Shady Lady is almost 12 years old, and for the most part, she’s doing very well. But, her legs are gradually getting worse. It’s already years that I’ve been calling her bionic dog, having replaced both her back knees in surgery. Recently, our walks are slower, and when we get to the park she needs to lie down for a few minutes… but she continues to enjoy life very much. She is still obsessed with the cats and squirrels in the neighborhood, sometimes noticing them from a block away, her eyesight is still so good… and there’s no better pastime for her than lying under the Holly tree in my backyard.
Most of you know Shady, a beautiful and peaceful female Rottweiler that I got when she was just 7 weeks old back in ‘96. She’s been like a daughter to me ever since, and she is one of, if not the greatest thing to ever happen to me.
Her arthritis is better on some days than others, but in preparation for when it gets worse… I discovered a lifesaving tool that I wanted to share with all of you. A leash called Bottoms Up that allows me to carry a portion of her weight. It’s a therapeutic rear end support harness that helps dogs who have problems walking. I’ve only had to use it a few times so far, since she doesn’t need it on most days, but I can see how this will be extremely helpful for me to have. The leash supports her back hips, with two soft hoops (made from a material that was meant to avoid skin chaffing) and it let’s me hold up about 15% of her 89lbs. The point of this leash is not to lift the dog off the ground but to alleviate some of the load, and so far — other than her getting a little more used to it, I can already rank this as one of the best inventions I’ve seen. One of the, ‘why didn’t I think of it’ ideas……
There’s no way to explain in words, the emotions and attachment one has for their pet, and it is a relief to know that there is a product available like this for when things get tough. Shady Lady has been my best friend, (they’re not kidding with the saying), my companion, and roommate for more than a third of my life, and if there is ever anything I can do help make her elderly years more comfortable I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute.
For all you dog owners, enjoy your time together… I hope it is years before you have to consider using a device like this, but know that it’s available if/when you need it.