 |
| Kayla getting very bored with all the photographs! |
I've tried to include as much information about the build process here as I could, but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to use the Comment link (at the end of any section) to contact me. If you want me to reply, don't forget to include your email address, since it's not automatically appended. I'll do my best to help. Also, if you have information you think would improve this article, please send!
Building carts for others?
I've been asked whether I would make doggy wheelchairs for others. I think it would be difficult and error prone to try to design and make a custom cart using only photos and measurements as a reference. However, I'd love to hear of anyone's efforts to make a cart, and to engage in an email dialog if you have questions or ideas to discuss.
What's next?
The next step is to paint the frame. My wife suggested a bright snazzy yellow to match the wheels...
Also, I'm considering adding a 'stirrup' for Kayla's foot. There are times when I don't want her to use her back leg. Other carts on the market have slings that hold the leg or legs either suspended behind or in front. I'm thinking of using one of the little dog booties we have, attached to a cord or chain, to suspend her foot under her belly. I'll post photos if I do this.
Thanks for taking the time to read the story of Kayla's wheelchair.
Peter Heald
Oregon, USA
October 2009.
10 comments:
Thank you for the very informative article. Elvis is a 15 year young Saint Beagle with some major hip problems. He still like to be active but is held back by his "condition." I've been thinking about whether to buy or build a wheelchair when I stumbled across your site. It makes so much sense to build our own so I'm going to try it out and see what comes of it. I'll let you know. Thanks!
-Billy and Elvis (Marietta, Ga.)
Peter, thank you so much for this article! my girlfriend has a 8yr old Chinese Shar-pei who is loosing his abiblity to walk due to lower spinal disc problems. His name is Mai Tai, and he is in a great deal of pain. He is a fighter though, and refuses to stop walking around dragging his left leg. I was just doing some research on dog wheelchairs because it breaks my heart to see my girlfriends heart broken for her beloved Mai Tai. As you know, dog wheelchairs are QUITE expensive, and as a Youth Pastor, I don't make a whole lot, and she is jobless currently, looking for work. What would you have to charge to custom make one of your wheelchairs? Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you again, so very much!
Thank you for this information. I need to build a wheelchair for my Tuff, an 8 year old boston terrier. He blew out his knee playing with my other dogs. Until he loses weight, the vet will not do the surgery. I have him on a diet but he will need at least a few months to go from 48 lbs. to 25 lbs. I can't afford the surgery and a wheelchair. My dad, uncle, and husband are building one similar to this but they are using PVC pipe so it will be lighter for Tuff to carry around.
Thanks!!
Thank you SO much for this article!! My pug Sophia needs a cart and I just cannot afford a pre-made version. I searched online and your instructions are THE BEST!
Will be sure to come back and post to let you know how we make out constructing a cart using your terrific instructions!
This is GREAT!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your idea. I have been researching dog wheelchairs for my 10 year old pit bull and getting discouraged by the outrageous prices. I knew there must be a way to build one but would have had an extremely hard time designing one myself. You have given me a step by step guide to doing something that now seems very achievable. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks Again!!!
thanks for your idea it is very basic and your instruction is easy to follow my dog just recently lost almost all mobility in his hinedquarters i can't tell you how hard it is to see him drag around its only been 3 weeks before that he was fine he's 11yrs old and we both are struggling to understand i am so glad that i found your site now i have a option that gives me hope for me and him you saved me from doing somthing we both didn't want to do thank you!!
Hi Peter, after reading your blog, i've started to fixed one using PVC pipes with some sawing and drilling for the wheels. It appear to be in good shape and look exactly like your design. But soon after i completed my design, my dog passed away due to old age. But still i want to thank you for allowing me to do something for her even though she did not have the chance to try it.
Wow i love you blog its awesomenice posting keep blogging,
these pictures are awesome!
Peter,
I was in the process of brainstorming of how to build a dog wheelchair for my neighbors 14 year old lab when I ran across your blog post. You have done an outstanding job in documenting your build and providing very useful information. This will help make an old dog feel better. Thank you for sharing :)
Post a Comment