Sunday, August 22, 2021

Lab in an Elevator

 


Lorelei - our latest Lab Rescue (released from a breeder to a rescue group when she quit producing enough puppies) has been a joy these last two years.  She was six when we got her, had no idea what "grass" was or playtime or couches.  She's now spoiled rotten and Abby Lab treats her well, no jealousy between our "girls".


But this summer she suddenly stopped going up the back steps. X rays revealed severe arthritis in her back hips, probably from years of inbreeding in her lineage.What to do? Our house is on a walk-out basement so there is no way into the home except going up steps. We had to use a harness and lift her up, not easy even with two of us as she's the biggest Lab I've ever owned, weighing in at well over 100 pounds.  When Partner in Grime is on the road there is no way I can get her in and out of the house.  The stairs are too steep for a ramp up to the top but there was no way I was going to rehome her to a place with no steps.  Quick. . . a winch, some wood, and an engineer with a sandwich-making sidekick - we have a doggie elevator!

It plugs into an existing outlet and the whole setup can be removed from the steps if need be for major snow removal (so no required building permit).

I present. . Lab in an Elevator (it's not completely done, it will be painted and another control switch will be installed inside the house once she's had some practice getting in and out unassisted)


12 comments:

  1. What a great feat of engineering! Lorelei is so lucky to have such a talented dad.

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  2. Wow! I'm impressed and it looks like she enjoys it!

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  3. Hari OM
    BOL - Lucky Lorelei!!! Now never mind her... I needs me one of those!!! Brilliant. YAM xx

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  4. This is amazing! Love it. Lee and Phod

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  5. This makes me smile! She is so happy! You both should be proud of your invention. LOVE IT!

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  6. OMD!!!! That is FABulous!!!!! I, too, have gotten the arthur-itis in the hips and have to 'hop' up into the house (no steps, though I can still do that...not bad for a broad of almost 13 😉). I can't really 'tuck' for my poops, so I do a walk-n-poop nows...makes for FABulous 'land mines' for the peeps to step in though....🤣
    Gurl, I gots to get me one of those amazin' rides of yours though ~ truely GENIUS!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  7. Hey, we could use one of those for Chester! Good idea!

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  8. I enjoy your blog very much, but just don’t comment. Your spirit and drive are very inspiring! Ingenious - watched the video twice with a big smile on my face. Awesome dog parents!

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  9. OMG! We may need one of those before too long for Riley...can you partner in grime come make US one? Seriously, that was a wonderful thing to do and to be able to do. (And I'm still jealous, LOL!)

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Welcome to The Book of Barkley and the Blogville dog blogging community. This blog was created for more memories of Barkley as well as updates on our Lab Rescues that have joined our household since Barkley left us.

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