[Dailydrool] Getting in and out of cars

[dpmcquade at verizon.net]

When we had Abner, who had back trouble, I had a very bulky ramp that he used to get in and out of the car. It was a real pain, but since he had back trouble and I was not supposed to pick him up, it was my only solution.

For all my other dogs, I have used a method of lifting that I was shown when we were first in basset rescue. Though I have heart trouble, which makes lifting difficult, I have been able to lift our dogs, who weighed up to 65 pounds.

First you put one arm (I use my right) under the dog's chest, between his front legs. Then put the other arm under the belly, as close as possible to the back legs (with boys, this means putting it in front of their little boy stuff). Then lift gently. This method puts most of the weight on one arm (use your stronger arm there), and it is easier than lifting only under the middle.
 
I have been so thankful that I have that method, since I really can't lift a lot of weight.
Pam, food slave to the Dashing Bassets