Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Jasper Lily and I are getting the heck out of dodge in August! It will be her longest road trip (with me) and I want to make sure she is as as safe as possible.
Funny how things like this didn't matter way back in the day ... I guess how when I was a kid, I would ride in the back of the station wagon without a seat belt! LOL - Shelby would just ride in the back seat and was always fine.
Anyways... I am trying to decide it I should get Jasper a seat belt harness OR a thing for her to sit in that I can strap. She usually likes to ride (for long trips) on the floor in the backseat behind the driver. But I worry if she's sitting on the back seat and I have to come to an abrupt stop, she'll fly or slide (there is a towel there as I have leather seats). But I worry she will choke herself or hate being strapped in one position for hours on end. (We're traveling WAY north).
Any suggestions / ideas for making this a safe and fun trip for Jasper Lily! I hope dogs are allowed in rest area bathrooms since we're going solo and I will not - even for one minute - leave my dog in the car.
Cheers!
Alison with Spirit Shelby as our co-pilot and little Jasper Lily!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
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You take such good care of your Jasper Lily! You two are going to hacpve a GREAT time! Cannot wait to see the pics!
The best kind of family vacation ever!!
Got a feeling she's not gonna like a seat belt at all, yet I certainly understand the need for safety.
In no way,shape or form am I saying the way I rode with Merry Myrtle and Frankie to the tripawds pawty was particularly safe, but it provided a small amount of safety, plus they could move.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I've used a harness in the past and never felt satisfied with the results. Jack would still slide around if I stopped quickly and was often uncomfortable.
I've switched to using this soft-sided crate during all car rides and love it. She can lie down comfortably and it fits snugly in the back seat. And because the sides are mesh, she can still see out the windows while I drive. She also doesn't slide around when I stop quickly, but I imagine it wouldn't be a problem if I had to slam on the brakes and she did slide because the mesh would catch her nicely.
dcjack said
I've used a harness in the past and never felt satisfied with the results. Jack would still slide around if I stopped quickly and was often uncomfortable.I've switched to using this soft-sided crate during all car rides and love it. She can lie down comfortably and it fits snugly in the back seat. And because the sides are mesh, she can still see out the windows while I drive. She also doesn't slide around when I stop quickly, but I imagine it wouldn't be a problem if I had to slam on the brakes and she did slide because the mesh would catch her nicely.
Is this attached to the seat or just sitting on the seat but is large enough to be kind of squished/secured in place? Because this looks similar to Jasper's airline carrier and I could use that. I have an SUV and she does like to nestle on the floor but also sit on the backseat which if I stop, she would fly forward (my fear). Again, it's never been an issue with Jasper as she doesn't really love the car.
And LOL Sally ... well that clearly works! Jasper is a lot smaller so I don't need to fence her in. And we're trying ... I'm trying to be the 'fun' mom that I was to Shelby ...
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Ha! The fun mom - that is definitely not my relationship with Jack. She considers herself the parent and she's very bossy. I am simply the willing subordinate 😉
It's wedged in place- I put it directly behind the passenger seat and slide the seat back until it holds the crate in place. This probably wouldn't work as well with an airline carrier. Maybe you could slide the passenger seat all the way back to have it fit on the floor up front?
Where are you two going?
dcjack said
Ha! The fun mom - that is definitely not my relationship with Jack. She considers herself the parent and she's very bossy. I am simply the willing subordinate 😉It's wedged in place- I put it directly behind the passenger seat and slide the seat back until it holds the crate in place. This probably wouldn't work as well with an airline carrier. Maybe you could slide the passenger seat all the way back to have it fit on the floor up front?
Where are you two going?
Ha ha! Well honestly, Shelby let me think I was in charge but we all know she was the alpha! Considering how submissive Jasper Lily is ... I am definitely learning to be the alpha!
We're headed north from Los Angeles to Portland for a couple days and then out to the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach) and then we'll meander back south, maybe stopping in Napa for some wine tasting. Just me and my dog! I'm meeting some friends in Portland and on the coast. But mostly this is a solo adventure and I'm sooooo excited!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
If we are around town the dogs don't use anything but when I traveled to Kansas with the girls they were in a soft sided crate like that. I was too afraid that Snickers (being Snickers) would sneak out the door (she has done that before).
