So she is long in the body and short in the legs, similar to a bassett hound. And she doesn't like the HelpEmUp, not sure why, because it has the handle over the hips where it seems like you'd want it, but if she's close to the ground you'd have to bend over.
I confess I had a hard time getting a harness that worked for my dog, too. A
lot of frustration and it seemed like a lot of money trying 3 different ones.
I don't know if you looked at this page but it shows an assortment of harnesses. Several of them are 2-piece so they are adjustable in the length of the back. Since she can walk pretty well, you might be able to get away with using the Bottoms Up
http://www.handicappedpets.com/help-pets-walk.html
Back when I was looking for my dog, they did not have all the ones shown on that webpage, and I ended up getting him a Hartman Harness. They can wear it pretty much all day if you want, or they can keep the chest part on and you can take the rear part on and off when you wish.
http://www.hartmanharness.com/
You have my sympathy! I remember how
frustrating it was trying harnesses, and they
all cost money, and they
all took time to arrive, and they
all looked like they ought to work on whatever dog they were pictured on in the ad, and then they didn't. The best I can say is, don't give up, I think harnesses are like blue jeans, we are not all built to wear the same brand. You will find one that works if you keep trying, and then you will be set for life. It's just a shame it isn't easier!!
That being said, they recommend that IVDD dogs not do stairs, so your idea of a ramp is better if you can do it. Here is a post of Bobbie's showing a great ramp she made for her dogs.
http://handicappedpet.net/helppets/view ... =4&t=11501
And a video!
[youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig4sVHMQkhY[/youtube]