Thatcher has DM. Anyone use Dwanecart wheelchair?

[Rbastedo]

Yesterday after work I put his booties on and got him outside and in the cart.
Our other Boxer was very excited about the possibility of a walk so my son brought her outside too.
This was a game changer for Thatcher, now he was totally into the walk and didn't think at all about the wheels. He was running! He just didn't want to stop until we came to a power pole, or a bush, or a hedge...
He even went up beside a bush and thought about it a moment, came to terms with not being able to lift his leg and then peed on it anyway!
He went about a quarter mile and most of that was at a trot!
I was too busy running along with him to take any pictures, I'll get one of the kids to take him and I'll take pictures next time.
That was a great walk, and he was so very happy to be out there seeing other dogs and everything!

 

[Gunther]

Oh wow that is great! I never got that with Struddell. She pretty much hated the chair from day one. But I think I was much to late in getting it for her,

 

[Rbastedo]

Oh wow that is great! I never got that with Struddell. She pretty much hated the chair from day one. But I think I was much to late in getting it for her,

I was afraid that was going to happen with Thatcher. The previous times he has wanted to go home after just a short time out.

Then the magic happened when his little girl buddy came out and was so excited for a walk with him and he just got into it! She didn't think the chair was strange at all, it's been sitting in the living room so they would both be used to the sight and smell of it.

Anyway I think they both associate the wheels with getting to go on a walk so it's a very good thing.

 

[Rbastedo]

New Video of Thatcher in his cart

We went out again yesterday, he was up for going a bit farther so we walked about 1/3 mile. Man does this thing improve his attitude, makes him so much happier it's just fantastic.

Here's the video I put up on Youtube, notice the great lens flares - just like JJ Abrams right?

Thatcher's Awesome Walk

If you have the bandwidth make it full screen and select HD 1080P. Turn on your speakers!

 

[Gunther]

Boy that WC has lot less crap associated with it than the Walking Wheels! Front harness and all that stuff was a hassle for me and I don't think Struddell much like it either?

Really great results so happy for you guys!

 

[Rbastedo]

It really is a simple design, not hard to get him in and out. It is more trouble getting his booties on and off frankly. I recommend Dwanecart. Good cart, good people too.

 

[Jan]

Great video. Thatcher looks very happy to be out and about!

 

[entelekia]

That is so awesome to see! Thatcher is a stunning boy. I hope you have many more months with him being so happy.

 

[furrykidmom]

late to the post

I am the person that just had my boy tested to confirm DM. He is positive. And is progressing. He is still getting around on his own but will fall over if he jumps off furniture and does not get a good grip. Or if one of the other dogs knocks him over. We are in our first 6 months of dealing with the disease. We had a GSD with it but she never progressed beyond some right side rear weakness and a loose rear end. She would lose her balance from time to time if she got in the way of the other dogs. She died at 12 from lung cancer.

Anyway, I am so happy to see how well your Thatcher is doing with his cart. We fear when we reach that point and seeing how well your boy adjusted to it gives me hope. I will have to look into the carts. Do you only use it outside? I know they are not supposed to be in it all the time.

 

[Gunther]

Generally they are used for walking the dogs, exercise. Not really parctical for a large dog inside unless you live in a really large house. The little dogs have an advantage in that they can use carts indoors.

Don't let the other dogs knock him over, I know it's hard but they'll have to learn they can't bang on him anymore, If he's falling get off the furniture he might hurt himself futher so you either need to keep off or make him wait till you can help him to get off.

The sooner you can him use to the wheel chair the better, If you find one you like throw it up here and ask for input,,,I got the Walking Wheels myself and found it to be a PITA.