AnnaBelle is just not happy in her cart or around the other dogs...

[Ginger's Mom]

I have spoken to my friend. She said she would be happy to e-mail back and forth with you if you would like to chat (I will pm you her address). She adopted Beamer in October, and he had been unable to use his back legs from birth (I think they estimate his age to be 1 1/2 years at this time) and until Jen adopted him he had just gotten around by dragging his back legs after him (birth defect possibly caused by position in the womb-lot's of speculation nothing is really known). Anyway she got Beamer a cart and is taking him to physical therapy. She also has three other dogs that Beamer had to learn to get along with and run around with all at once. I think maybe you two can share stories, two things Jen did say is; one, making sure that the wheels are on very snuggly is important, any extra give or movement will make them unsteady and unsure. And second, she has to learn to get use to it by wearing it for a period of time every day. Jen said it isn't easy, but it is worth it. I didn't think the video was as pitiful as I expected, but she isn't my pup. I did feel sorry for her being targeted by the other dogs.

How much of a player was she before her injury? And what was her favorite game?

[kimlovescats]

I have spoken to my friend. She said she would be happy to e-mail back and forth with you if you would like to chat (I will pm you her address). She adopted Beamer in October, and he had been unable to use his back legs from birth (I think they estimate his age to be 1 1/2 years at this time) and until Jen adopted him he had just gotten around by dragging his back legs after him (birth defect possibly caused by position in the womb-lot's of speculation nothing is really known). Anyway she got Beamer a cart and is taking him to physical therapy. She also has three other dogs that Beamer had to learn to get along with and run around with all at once. I think maybe you two can share stories, two things Jen did say is; one, making sure that the wheels are on very snuggly is important, any extra give or movement will make them unsteady and unsure. And second, she has to learn to get use to it by wearing it for a period of time every day. Jen said it isn't easy, but it is worth it. I didn't think the video was as pitiful as I expected, but she isn't my pup. I did feel sorry for her being targeted by the other dogs.

How much of a player was she before her injury? And what was her favorite game?

Thank you for your help. I think your last paragraph is what really has hit the nail on the head. I think I had mentioned long ago that because AnnaBelle was always a more lazy-type of doggie, that it was one reason we were hesitant about getting her wheelchair. She never did play much, she just enjoyed stealing the cats' mice and jumping on the couch to "bathe" them! We also used to describe her as a bit of a "snob" when it came to other dogs. These two personality traits mixed with being disabled are what I think is the main issue with her. I just had hoped that having her freedom again would make her happy. In all honesty, she wanted me to pick her up and hold her in my lap .... which I did, wheels and all! THAT is when AnnaBelle is truly happy. Maybe I am forcing her to do something that she has no desire to really ever do. Maybe I could find another disabled dog to donate her cart to, who was always more energetic and loved to romp and play. I'll have to think on this a bit more, but I sure would love to see a doggie who genuinely enjoyed the cart!

Kim

[molucass]

Aww! Poor girl...
I'm sorry she isn't happy in her cart... Hopefully she will get acclimated to it.

So far Bailee is doing good after her 2nd back surgery... We hope she doesn't have to use the cart, but if she does I know she will probably be depressed like AnnaBelle.. Though Bailee is very active.