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Unfortunately many owners and veterinarians believe that if they put a pet in a wheelchair, it will become dependent on the wheelchair and will lose its present mobility and desire to try and walk, when actually we have found the reverse is true. Over our 50 years of providing aid to mobility impaired pets, we have found that if a pet has the ability to recover while using a wheelchair, the wheelchair will promote that recovery. When a pet is fitted to an orthopedically designed and balanced K9 cart, your pet will exercise more. The K9 Cart takes the stress not only off the rear legs, but also the spine and front legs, allowing your pet to use their legs for a longer period of time. Very often, a pet will lose use of one rear leg faster than the other. In that case, it is important to leave both paws down on the ground, to keep the pet balanced in the wheelchair. You will need to purchase a protective boot for the paw that needs help. An added benefit is that it helps them mentally for like us pets become depressed when they cannot go for walks either on their own or with the other canine members of the family or chase balls or go back to doing all the things they love to do.

Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in humans.1 The disease, as a result of degeneration of the spinal cord, results in the eventual loss of use of the hind legs. Age of onset is generally after 7 years and most often seen in German Shepherds, Boxers, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, though the mutation has also been found in a number of other canine breeds. A dog standing with its hind legs together due to degenerative myelopathy. Causes of degenerative myelopathy Though the cause of degenerative myelopathy is currently unknown, research strongly indicates that mutations in the super-oxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are associated with developing DM1. Normally, SOD1 functions as a protector of sorts, destroying harmful free superoxide radicals in cells. Mutations in the SOD1 gene can allow free radicals to accumulate and cause damage to cells due to the loss of functioning SOD1 enzyme. Current research also suggests that mutant SOD1 causes toxic build up, resulting in cell damage and death. In humans, the SOD1 gene has been implicated in the cause of ALS.2, 3 Normally, the spinal cord acts as a communication line between the brain and the limbs. In DM-affected dogs, this line is essentially cut and the loss of hind limb use results. These mutations in SOD1 are believed to cause the loss of myelin sheaths (which acts as insulation for the spinal cord) and eventually the loss of neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in the ‘loss of communication’ to the hind limbs.4 Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy typically involves the progressive loss of muscle strength and motor coordination in the hind legs, resulting in a wobbly gait and, eventually, the dragging of hind legs when the dog walks. Other symptoms of DM include loss of balance and incontinence. Further progression leads to the complete loss of function and paralysis in the hind legs.4 Diagnosis Previously, degenerative myelopathy was diagnosed through the elimination of other possible causes, such as spinal cord tumors, disc protrusions, or herniated discs, all of which mimic DM symptoms. More recently, DNA tests can be conducted to determine the presence of a mutated SOD1 gene.4 The chances of a particular dog developing DM as a result of genetics depends on the genetic make-up of its parents. Animals typically have two versions, or alleles, of a gene, one from each parent. Normal alleles are usually denoted as 'N' while mutated alleles are denoted as 'A,' for abnormal. For example, a particular dog might be N/A for a particular gene, indicating that it has one normal copy and one abnormal copy of a gene. N/N represents normal, while N/A and A/A respresent carrier and at risk, respectively. A 'normal' animal does not carry the SOD1 mutation and is highly unlikely to develop DM. A carrier has one mutated copy of the gene, but is unlikely to develop DM. They will, however, be able to pass on their mutated gene to offspring. An animal that is 'at risk' carries two copies of the mutant SOD1 gene and is at risk for developing DM. The possibility of inheriting a mutant copy of a gene can be calculated by the parent's genetics as follows: Both parents are N/N: All offspring will be normal. N/N x N/A: 50% of the offspring will be normal and the other 50% will be carriers. N/N x A/A: All of the offspring will be carriers. N/A x N/A: 25% of the offspring will be normal, 50% will be carriers, and 25% will be at