Puppy in a purse??

[greenpassion]

Actually this is a sort of update on a situation I am facing with one of my dogs, Loki. I'd posted earlier that he's no longer going to be able to go on runs or hikes with me, as his left hind knee comes out of socket at times, and he can't take the stress of trail running. Well, it's a far cry from what he's always been able to do, but I think I have a kind of solution. I'm going to get a dog sling, and when he starts to display fatigue or pain, I'll pop him in the sling, and he'll get to stay out with me, and enjoy the scenery! I never thought I'd ever be one to carry 'a puppy in a purse'! Who knew!!

[Mountaineer370]

I'm curious. How much does Loki weigh? I think you said in the other thread he was large for a MinPin. Is he the type of dog who would accept riding in the sling without a fuss, or do you think there will be a training process to get him used to it?

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

I'm curious. How much does Loki weigh? I think you said in the other thread he was large for a MinPin. Is he the type of dog who would accept riding in the sling without a fuss, or do you think there will be a training process to get him used to it?

Loki is 16 lb. And he is a cuddle bunny! He's always at my heels or in my lap when I am home, so I'm going to stick him in it while I'm doing stuff around the house and he'll love it. Then when we're out on a walk and I pick him up and put him in it it won't be a surprise. This dog knows no fear.

[Mountaineer370]

I'll be interested to hear how it goes. I've never known anyone who has used the sling apparatus, but if Loki takes to it, you're right, it's a way for him to feel like he's still participating in activities with you. I think we might need a picture or two.

[rbarata]

You could stop running and start biking.





Better yet... if he's able to cope with the effort...

[Mountaineer370]

I see a fair number of people at the parks I frequent, towing those little enclosed trailers behind their bikes. Usually, there's a child in it, but I have seen dogs!

LOL on the dog riding a bike. I have also seen videos online of dogs driving a car.

[greenpassion]

Mountaineer, I'll send pics as soon as I get the sling. Rbarata, I fractured my right foot over a year ago from too much running (over use) and can no longer run with out risk of re-injuring it, but we'd still go on long hikes in the woods...

[MrHappyRotter]

I've gone through the same process recently myself. My dog is 10 lbs and has enjoyed a lifetime of pulling me along on arduous mountain climbs and long hikes. But, now that she's old and in the end stages of congestive heart failure, she just doesn't have the stamina even though she's got the desire. The shoulder sling works really well for us. She can still come with me when I go trekking in the Blue Ridge mountains or just a jaunt down the street. I get lots of funny looks, lots of people laughing at the sight, but I know she's happy and that's all that counts.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

I've gone through the same process recently myself. My dog is 10 lbs and has enjoyed a lifetime of pulling me along on arduous mountain climbs and long hikes. But, now that she's old and in the end stages of congestive heart failure, she just doesn't have the stamina even though she's got the desire. The shoulder sling works really well for us. She can still come with me when I go trekking in the Blue Ridge mountains or just a jaunt down the street. I get lots of funny looks, lots of people laughing at the sight, but I know she's happy and that's all that counts.

That's wonderful to hear😊 I love dogs and they are so deserving of a good life and all the love we can give to them. Your dog is lucky to have you🤗!!

[camille1585]

I'm curious to see what this sling is when it arrives, I just can't visualize the thing. Hope Loki takes to it easily, I'm sure he would appreciate to still be able to go out and about with you!