 2005 11:27 PM
That looks like something I'd do for my own precious fur-kids, and so I congratulate you. And Coco, for mastering the ramp!
Posted by: scorpy | August 14, 2005 9:27 AM