When the idea of a wheel chair for dogs was first mentioned to me I immediately saw the sense in it. In fact, most mobility devices designed to assist humans can be adapted in some way or form to dogs, i.e. dog strollers, wheelchairs, harnesses, carriers etc…The selling point for me in any of these products has always been its functionality. In other words, its purpose must be practical not some superficial reason.

To me, carrying a healthy dog in a front baby carrier is not only confusing but also serves to undermine to intention of the product and subsequently prevents potential buyers from considering it as a useful tool for dogs with mobility issues. It’s easy to understand why a pet owner might consider these products for their aging dogs and nothing drives the point home more than actually seeing one being used properly.

Just yesterday I saw an older dog using a wheel chair and while it saddened me to see that it had lost the use of its hind legs it was really uplifting to see how excited it was to be outside actively engaging with other dogs.

I believe that it is our responsibility to provide the best quality of life for our dogs and denying them there natural right to an active life is not only unfair but also abusive.

This is why it is important that these devices be marketed in a manner that promotes practicality rather than as an extension of someone eccentric personality.

The Guinness Book of World Records claims “Chanel”, a 21 year dachshund owned by Denice and Karl Shaugnessey, became the oldest dog alive after a 28 year old beagle passed away in the spring of last year.

Despite having to wear special goggles for her cataract eyes and being limited to a strict diet Chanel is a very healthy and happy dog. I know that for any dog to live this long there has to be a lot of love between the owner and pet.

This is something that I feel should be promoted more when selling the idea of owning a pet. Not to sound like a financial advisor here but in order to maximize your investment you want to create an optimal environment in which it will prosper. I know in our family, in addition to proper exercise, diet, and regular trips to the vet, we have always shown a lot of love towards our pets and each one has gone on to live beyond their expected lifespan.

So while it may be an obvious statement it is still worth reiterating if for nothing else but to get your dog in the record books! Hahaha. Remember….health and happiness are intimately linked and best sustained in loving environments.

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Watching our 13 year old pug – Mackenzie – hobble out into the yard for his daily outdoor exercise has often made me wonder if there was a cure for some of his ailments. Stem cell research for humans represents a promising new field of “regenerative medicine” but how about for animals? According to ABC news and their article A Dog’s Stem Cell Life “stem cell therapy for animals is ahead of treatment for humans because it is not so strictly regulated. It’s not experimental — it’s here!” In addition to embryonic stem cell research, doctors can now use adult stem cells recovered from body fat. The advantage here is that there are no side effects and rejection issues are non-existent as the patient is also the cell donor. Ailments such as hip dysplasia are now being treated by taking body fat from anywhere on the body, separating its stem cells and then re-injecting them into the hip in greater concentrations than normal. Since the stem cells come from the host there is little controversy over how they are harvested and subsequently no red tape hindering its growth potential. “Stem cells show great promise for healing animal joints, hearts, livers and kidneys and also have the potential to regenerate damaged spinal cords within hours of injury”. This is exciting news as there is now hope for dogs like Mackenzie whose age related injuries can now be relieved.

I watched a touching video today where a family shared their memories of their two cocker spaniels. I felt moved by being able to share in these moments, but also saddened because it made me think about my own dogs and the heart break I still feel over the loss of Churchill my French Bulldog who left us last summer after 12 wonderful years. Inspired by the video I saw and swimming in my own memories, I decided to create my own tribute to honour Churchill and the love that he and Mackenzie (my Pug) shared.

This video shares with you some special moments I was fortunate to have had with my boys. It will never be the same without Churchill, but I feel comfort in knowing that his memories will carry on and I am able to share some of them with you in this video.

Thanks for watching.

Finally a vehicle that Mackenzie our 13 year old can get in and out of with ease. As with most aging dogs getting anywhere with ease becomes harder as they get older. Their bones are frailer and joints less shock absorbing. Arthritis limits their flexibility and hip issues start to develop. I know with Mackenzie, just getting out the front door requires the help of what I like to call the “Human Hydraulic Lift” – picture two mechanical arms scooping and raising an animal over the edge of a doorstep and gently lowering. In a twisted way I think he now enjoys watching me slave over this task and even more so as we approach our Mazda 3.

Putting Mackenzie in the car is a 3 step process each time. Firstly, there is the task of physically lifting him in and out of the car; secondly, given his stability issues, I have to fasten him in with a wall of blankets so that he isn’t taking a tumble on turns; finally, I have to always bring a bowl of water that inevitably spills all over the place because in his old age he is thirsty all the time….I mean ALL THE TIME! Thankfully, there are some car companies out there that recognize these issues and have come with some great accessories to help owners like myself out. Now this will seem like a plug and in many ways it is but the intent is more about awareness of products aimed at improving dog and dog owner experience.

Honda’s new line of Elements’ (Multi-Purpose SUV) has the option of adding the following dog friendly features:
• A collapsible ramp in the back for less agile dogs
• A raised pet bed
• Pet restraints in the cargo
• Second row areas, removable seat covers for easy cleaning and washing,
• Ventilation fan and a spill resistant water bowl.

These are all very useful features that help provide peace of mind while travelling with your aging dog. Now when I am earning enough money to afford a Honda Element I will be sure to visit the nearest dealership..hahaha.