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
WHAT??? No Aerosmith "Love in an Elevator" background music?
ReplyDeleteHurry up and apply for the patent!
ReplyDeleteI've seen his patents for a few things he's done in his industry - this one, I don't think he even did a drawing for - he just built it one Saturday.
ReplyDeleteOMG i love it! And Miss L is so calm too, riding in it! Did you have to bribe her at first with high value treats?
ReplyDeleteWe took whatever toy she was playing in the yard with and set it inside "the bus" and she loaded right up. It did take a few times with my husband guiding her onto the ramp, as it's fairly narrow but she soon got the hang of it and scurries right up.
DeleteLove this! :) We have used our patio door when our "kids" get too old for the steps to the kitchen door. There are only two steps there so it's easier for the pups and the pup-helpers.
ReplyDeleteAs the owner of a 140lb dog who's about to turn 11yrs old, that is freaking awesome. So far the lifting harness has been enough, he doesn't need a true lift for the stairs, just a bit of help stabilizing occasionally. But this is awesome. I'd have to widen the stairs.....but then I built the ones we have now, so thats not that big of a deal.....
ReplyDeleteThis makes my heart happy. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought on seeing the title was that you were doing some sort of chemistry experiments in an office tower. I had no idea what to expect. This is way cooler.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome is that!
ReplyDeleteThat is remarkable. That was a happy doggie face too! Both of you are blessed for this!
ReplyDeleteNicely done! Kudos to y'all!
ReplyDeleteOh my God I love it. Good dog!
ReplyDeleteThat brought a smile to my face! Nice work.
ReplyDeleteHe patiently gets into the cab and waits for the slats to be raised and put in place, stays put and enjoys the ride and then waits for the front slat to drop instead of trying to scramble or jump out - and the tail goes constantly through the whole thing. Love it!
ReplyDeleteGood doggie! Great Partner in Grime! I am so glad to have found you again. You weren't lost , I know, but I was for some time. Back now!
ReplyDeleteJust so nice to settle in with the pictures and all the words!
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Cap'n Jan
I hate puppy mills.
ReplyDeleteMonongahela Incline
ReplyDeleteDuquesne Incline
Angel's Flight
Lorelei's Elevator
Engineering marvels (some with really happy dogs in them)