Hello and welcome back to the concerned world of the Dogpound. Max had another bad spell, and I had to take him in to the vet for a full exam. The good news is that he has no cancer or tumors, just a very bad case of arthritis in his hips and his sternum.
He was able to do some walking once he was up on all fours, but now that ability has gone and I have to help move him every step of the way. I put a towel under his hips and lift him up while he walks on his front legs. I am sure that is not the most comfortable position for him, and for me it is hard to keep him stable and upright with one arm.
So I bought him a doggie wheel-chair and yes, they do have carts, more like chariots minus the passenger car. The idea is that there is a saddle-like device in the back that cradles his haunches, taking the weight off his back legs and allowing the wheels to provide mobility. Two bars extend up both sides of Max’s flanks and attach to a vest that is fitted around his neck. So he has wheels in the back holding his feet up just so his paws touch and he walks on his front legs.
Now that is the theory, but there are a lot of adjustments to make so he can walk unassisted. Right now, we are struggling with the hands-off part of the equation. Give credit to Max though; he has been pretty accommodating with all of the pushing, poking, prodding and adjustments. I promised Max, if he gets self-mobile, then I will buy a license tag for his cart inscribed with, “#1 Dog Max.” He thinks that is pretty cool.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France
LOOK OUT
Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu. A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was definitely not Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts. However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared on the bird’s beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues, it was determined that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car. MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills. He very quickly concluded the cause:
“When crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout ‘Cah’, not a single one could shout ‘Truck.’”
That is all we have for this week. As always, be good, do good, play safe and remember that owning your own chariot can be fun.
JR and Max
