Dog on wheels?

[mrs.chappie]

I sometimes see a lady walking her dog near to where I live. The dog has lost the use of his back legs and has a contraption fitted to keep him mobile - two wheels strapped to his back end.

As an animal lover, each time I see this lady and dog I get mixed emotions .... happy that the lady has pulled out all the stops to keep the dog alive, but very sad that he can't run and chase balls and do the things other dogs do.

Please could I have your thoughts on this? Do you think it is an act of kindness towards the dog?

[mrs.chappie]

Naz, do you see any where you live?

[NazNomad]

I don't even see many people where I live now, Mrs. C.

I have seen them in the past though.

[mrs.chappie]

Naz, where do you live? (Not your exact address, of course). :o)

[Buenchico]

These look happy enough to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6bIXGxAnIs

[NazNomad]

Middle-of nowhere, West Wales

[NazNomad]

I had one of these ... http://www.antiquated...s/34200610302dog1.jpg

[ttfn]

I suppose it all boils down to the individual dog really. It could be a very difficult decision for some owners, I suspect. I have always believed in quality over quantity.
Just as well none has that authority over me then ;o)

[wolf63]

I don't think that there is a 'right' or 'wrong' answer - it will depend on the animal's personality and age and whether it is 'ill' or just has mobility problems.

If my dog/cat was suffering and unhappy with their life I would consider taking him/her to the vet to discuss things.

[Buenchico]

Snap, Naz!

So did I.

[wolf63]

I have to say that that is one ugly looking toy.

[mrs.chappie]

I just posted an answer and it got lost in cyberspace. :o(

Chris, you're right, those dogs do look happy. As others have said, I guess it depends on the dog's general health/other problems .... each case is different.

[NazNomad]

I think that particular one has a bit of mange, lol

[mrs.chappie]

Naz, well you'd save a fortune on scoop bags. :o)

[ttfn]

Susan - I fully agree with you. I have rescued some pets who were supposed to be at death's door but have nursed them through their problems with quite a degree of success and they have had many more happy years. Still hurts when the inevitable happens but that is what we have to remember when we even look to take them on in the first place.

[karenmac60]

My dog loves to run, but unfortunately in spite of endless hours of training and obedience classes, once he starts he won't stop and doesn't come back - being a responsible dog owner that means I can't let him off the lead. Should I get him put down because he can't play fetch up the park? Of course not, that would be ridiculous and cruel! If the dog is otherwise healthy then I can't see why it should be euthanised - as craft says, there are many people in wheelchairs.

[mrs.chappie]

Do you see many in wheelchairs where you live, Karen?

[mrs.chappie]

I once went to pick up a Chinese takeaway and came home with a live wood pigeon. He kept walking into the shop. He was unable to fly. I was a bit worried that if I left him, he'd end up in a curry so I took him home with me.

After a few days' rest in one of my aviaries, he was fit enough to fly so I released him.

[RATTER15]

Its a bit silly comparing dogs on wheels to people in wheelchairs, a totally different thing alltogether, a dog cannot weigh up choices or rationalize or understand what is happening.

I would never put one of my dogs in such a contraption but I add that would me mainly due to the impracticality of it lol, an 11+ stone dog would be crushing toes all down the high street, we would neeed to widen the doors and garden gate etc and would need to call out Kwick-Fit if we had a flat tyre, scary thought lol. I think the nature of an Irish Wolfound would actually adapt to the situation very well though. But "no" lol

[jules77]

There are animals in far more distress than any animal that may be given a set of wheels. I have seen some dogs in these doggy wheelchairs, and they were clearly enjoying life. As for them not being able to have a choice in the matter, neither does anyone with severe Alzheimers, should they put out of their agony too?

[lankeela]

Whilst I probably wouldn't use one of these for a dog of mine I have known several dogs who have lived a relatively normal life, happily waiting for their cart to be put on as others would a collar and lead. It depends on individual circumstances, and no-one should be criticised for trying to do the best for their pets. However I am the first to criticise if people prolong the life of a pet that is clearly at the point when it should be let go, just because they are too selfish to see it. This happens far more often that the odd occasion when someone decides to use a cart for a disabled dog, and causes far more misery to the animal concerned.