When Terry at Moondance Ranch in Colorado learned about Soldier's back problems, she offered to send a dog harness that she used for her dog Clifford after he had a stroke. Clifford has since gone over the Rainbow Bridge so Terry wanted to help Soldier with this gift. "She's an Earth Angel," my friend Rachael exclaimed when I shared this with her. Not only that, but Terry's husband, David, took the packet with him to Denver and mailed it Express Mail (no less!) from there so it would reach us faster. And it did, it came on Wednesday.
Look how great this harness is.
I opened the packet and inside was this top notch, best quality you could imagine, dog harness that looked perfectly new. Clifford was a larger dog than Soldier and I hoped the harness would fit. It's a size medium, the only size that would fit Soldier, and the front of the two-part harness fit perfectly. (It may look a bit loose in the photos, but this was just the beginning and we're adjusting it.) Then I realized something funny, or not: While Soldier has a powerful front, he has practically no rear end. So it would be difficult to fit the rear part, but in the end, as it turned out, it didn't matter at all.
Mommy didn't know you had such a small rear end, Soldier!
It may be a miracle, but the front end provides all the help that Soldier needs. If he gets in trouble while standing, we can grab the handle and lead him; if he sits down in that horrible position with his hind legs stuck underneath, it's very easy to get him up and moving again. Before we had to drag him and that was absolutely awful. I was worried he might break a leg or something. It looked that bad.
I read the instructions, it fits me, and now I'm smiling again.
But best of all, he has not sat down like that since he's worn the harness. It stabilizes him, somehow. He walks better, he does not stumble around, and consequently does not fall down or sit down with his hind legs going in weird directions. I don't think he's done it once since I put the harness on. So the part that fits really works.
Finally, our vet said that a harness would be the best help for Soldier and it will be. I am so grateful for this gift and Soldier and the rest of our family send thanks and lots of hugs to Terry and David at Moondance Ranch in Colorado.
that is so awesome! Another amazing blogging story :-)
ReplyDeleteWay to go ! Thank you from me too Terry and David for helping Soldier. Hi Inger, so glad to see this harness making life better for Soldier! Glad to read your blog again. I myself have been absent from blogging for about two weeks.
ReplyDeletemany blessings to your blogger friends for helping soldier and you!!! may they receive return kindness 10 fold!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news! Many thanks to Terry and David on Soldier's behalf! I am so glad that it helps so well! I know that you are thrilled.
ReplyDeleteXXX
Another wonderful example of how blogging friends (who have never met) help each other. Thank you, Terry & David! I'm so glad this is helping Soldier!!
ReplyDeleteTerry is the sweetest thing, she and her Dh you can tell are among us animal lovers!
ReplyDeleteInger, you are so welcome! Love, Terry
ReplyDeleteI *love* stories like these! How incredibly kind of Terry and David to share their beloved dog's harness with you and Soldier.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy it's helping him so much.
WTG...Terry and David...now Soldier can have a better life...that's what bloggy friendship is all about!
ReplyDeleteOh this is great, replaces my towel sling suggestion
ReplyDeleteFabulous story! Love how the blogging world comes together. Please give Soldier a hug for me.
ReplyDeleteHurrah for Terry and David! Soldier certainly does look happy!
ReplyDeleteThat's great....glad Soldier gets some relief that way.
ReplyDeleteI commented this morning but blogger seems to be eating my comments lately. What I said was I thought it was wonderful of Terry & David to send you tyhe sling. I hope it helps Soldier!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love it? The amazing people we have met and been supported by through blogging. What a difference that harness makes. Thank you again, Terry and David. Your generosity does not surprise me one bit!
ReplyDeleteSoldier does look like a happy boy!
I'm always touched by the kindness of people who have never met, but are there for one another--I"m so glad that your boy is doing well!!
ReplyDeleteHi Inger .. that's wonderful to hear about Terry and David's package - and that it's the right thing for Soldier .. and now for a peaceful weekend with fewer worries. So pleased for you - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me smile -- so happy for you and Soldier. He looks so much better in these photos, Inger. Blesse Terry and David for this gift.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that it is helping and yes....he is smiling:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. It is really wonderful -- the kindness of people one has never met. Or maybe I should say, never met face to face. I feel very close to friends I have made through blogging and I have come to care about you guys and your pets. This harness is something else, it is so perfect for Soldier and I can tell he's proud to wear it.
ReplyDeleteInger, so many kind wonderful people. What a touching post. I'm happy for you, happy for the kind gift and sender and happy for your "puppy" :)
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful thing that Terry & David did for you & Soldier! I, too, have made some very good friends in the blogging community. I hope the harness continues to help your sweet Soldier.
ReplyDeleteSee! There are fabulous human beings out there!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift and such amazing results. He really is smiling. I am so happy for all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful friends you have to send this harness for Soldier. I am so sorry to hear about Soldiers problem... bless his heart! I'll be praying for him. Inger, I've missed you so much and I'm so glad you're back. Gracie sends licks to Samson... and we both send our love.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you my friends who commented after I left my earlier thanks. It is indeed wonderful to find kind people in this world and I with all the horror of what's happening at Penn State to balance the bad news and remind us of how good and kind most of us are. Bobbi and Gracie, Samson loves to hear from you and wishes you all the best with your book.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that the harness has helped and what good blog friends you have!
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled for Soldier and for you. I know how helpless you were feeling not being able to help him... Thanks to Terry and Hubby for their kindness and generosity... Love you for that. Hope Soldier continues to improve... he deserves the best.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful wonderful generosity - People can be the best friend for any canine - yay Soldier!!!!
ReplyDelete