Carrying handicapped 45 pound pet up 3 flight of stairs

[AUDRA ALLEN]

HELP: I have a 45 pound dog that is handicapped in his hind quarters. He must be carried up 3 flights of stairs as I live in NYC . No elevator. Had shoulder surgery in december and lifting him is painful and very difficult for me. How can I get this dog upstairs without hurting him and myself? He is a large Bulldog with hip dysplacia. Someone please help with suggestions.

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Yikes, I guess a towel type of harness is out of the questoin because of his hips and shoulder. Let me share CarolC's EXCELLENT suggestion, which, since you live in multi-housing you may not be able to do, and that is an electric garage door opener. Three flights would require some engineering, and we do have a brilliant member, RichB would could probably devise something.
Back and shoulder lifting is the easiest way for me to carry heavy loads up stairs. You could also do what I do to get furniture and appliances upstairs. I wrap and drag. That's how I got a tv up and that's how I got the late great Jude downstairs. You can fashion a permanent hard surface, ideally made out of a plastic, like a superlarge cutting board. A wheel-less buggy would be ideal. Smooth the bottom surface and a handle on the top that you will push up and stand in front of going down (in case....) Velcro straps to keep him stationary.
Or develop a towel wrap papoose that you can attach to your self.
I hope someone else weighs in, there are some ingenious people here.
WELCOME!

[Bobbie]

Karen, there are special dollys called "Stairwalkers" that help you walk things up stairs.

But for the dog, maybe a hip harness? (Name has escaped me, sorry.) Basically two loops for the hips and then you lift those as he uses his front to walk. It puts less weight on you than carrying him all the way does.

[AUDRA ALLEN]

Thank you all so very much for your suggestions. I will try ordering the double harness and hope it works. Will let you know the outcome.
Audra and Wilbur (the Bulldog).

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Thank you, thank you, Bobbie! Being a middle (or so!) aged somebody who lives upstairs, I have to tote unbelievable weights. Here's a pic of what Bobbie is talking about, and I think with the tri wheel arrangement, you could make it work without unbelievable strain and a rather smooth ride:



Couple this with the dollies I found in the previous thread and you have a RIDE! Put some handlebar flyers on it and you will make quite the statement! Hang on while I find that other thread.

Found it! This woman has a similar problem, only NOT three flights of STAIRS!

http://www.handicappedpet.net/helppets/ ... 188#p67188


Take a look at the dollies and think of the three wheels on this one!