risk. N/A x A/A: 50% will be carriers and 50% will be at risk. A/A x A/A: All of the offspring will be at risk. Is Degenerative Myelopathy Treatable? Currently, there are no known treatment methods to slow or stop the progression of degenerative myelopathy. The quality of life for the canine can be improved, however, through veterinary care, physical rehabilitation, and increased mobility through the aid of dog lift harnesses or wheelchairs for dogs. DNA Statistics from the University of Missouri and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Below are statistics of Degenerative Myelopathy DNA testing conducted by the University of Missouri and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Note that these are only test results and not indicative of a particular breed's chances of developing DM. Reveal Breed Statistics Breed Normal Carrier At Risk Total Tested Akita 13 2 2 17 American Eskimo Dog 11 7 4 22 American Pit Bull Terrier 13 5 5 23 Australian Shepherd 19 9 14 42 Basenji 28 0 0 28 Belgian Malinois 19 0 1 20 Bernese Mountain Dog 1043 1248 278 2569 Bloodhound 124 112 15 251 Border Collie 16 4 3 23 Borzoi 619 227 24 870 Boxer 473 969 1195 2637 Canaan 55 42 13 110 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 265 197 72 534 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 8 16 11 35 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 931 962 190 2083 Chinese Crested 26 2 0 28 Collie 65 34 14 113 Coton De Tulear 37 8 0 45 Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 22 17 2 41 Dalmatian 63 0 2 65 French Bulldog 28 11 4 43 German Shepherd Dog 2044 1262 649 3955 Golden Retriever 142 4 3 149 Great Dane 21 0 0 21 Great Pyrenees 27 7 2 36 Hovawart 32 23 16 71 Hybrid 100 28 104 232 Jack Russell Terrier 14 3 4 21 Kerry Blue Terrier 179 153 43 375 Komondor 9 9 2 20 Labrador Retriever 146 9 12 167 Mastiff 50 20 1 71 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 236 787 1121 2144 Poodle 411 61 2 474 Pug 114 53 17 184 Puli 84 29 6 119 Pumi 22 4 0 26 Rhodesian Ridgeback 1463 1024 163 2650 Rottweiler 30 2 1 33 Shiloh Shepherd 176 55 3 234 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 9 10 7 26 St. Bernard 18 12 2 32 Tamaskan 41 19 2 62 Weimaraner 32 0 1 33 Welsh Terrier 17 8 4 29 White Shepherd 21 9 4 34 References Morgan BR, Coates JR, Johnson GC, Shelton GD, Katz ML. "Characterization of thoracic motor and sensory neurons and spinal nerve roots in canine degenerative myelopathy, a potential disease model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". J Neurosci Res. 2014 Apr;92(4):531-41. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23332. Epub 2013 Dec 21. Milani P, Gagliardi S, Cereda C, et al. "SOD1 Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Regulation and Its Potential Implications in ALS". Neurology Research International. 2011; 2011: 458427. Awano T, Johnson GS, Wade CM, Lindblad-Toh K, Coates JR, et al. "Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Feb 24;106(8):2794-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0812297106. Epub 2009 Feb 2. "Degenerative Myelopathy - Disease Basic". Canine Genetic Diseases Network. http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/basicDM.htm. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "DM Test Result Statistics". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/stats_dna.html?dnatest=DM. Retrieved 2014-03-14.

The second most common pet requiring help with mobility are cats. Cats normally do very well in carts and are equally in need of support as dogs for a various mobility impairments. One of the most common questions we get daily is in reference to our cat wheelchairs. One of the most amazing cats in a cart was named Scooter, who was adopted after being found lying by the side of the road after being run over and abandoned. He was taken in by Laura, a wonderful lady who gave her a home for 16 years. When Scooter first got her cart I would receive videos of her playing in the snow, chasing the other cats around her home batting toilet paper along the floor and just being playful. I even received a video of her trying to catch mice in her cart. The mouse would outsmart her by running between her front legs and out the back of the cart- but not always! I have a beautiful photo of her up on our waiting room wall plowing through the snow in the woods. Nothing stopped Scooter. I particularly loved the photo Laura sent of her peering in a huge flowerpot – no doubt looking for mice! Over the years we have many success stories with cats, but Scooter will always remain one of my favorites. She was so very lucky that Laura came along, picked her up and despite her paralysis gave her such a wonderful home filled with love and happiness.

