Three things I want to get my dogs but have yet to purchase.
There are three things I want for my dogs to add a little extra happiness to our lives. I hesitated to purchase these items for reasons I share in this blog post.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
Wagon with Ramp
My senior dog, Shadow, cannot walk the three blocks to the nearest park anymore. We could take the SUV to the park where he can walk a short distance to a picnic location. However, my small dog, Rascal, and I would benefit from the long walk. We would also save gas by not driving it to the park every time.
It would be convenient to ‘cart’ Shadow to the park. Since he does not like being carried or lifted, a wagon he can step into and out of easily would be great.
A ramp is preferred since Shadow sometimes struggles with steps, one of the challenges my senior dog faces.
So, why have I not purchased this product?
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a wagon with a ramp. At the very least, my senior dog will need a wagon with an opening low enough to the ground for him to step into and out of with little-to-no effort.
I know there are collapsible wagons with tailgates like this collapsible utility wagon. I have considered these, but would still prefer a ramp to make it easier for Shadow's joints.
My Dad suggested we make a custom wagon using a flat bed. We thought about making one similar to the custom-built wagon from Home Depot employees made for a 15-year-old dog battling cancer in 2015.
Depending on how we make it, the size would not make it easy or possible to transport it in the back of my SUV. This may be concerning when my dogs and I take a road trip to my Mom's house for the holidays. I do not have a roof rack to mount a wagon, nor am I tall enough to reach the roof.
Remote Control Ride-On Vehicle
I enjoy driving one-tenth scale remote control trail and crawler vehicles. My dogs are used to small remote-controlled vehicles and will not run away or chase them. I would love to drive a larger remote-control vehicle and my dogs would enjoy the ride.
Since Shadow does not like being carried or lifted, a ride-on vehicle with doors that swing open widely would make it easier for him to step into and out of. A truck with a tailgate that opens may also work well for him.
If possible, I would pull the seats out, ensure there is a sturdy floor that will support my senior dog's seventy-pound weight, and place blankets or a dog bed for his comfort.
So, why have I not purchased this product?
I would need to purchase the ride-on vehicle and parts to convert it to a remote-controlled vehicle. The high price of everything does not mean having a remote-controlled car my dogs can ride in, especially since it is not an essential item.
Shadow will also need a vehicle low enough to the ground for him to step into and out of with little-to-no effort. He sometimes struggles with steps, so a remote-controlled ride-on a vehicle may not be the best option for him.
Despite my concerns, this Wishlist item almost became a reality earlier this year. My local Goodwill store had Power Wheels Jeep Powered Ride-On for $50 USD used.
I wanted to sleep on it because I knew it was not an essential item, but it was gone when I returned. I should have bought it as soon as I saw it since the retail price is over $340 USD.
Backyard Playground
Both my dogs love parks and playgrounds. One of my favorite playground memories was from ten years ago when Shadow got to roam around a playground when there were no children present.
Shadow shared his love of playgrounds with Rascal. Rascal enjoys being pushed on a toddler swing (he would try to jump into it on his own) and going down a slide. However, he prefers tall and long slides opposed to smaller toddler slides.
Based on things he enjoys playing with or on at parks and playgrounds, Rascal may enjoy a large playground with lots to do and explore.
A slide and swing are given. No curved slides because Rascal has a bad habit of trying to jump out on the curved part. Otherwise, he manages straight slides without issues.
Tunnels and bridges would give him something to explore. Rascal runs through tunnels at dog parks often, so I believe he would enjoy having some in our backyard.
I would prefer a two-story playground creating a shaded space on the ground level. Shadow may appreciate a dog bed and water bowl in the shade since he likely cannot navigate to the higher level.
Rascal, on the other hand, would appreciate a balcony space where he can guard the backyard and get a better view of the neighbors.
So, why have I not purchased this product?
There is no room in my tiny backyard. There is enough room for a small toddler swing set and slide, but not anything much larger than that.
Rascal may enjoy the swing set, but I would not be surprised if he ignores the short slide. A toddler swing set and slide may not be worth the cost.
What's Next?
I am waiting on the delivery of a WeatherTech PetRamp with hopes that my senior dog will be able to enter and exit the SUV much easier. Check back in a few weeks to learn if it helps my dog better than his current ramp does!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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