HandicappedPets.Net

A year and a half ago, I adopted a 16 year old chihuahua from the shelter I worked at. His owner had passed away and he was brought in to be euthanized. I couldn't let that happen. He needed all of his teeth pulled, other than that his health was good. My husband and I named him "Gramps" and he has been a joy to us! He is a therapy dog, and brings smiles to many people.

His back end is getting very weak, but he eats good and has control of bodily functions. He is not yet ready to be put to sleep, just needs help getting around. I'm working two jobs (one at a holistic pet supply store) and Gramps can go to that one with me. My husband lost his job in March (after 27 years) and is now working a much lower paying position. We want Gramps to have the best life possible and are either looking for a used chair or donations for one.

My E-mail is shor517828@msn.com please contact me, and I will be more than happy to E-mail you pictures of this very special little man.

Thank you,
Dee Schaefer

What is his height from the floor to the top of the shoulder? How much does he weigh? Is he fixed?

DeeAnn,

Have you considered making one of your own? If your husband is a handyman, he could make a PVC wheelchair for under $20, using wheels salvaged from a child's riding toy, etc.

I quickly took and uploaded this photo of a black, spray painted, PVC wheel chair that we made. We used foam pool noodles for the cross bars, and a black ski head band for the back. I twisted the headband to snug it up, but you might use something else.

Hi There,

Thanks for responding. Yes, he is fixed. His height from floor to shoulder is 9" and he weighs 5.6 pounds. Unfortunately, neither one of us is at all handy. How do you upload an image?

Eddie's Wheels currently has a secondhand cart for a dog 10" at the shoulder (Opie's cart) but it is neutral balanced and for an intact male, they would have to tell you if this could be made to work for your dog.

http://www.eddieswheels.com/html/used_carts.php

Dogs to Go offers inexpensive carts that always get favorable reports. I don't know if they make one small enough for a chihuahua, you'd need to ask if they make them for chihuahuas.

http://www.dogstogo.net

As far as not being handy, PVC requires being able to saw and glue, that's really all. You can saw the stuff with a hack saw or coping saw (small hand saws). I wonder if someone at the rescue could put something together for him...

I would like to see your picture when you upload it. I have 2 disabled chihuahuas.

P.S. There is a list of suggestions for wheelchairs on a budget here:

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8161

I see a couple of small sized wheelchairs in the classifieds:

http://handicappedpet.net/class/showcat.php?cat=11

This one is 8" at the shoulder for a female, they would need to redo the saddle but that can be done.

http://handicappedpet.net/class/showpro ... 1241872647

As far as not being handy, PVC requires being able to saw and glue, that's really all. You can saw the stuff with a hack saw or coping saw (small hand saws). I wonder if someone at the rescue could put something together for him...

Carol's right. It doesn't take a lot of talent to copy the PVC, only a hack saw, an axle (ask the Home Depot or Lowe's guys for help) and glue. You fit the chair, and then glue after it is fitted to the pup.

I made an ex-pen out of PVC. Also did all my own plumbing repairs when about twelve burst one year. It is VERY easy to work with.

Here is a picture of Gramps from 2008 at my daughter's wedding reception.

Oh, he's cute! It almost looks like he could be part Yorkie. Did the vet say anything about crating him and maybe putting him on steroids for a few weeks? Sometimes that will get them back on their feet. I think I'd be inclined to try that before I spent money on a wheelchair. That would mean he is basically on crate rest from now till July, and possibly prednisone if your vet sees fit. You'd have to carry him outdoors to potty, then back into his crate as soon as you are done. Here is some information on crate rest.

http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

Yes, PVC is CHEAP!! It's easier to cut with a pipe cutter, essentially a can opener you twist around the pipe until the pipe breaks or cuts. If you use a saw, I suggest a miter box to help you get it reasonably straight. Perfectly straight isn't necessary since the plumbing caps, elbows, etc. will cover up a world of sins.