I’ve been an animal lover all my life and have had countless pets over the decades. Everything from hamsters as a child, cats in my teens to the many dogs I’ve loved over the years. After having a black terrier for almost eighteen years, I was hesitant to adopt another animal. But my current little black dog, a purebred Cairn Terrier (she looks a great deal like Toto from The Wizard of Oz), just tugged on my heartstrings and I couldn’t resist. An elderly couple who felt they couldn’t care for her at the level she deserved, gave up their older dog to for me to love and care for in her golden years. She was eight when I got her and five years later, although she’s slowed down a bit, doesn’t hear so great and I can see some early signs of cataracts approaching, Kady is still just such a little love. Since this is the second dog I’ve had living into their double-digit years, I’ve learned a few things about taking care of a canine that’s advancing in age. Familiarity Breeds Comfort When a dog’s eyesight begins to weaken with age, they start to rely more on their visual memory rather than what they can actually see with their older eyes. For this reason, don’t make major changes in the location of furniture, like rearranging the living, dining or other rooms that they frequent. They’re more likely to injure themselves by running into objects in unfamiliar locations. Multiple Locations When it comes to their sleeping location, consider offering them multiple options for them to relax and lie down, since older animals will actually slumber much longer compared to their younger counterparts. For example, I have three different beds for Kady to relax: In the living room so she can hang out with the rest of the family Inside our bedroom where she sleeps at night In the master bedroom closet when she wants to “den” and feel safe These beds should not only be comfortable, but also easily accessible and located in a corner or other area that doesn’t experience a great deal of traffic or other disturbances. There’s also a water dish located next to each of these “crash-spots” for a quick drink before or after resting. A Single Locale When it comes to their food dish, and this is good advice for any dog owner regardless of their pet’s age, make sure their dining area stays in just one location. Any canine, especially an older dog, shouldn’t have to wonder (literally) where their next meal is coming from or is located. Keep Your Routine Again, excellent advice for any dog owner, keep your dog on a consistent schedule, especially when it comes to exercise, eating and relieving themselves. As animal’s continue to age, they’re more likely to have “accidents” when it comes to urinating and defecating, but far less likely to “mess up” when they’re on a regular schedule. For example, when I’m walking my little black dog in the mornings and evenings, although the distance we travel has decreased, we still travel the exact same route. She does her “business” in the same spot consistently, just like clockwork. Dietary Dilemmas Depending upon their age, breed, size and weight, dietary demands often change as a canine continues to age. Many older animals begin to lose the ability to digest certain substances, especially grains like corn, which can also cause skin allergies and other conditions. Read those labels carefully and make sure the first three ingredients are healthier proteins like chicken, beef, duck, fish and other healthier fillers. When it comes to your dog’s diet and exercise program, along with their continued advancement in age, always check with your veterinarian before making any changes. With a little bit of exercise, monitoring their diet and ensuring their comfort levels, these little methods will help to ensure your pet will live to be a ripe, old age.