I would check into one of those crates a dog her size it wouldn't be that expensive. I think when I bought ours (x-large size) they were $99.00 or more. She is a little peanut 🙂
Have fun on your vacation Alison
As far as rest areas I don't think technically they are but usually there is no one around to say anything (well at least at the ones I have been too)
xoxoxox
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
We have the same soft sided crate as dcjack. It is a really nice travel crate. Tanner tried to chew a hole through it (he is a C-R-A-Z-Y car rider) and Rosco liked it but he couldn't look out the window (I have an suv too and the windows were up a little too high for him to see). We ended up getting a Kurgo booster seat for Rosco (which he really likes). The inside is lined with fleece and you can hook a harness into it. If Jasper likes to snuggle into a spot (Rosco liked the floorboard too), then this might be a great option.
http://www.kurg.....ter-seats/
Not that you need anything quite like this, but for anyone else browsing this thread who may have a dog who turns into a complete lunatic in the car, this is what we use for Tanner. The Kurgo zipline and the swivel tether. We have a lot of issues with Tanner running around in the car, jumping, barking, trying to jump onto the dashboard, the drivers lap etc. Keeping him tied into the back seat is a priority. The crate makes it worse for him, but the zipline lets him be a lunatic a little more safely.
http://www.kurg.....estraints/
In addition, we have this barrier up that hooks onto the back's of both seats sort of to trick Tanner into thinking there's a wall there (it's a mental thing for him). It's not great b/c Tanner is no dummy (and if I haven't mentioned it, a complete nut in the car)...it'd be fine for probably any other dog but I would probably go with something a little more sturdy for the crazy dogs.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
LOL Elizabeth - yeah... Tanner sounds like a crazed one in the car... I cannot even imagine! I would spook trying to drive with that in the car and I deal with the crazies in Los Angeles!
I was looking at the little boosters for Jasper ... My mom sent me that link from that same company. I don't know if Jasper would like to sit in it or try and jump out to get on the floor. I mean, if she is truly happy on the floor in the backseat on a pile of blankets, that doesn't really harm anyone, right? Jasper DOES love to snuggle... her current post breakfast happy place is under my bed ... in her airline carrier. She likes to burrow.
Shelby used to try and put her paws on the console and balance and that was STRESSFUL. The day she did that as a Tripawd (rear amp) I KNEW she was feeling better! But still no good for her.
Thanks Michelle! We are looking forward to most of the trip. The drive to Northern CA will be rough but after that, pretty and scenic. I've taken JL into the potty at parks so I presume this is the same ... just have to keep her from wandering under the stalls. Shelby did that and that's a little personal for some people who don't expect to see a canine under the wall! 🙂
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
My cat carrier ( one of those plastic ones) has an actual hook for the seatbelt to hook through. I think the dog ones would also. I had gotten the seat belt harnesses for both Chandler and Ty. They hated them. They could not get comfortable. They make soft crates that sort of spring open like those play tunnels. I hauled my daughters bat crazy dog in one a few years back. She is a nut case,( the dog, not my daughter) it was like putting a Tom cat in a bag. She bounced off the walls. I wa sure she was coming out the side. We have tried the hammock things, but they are slippery. DARYL likes to ride with his remaining front foot on the console. I just put my purse there or let him ride up front. My hubby takes him so much, his friend is actually planning to build a box like seat for him to ride in. I get the not letting Jasper in the car. I went 30 minutes home and 30 minutes back to town so I did not have to let Chandler in the car recently. It was one of those days where it was about 75. I was like better safe than sorry. He likes his AC.
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
It wouldn't let me keep typing. Sounds like her airline carrier on the floor may be the ticket. Sounds like a fun, relaxing trip. Lori, Ty & Gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Oh what fun you will have!
I think your best bet for her would be a crate. I wish there was one large enough for Wyatt in our truck's back seat but nope.
Your comment about making sure she doesn't wanter under the bathroom stalls cracked me up. When I was at Blog Paws this year I was in the ladies room and when I looked down at the floor, a little teacup poodle peeked up from underneath the stall next to me! I cracked up and said to the gal next to me, "Only at Blog Paws!" People there totally get it. As for people in rest areas...who cares, you'll never see them again! 😉
Enjoy the ride!
P.S. If you get a chance when you're coming down from the Oregon coast there's a great place near Grant's Pass in a tiny hippie hamlet called Takilma. It's a tree-house resort and they are pet friendly. Pretty sure they're still around.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This whole thread is cracking me up! The lengths we go to for our dogs! OMD!
I pity the poor woman who is in a stall when Tanner comes visiting!
And Daryl getting his on custom made box for his car rides...pretty darn special!
And yeah, compared to Rotties, Jasper is a little peanut!
Jack bossing his human subordinates.....good job Jack!
Seriously Alison, I think the way you've been traveling with Jasper Lily is just fine! She's happy, she's not stressed and that will make you happy and not stressed! She loves car rides. This is a fun vacation. I say "don't fix it if it ain't broke"!
Hope you stop at that little hippie tree house place! That sounds like fun! I dunno' though...its hard to picture you enjoying a night in a tree house, especially if they don't have room service!
Love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Sorry to cut in, but Sally, call Michelle.
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
mom2shelby said
. . . . I've taken JL into the potty at parks so I presume this is the same ... just have to keep her from wandering under the stalls. Shelby did that and that's a little personal for some people who don't expect to see a canine under the wall! 🙂
Okay, I howled at that one!!!
I love Cannon Beach, I'm so jealous!
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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