The Winston Wagon » handicapped dog

Snug as a bug

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:16:29 +0000

As we get older, there’s nothing that is more important than a comfortable place to sleep. I know some owners are very old-fashioned about where dogs should settle for the night. That place is usually the floor. For some people, an old blanket just has to suffice. My dog companions and I have had numerous conversations about this topic. We need comfort just like you do. As we age, it is just as difficult for us to get up from a night’s rest as it is for you. I think this is why we like to take our time out in the yard in the morning. Old bones need more time to get movin’.

: Ben in dreamland

Old beds need to be changed out from time to time and washed. The stuffing may need to be replaced or thrown out all together. Old blankets might have lost their ability to keep warm and snug too. A cold floor is no fun in winter. Please, put this on a ‘to-do’ list befor the real cold weather comes. We will be very grateful.

I think the sun is finally out today. It rained all morning. I just might be able to enjoy a nice walk outside after all. Arrrooooo!!!!!!

Take care of yourselves and your old pets.

Love,

Winston

Vulcan mind meld and other basset powers

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:21:03 +0000

Do you ever think you had superhero powers? I do. I can make things happen with just the tone of my howl. It’s amazing how people respond. When I am upset, I do the ” low and mournful” variety. When I am happy, I do the “neverending-because-this-is-too-much-fun” variety. I admit that I use these superhero powers to my advantage. I can make my mom stop watch she’s doing and sit on the floor with me and sub my ears or I can annoy her to no end when I want to go for a walk. I can also make my buddy Ben give up his bone when I get on a roll. It’s a gift that I was just born with and have perfected it over the years and now I am reaping the rewards. Some people would call me a stubborn, spoiled brat. I just call it making the best of a situation.

Make the best of your life. Don’t let anything hold you back. I certainly don’t. Being in a chair can be annoying at times but I don’t let that stop my voice from being heard.

Take care of yourselves.

Love, Winston.

Me outside our cabin in Maine

Winston and the bone

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:37:08 +0000

Just being me

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:03:46 +0000

Trying to get some rest please!

Water, water everywhere and none for me

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:40:22 +0000

This is a quickie post for me. We are on the move. The lake here in Maine is stunning. I love to be in the great outdoors. Bassets are all about relaxing and having a good time. I am surprised that we aren’t Maine’s state dog. Getting back to the lake story, please don’t let your dog drink copious amounts of water from strange lakes. You never know. It’s like beer to us. Too much of a good thing and we might get really sick. Be sure to have some fresh stuff on hand so we can keep cool. I know it’s hard for some dogs. Lake water is awesome not only to drink but to play in as well. DO your best to keep on eye on us. We can be really sneaky about lappin’ up some of that good stuff.

OK, take care. I am on the hunt for moose.

Love, Winston.

p.s. Take a look at my archives if you haven’t already.

The Bottom’s up Harness, a handicapped dog’s best friend

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:37:17 +0000

My mom never even knew such a thing existed, but after a very creative google search she found one. I guess the ’towel under the belly’ method was getting a little old. Ever since mom turned thirty, her back has gone to pot or so she says. She needed a little something to help her help me. The hiney harness does just that. As you can see, there is a handle to hold me up and there are two loops for my back legs to go through. I can be supported with a lot less effort. Also, my mom can have a little bit more control too. That’s nice on her end. These aren’t just for handicapped dogs either. My pal Frank down the street uses one too. He’s an older guy that just gets tired when he tries to go up stairs. He’s a lab. Bad hips on his mother’s side of the family are to blame.

So give it a try and hopefully, you and your family will be helped also. When you do ‘google’ this item, please make sure you put in the word ‘dog’ or ‘canine’. Mom got some…well…interesting websites. Let me know how you make it if someone out there is helped by this advice. Mom says it’s worth the money. She visits the chiropractor a lot less often now.

Well, take care of yourselves. I’m off to take my midmorning nap.

Love, Winston

p.s. dated 9/25/09

Sorry Arnie. I got a comment from you a while back about the harness I talked about on here. I didn’t realize that you were the inventor of it. I thought you were kidding in your comment to me. I have since changed the title of this blog to throw some business your way. It’s a nice product.