We here at K9 Carts are proud to announce that the winner of our 2015 Veterinary Medicine Scholarship is Laura Johnson, a third year student of North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Winning the K9 Carts Scholarship means a great deal to me, and not just because the scholarship helps fund my education," Laura stated. "I have a strong interest in veterinary education, and the scholarship essay contest afforded me the opportunity to explore some of my thoughts about how colleges of veterinary medicine and the U.S. government can collaborate to serve areas of veterinary need while creating a stronger, more diverse profession." With her enjoyment of specialty medicine and a love for teaching and working up difficult cases, Laura is leaning towards a focus on academic small animal medicine. As for career-long goals, Laura hopes to develop relationships with veterinary medical schools internationally in order to advance veterinary education in developing countries. Locally, she'd like to educate vet students and practitioners about working with cats, her favorite species. "There are so many pet felines out there, and many cats don't get the level of veterinary care they deserve simply because there aren't that many feline-oriented practitioners out there." K9 Carts is dedicated to serving mobility-impaired dogs, cats, and other animals worldwide. With this scholarship, we aim to give future veterinarians the resources they need to realize their dreams and fulfill their potential. By supporting veterinarians-in-training now, we ensure that our animals can be well taken care of in the future. Students enrolled in veterinary medicine or a related field for the 2015-2016 academic year at accredited universities or colleges in the US were eligible to apply.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is characterized by abnormal formation of the hip joint, resulting in degradation of the cartilage in the joint and leading to damage, inflammation, and pain. The hip joint is comprised of two main parts, the caput, or head of the femur, which is shaped like a ball, and the acetabulum, a concave socket located in the pelvis. The head fits into the socket and, in unaffected animals, the fit is snug and both parts of the joint are covered in cartilage, allowing for a smooth and wide range of motions. A dog standing with its hind legs together to compensate for hip dysplasia. In animals affected by HD, however, hip joints are loose fitting or misshapen, causing damage to the cartilage through excessive wear and tear, eventually leading to inflammation and pain. While cartilage is continually being replaced by the body, the process is slow and the degradation of the cartilage results in a reduced ability to fix the damage.1 The cause of hip dysplasia is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment. Though the condition can affect dogs (and some cats) of all breeds or sizes, HD typically affects large-breed dogs, due to their weight, and certain breeds. Breeds more commonly affected by HD include Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain dogs, Boxers, St. Bernards, and Welsh Corgis.2 Symptoms of canine hip dysplasia include abnormal gait (how a dog walks, such as straight or normal versus wobbly or erratic), stiffness, lameness, difficulty when rising from a sitting or resting position, or a reluctance to go up stairs or engage in strenuous activity. Due to the wide range of variation between dogs and daily habits, not all symptoms of HD may be present. Some dogs may also have higher pain tolerances than others, allowing them to cope with the condition, masking its presence.3 Diagnosis of hip dysplasia is generally done through x-rays and radiographs, along with physical examinations. X-rays are important in determining the state of the joint and the level of cartilage damage, if any, present. Other conditions that can mimic symptoms of HD include lower back problems, torn ligaments, or elbow dysplasia.3 Methods of treatment for hip dysplasia include both surgical and non-surgical means, depending on how far the disease has progressed. In early or less-severe cases, non-surgical methods can be enough to alleviate or even prevent further progression of HD. Three important factors in non-surgical treatment are weight, exercise, and medication. Weight control is considered the most important factor in preventing HD. Excessive weight contributes