Go Buddy Go!

Newly Patented Dog Wheelchair Transforms Mobility

2009-07-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

I just received this news story in a newsletter from HandicappedPets.com:

Pet Industry's First Fully Adjustable Dog Wheelchair Receives Patent

HandicappedPets.com is pleased to announce that the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair has been awarded a patent for its design as the pet industry's first fully adjustable dog wheelchair.
Mark C. Robinson, founder and president of HandicappedPets.com and inventor of the Walkin' Wheels, set out over five years ago to design the ideal solution for dogs that could not walk - an adjustable dog wheelchair.

"Being awarded this patent after 5 years of work is a significant accomplishment, and I find myself frequently glancing over at the framed certificate. But the real joy is in the knowledge that today there are more than a thousand dogs walking and playing with their families because of the work of the engineers, vendors and team members who made this happen with me," commented Robinson.

Summertime Blues?

2009-07-08T19:12:00.001-07:00

This picture is an old one of Buddy, just because I haven't had time to upload any new ones. However, this is one of my favorite summer pictures, and he still looks just about like this with his new haircut!

Summertime is here in Texas, and it is HOT! It is also the time our pets start having allergic reactions. Our other dog, a Corgi mix named Trixie, has had a few allergic reactions to some kind of plant outside, at least we think. She had a "hot spot" on her back that was pretty large. Buddy was so concerned about her that he refused to leave her side and was constantly licking the spot. This was so sweet, and I was so touched to see him do this. However, he must have been really concerned because he also would bark next to her almost non-stop (including all night), which wasn't so great.

So, we took Trixie to the vet to have her spot looked at. They shaved off a large area of her hair around the spot, and cleaned it. She's doing fine now, except having a huge bald spot in the middle of her back! Of course, I still think she's beautiful.

Our oldest cat, Whiskers, also has some small spots that the vet says are allergies as well. His are really minor right now, so he's also doing fine overall.

One thing's for sure, we're not having a dull summer! :)

Dog Days of Denton

2009-06-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Buddy recently attended the "Dog Days of Denton" (Texas) festival. Buddy had a great time meeting everyone there! He also participated in the parade of dogs, which started on the main state. There was a ramp on one side of the stage, but not the other, so we had a little adventure getting down the stairs!

Overall, Buddy had a wonderful time! I didn't get any pictures, but I know that Buddy was photographed by several people. :)

Buddy's New Haircut - Should He Have to Pay Extra?

2009-05-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's getting hot here in the south! We recently took Buddy to the groomer (a local chain pet store) for grooming. He loves his new haircut, and I think he looks great!

However, I was very dismayed that we were charged extra because of Buddy's disability, and the extra challenges that it gave the groomer. I guess there is no Americans with Disabilities Act for dogs! :) Leave us a comment and let us know if you think this is fair.

But seriously, the groomers did a great job, and I'm sure Buddy will be very happy with the shorter hair just in time for summer.

Buddy and a Baby, Part 2

2008-11-14T05:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been trying for weeks to get a good picture of Buddy and our little boy. It's hard to get both of them to stand still long enough! :)

This is the best I've gotten so far, but I'll keep trying!

Thanks so much for reading about Buddy, and have a wonderful weekend!

Buddy and a Baby!

2008-10-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Buddy has been adjusting very well to the birth of our son, who is now seven months old! Our little boy loves to talk to Buddy, watch him, and smile at him. Buddy loves to lick his toes, which makes the baby laugh so hard! It's really cute. I'll try to get some pictures or video to post.

We also have another dog, as well as cats, and they're all adjusting well. I think it helps that we have so many pets: they were all used to lots of things going on!

On recommendation from our vet, we also did the following:

- Brought some of the baby's clothing home before baby came home. This allowed the dogs and cats to smell it and get used to his scent.

- Played sounds of a baby crying occasionally in the weeks leading up to the baby coming, so they could get used to the sound.

They're all doing great!

A Wheelchair Made From...Roller Blades?!

2008-07-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

My husband is currently in the process of re-designing Buddy's wheelchair. This time he's using wheels from an old pair of roller blades! It's just in the beginning stages, but here's what he has so far. I'll keep posting on how it goes. :)

Buddy's Friend Whiskers - Illness and Recovery

2008-05-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

Our cat, Whiskers, and Buddy's friend since they were both months old, was recently hospitalized because of a digestive problem. After a vet bill over $1000, I'm pleased to report that Whiskers is doing much better! He's on a special diet now, and we've got to keep monitoring his condition. If he does fine with the new diet, the vet said that there's probably nothing else that we need to do. If he has the problem again, we may need to consider surgery. Whiskers is going back to the vet at the end of the week for a check-up. We're hoping for the best!

Welcome to Buddy's Blog!

2008-04-23T20:24:00.001-07:00

Here, you'll find updates about what's going on with Buddy, as well as news, polls, and resources about pets with special needs. Welcome, and feel free to post your comments!