unnecessary force on hip joints, leading to increased joint damage. This is generally why large breed dogs are more susceptible to the condition than smaller dogs. Reasonable exercise can be beneficial in promoting cartilage growth and prevent muscle loss in the hind legs, though excessively long running sessions or jumping should be avoided. Pain medication and anti-inflammatories can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort and prevent damage from inflammation. Supplements can also be used to promote cartilage growth and repair. Mobility devices such as harnesses or carts can also help to reduce stress and pressure on joints and can be used in conjunction with other methods. In more severe cases of HD, surgery may be the only option, including hip repair or full hip replacement.4Below are statistics of hip dysplasia in dogs from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals between January 1974 through December 2013. Breed Evaluations Percent Dysplastic Bulldog 564 71.6 Pug 527 68.1 Dogue De Bordeaux 463 56.8 Otterhound 409 50.1 Boerboel 147 47.6 St. Bernard 2145 46.9 Neapolitan Mastiff 158 46.8 Clumber Spaniel 928 44.0 Black Russian Terrier 560 43.2 Sussex Spaniel 273 39.9 Cane Corso 876 39.0 Argentine Dogo 210 38.1 Basset Hound 201 37.3 Perro De Presa Canario 199 34.7 Norfolk Terrier 301 32.9 American Bulldog 1825 32.9 Boykin Spaniel 3283 32.4 Glen Of Imaal Terrier 174 30.5 Fila Brasileiro 599 30.1 French Bulldog 1180 28.6 Spanish Water Dog 126 28.6 Lagotto Romagnolo 151 27.8 American Staffordshire Terrier 3020 26.0 Bloodhound 2875 25.6 Newfoundland 15501 25.0 Maine Coon Cat 1110 24.4 American Pit Bull Terrier 775 24.3 Berger Picard 111 24.3 Bullmastiff 5654 24.2 Louisiana Catahoula Leopard 584 21.6 English Shepherd 378 21.4 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 1997 20.4 Rottweiler 94253 20.2 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 12947 20.2 Golden Retriever 136408 19.5 Mastiff 11016 19.4 Norwegian Elkhound 3884 19.4 Shih Tzu 631 19.3 Chow Chow 5353 19.2 German Shepherd Dog 107698 19.0 Gordon Setter 6154 19.0 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 11298 18.8 Pyrenean Shepherd 135 18.5 Old English Sheepdog 10779 18.4 Icelandic Sheepdog 303 18.2 Hybrid 1522 18.0 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 2804 18.0 Field Spaniel 1066 17.8 Kuvasz 1774 17.8 Beagle 919 17.8 Giant Schnauzer 4431 17.7 Chinook 688 17.3 Shiloh Shepherd 834 17.0 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 601 17.0 Affenpinscher 315 16.8 Welsh Terrier 115 16.5 Havana Silk Dog 196 16.3 English Setter 10590 15.9 Spinone Italiano 1224 15.9 Epagneul Breton 159 15.7 Bernese Mountain Dog 18180 15.7 Entlebucher 321 15.6 Australian Cattle Dog 3642 15.4 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 513 15.2 Curly-Coated Retriever 1176 15.1 Bouvier Des Flandres 8271 15.0 Harrier 331 14.8 Tibetan Mastiff 984 14.8 Brittany 18524 14.4 Black And Tan Coonhound 710 14.4 Leonberger 1778 14.2 Labradoodle 288 14.2 Briard 2462 14.1 Beauceron 411 13.4 Chinese Shar-Pei 9654 13.2 Norwich Terrier 873 13.1 Akita 16404 12.8 English Springer Spaniel 15165 12.8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 6575 12.5 Portuguese Water Dog 8187 12.5 Komondor 983 12.3 Great Dane 12927 12.0 Smooth Fox Terrier 353 11.9 Pudelpointer 437 11.9 Poodle 23702 11.9 West Highland White Terrier 336 11.9 Irish Setter 11415 11.8 Irish Water Spaniel 1346 11.7 Labrador Retriever 233012 11.7 Boston Terrier 222 11.7 Alaskan Malamute 14006 11.4 Airedale Terrier 6032 11.3 Welsh Springer Spaniel 2050 11.3 Boxer 5537 11.0 Samoyed 16230 10.9 Pomeranian 101 10.9 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 726 10.9 Border Collie 11539 10.6 Finnish Lapphund 185 10.3 Puli 1766 10.2 Anatolian Shepherd 1857 10.2 Havanese 3419 10.0 Tibetan Spaniel 345 9.9 Wirehaired Vizsla 131 9.9 Swedish Vallhund 251 9.6 Akbash Dog 544 9.6 American Eskimo Dog 1036 9.6 Norwegian Buhund 203 9.4 Cairn Terrier 108 9.3 Great Pyrenees 6008 9.1 German Wirehaired Pointer 4178 9.0 Dutch Shepherd 234 9.0 Coton De Tulear 753 8.9 Australian Kelpie 126 8.7 Weimaraner 12184 8.4 Standard Schnauzer 4283 8.4 Small Munsterlander 157 8.3 Mini American/Mini Australian 1563 8.1 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 2104 8.0 Dachshund 100 8.0 Pointer 1615 7.8 American Water Spaniel 766 7.6 French Spaniel 181 7.2 Bichon Frise 3613 7.1 Vizsla 13985 6.9 Yorkshire Terrier 103 6.8 Schipperke 465 6.7 Bull Terrier 106 6.6 Cocker Spaniel 13264 6.5 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Ret. 1987 6.4 Lhasa Apso 814 6.4 Keeshond 4795 6.4 Doberman Pinscher 15761 6.1 Bearded Collie 4542 5.9 Australian Shepherd 32843 5.8 Afghan Hound 6799 5.7 English Cocker Spaniel 7039 5.7 Finnish Spitz 331 5.7 Shiba Inu 3167 5.6 Tibetan Terrier 4043 5.6 Kerry Blue Terrier 1577 5.5 Hovawart 148 5.4 Belgian Malinois 2767 5.3 North American Shepherd 336 5.1 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 6128 5.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback 11416 4.8 Irish Wolfhound 1829 4.7 Shetland Sheepdog 20304 4.6 Irish Red & White Setter 250 4.4 Dalmatian 3506 4.4 Flat-Coated Retriever 5618 4.3 German Shorthaired Pointer 16026 4.1 Eurasier 107 3.7 Border Terrier 2724 3.7 Parson Russell Terrier 110 3.6 Belgian Tervuren 6006 3.5 Basenji 2651 3.5 Toy Australian Shepherd 119 3.4 Rat Terrier 494 3.0 Belgian Sheepdog 4104 2.9 Collie 2973 2.8 Pharaoh Hound 485 2.7 Ibizan Hound 367 2.5 Greyhound 351 2.3 Canaan 450 2.2 Australian Terrier 186 2.2 Siberian Husky 17656 2.0 Borzoi 864 1.9 German Pinscher 396 1.8 Saluki 262 1.5 Whippet 169 1.2 Italian Greyhound 239 0.0 "The Dysplastic Hip Joint". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/hd_info.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "Hip Dysplasia". The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/hip-dysplasia. Retrieved 2013-03-14. "Canine Hip Dysplasia". Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Baker Institute for Animal Health. http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/animalhealth/page.php?id=1104. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "Hip Dysplasia Treatment Options". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/hd_treatment.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14. "Hip Dysplasia Statistics". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14.

Our carts are designed for a pet either to use its hind legs or to have them up and protected in slings if they are paralyzed or just have minimal feeling without sufficient ability to take steps. Very often a pet will have the ability to walk with one paw but not the other. In this case, the rear height of the cart should be set so that both paws touch the ground. In the case of the paw that is knuckling over, a protective boot should be used. If you put one leg up in the sling and leave one down it will throw your pet off balance. I talked with a client today who had been informed that she should leave the legs dangling to encourage leg movement as placing them in the slings would discourage the return of feeling to her pet’s legs. Leaving legs hanging in the air will not only discourage leg movement, but will cause sores in the groin area. Placing them up in the slings will encourage leg movement because as they walk or run with the front legs and as feeling returns to their legs, they will swing their legs and build up muscle tone and feeling. This encourages rehabilitation and ability to walk on their own. Over our 50 years of manufacturing carts, we have had a large number of pets return to walking on their own after a short time in carts. In fact, we encourage you to rent a cart after your pet has back or knee surgery to encourage a quicker return to full mobility. We do not advocate allowing them to run off in the cart but give them controlled exercise during the recovery period. There is absolutely no question that use of our well balanced cart, which keeps your pet’s spine and limbs in alignment, will encourage return to mobility 100% faster. Your pet will be happier and active, doing what it wants to do, and it will make nursing care easier for you. Wheely Willy , a little Chihuahua, was in one of our carts for 20 years. He was totally paralyzed with flaccid hind legs but when he was placed in the cart his little legs would swing vigorously in the slings. He never did regain the ability to walk as his back was fractured, but his legs maintained good muscle tone and he lived a happy, active life, bringing joy to thousands of his fans all over the world. If you think about it, after we have surgery and need help getting around, we are given crutches or a walker to help us get back to mobility and why should the same not apply to pets. Placing your pet in a cart will never discourage it from coming back to walking on its own! Look at the video of the 12 year old Corgi, named Lola. She is suspected of having degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive loss of mobility starting with the rear legs, and which may eventually travel up the spine to the front legs. Corgis are the second top breed needing carts at the moment, because they suffer from DM. As you can see, without the cart she is still able to move around using her rear legs. However, the added stress being placed on her back and front legs will cause mobility loss at a faster pace without the aid of the K9 Cart. I often hear the remark that “I don’t want to put my dog in a cart while he/she is still able to use the hind legs because placing them in a cart will cause them not to walk and use their legs.” The exact opposite is true and we know this from helping pets with dog wheelchairs for 50 years and having our own veterinary hospital. Pets never become dependent on carts and use of a cart will keep the hind legs stronger until eventually they do weaken with their disease. If you wait too long before getting your pet a K9 Cart and allow a dog to get to the stage that it is only able to take a step or two without falling, then by that time they have placed undue stress on their front legs and you would have to go to a supportive cart for the front legs. The extra supportive carts (and parts can be added onto our 2 wheeled carts) give excellent support, but the front wheels are caster wheels and therefore not as maneuverable as the standard 2 wheeled cart. Therefore, why wait to purchase a cart when it can be running around and going for walks before it gets to the stage that it can barely walk and all the fun has gone out of its life- no more walks or playing with its friends, etc. It is extremely important that you purchase a cart for your pet when they start having mobility problems like Lola. Then when given the support of the K9 cart, she is able to run around using her hind legs while keeping her back level and taking the stress off the front legs. She can now go for walks, chase balls, run around in circles and do whatever she was used to doing while keeping her happy and healthier and delaying the progress of degenerative myelopathy. Without the aid of a K9 Cart, she would gradually deteriorate faster in the rear legs, start dragging herself around, get sores and become weak in the front legs. We know it is hard to look at your pet and see the sadness in their eyes and watch them struggle to get up and not be able to go for walks etc. K9 Carts do bring K9 Happiness. I know as I have been seeing it and hearing about it for the past 38 years. When a pet takes off in a cart and realizes that it can run again, eyes brighten, tails wag and they are off! And depending on their condition, very often helps them return to full mobility!

My definition would be a dog doing what it loves to do, going for walks on the beach or in the woods, splashing in streams, chasing the mailman or sniffing any dogs it meets, guarding the house, following its owner around in the house hoping for a tidbit to drop or a pat on the head or acknowledgement that you know they are there. In other words letting you know that they are very important and are part of the family! What happens when it loses the ability to walk and do all its favorite things? Very often, depression set in, meaning no more bright eyes or tail wags, and no more being able to go on walks with the other members of the family, either canine or human, or chasing balls or keeping the property safe from intruders.. Very often, they become totally paralyzed due to disc problems, strokes, an embolism or accidents. This in turn makes us depressed, and very often not knowing what is best for our pet as we do not want to see them in this condition. Depending on what is causing the lack of mobility, your veterinarian may be able to reverse the condition or in the case of older dogs may be able to help medically or recommend a rehabilitation program or acupuncture. We at K9 Carts have been bringing K9 happiness to thousands of dogs over the last fifty years. I have personally been helping them for 38 years, and I can tell you a I still get a wonderful feeling of happiness every time I fit a dog to a cart and watch its tail wag and eyes brighten as it realizes that it can be a "dog" again. I love receiving emails and videos from owners letting me know how happy their pets are, and how happy they are seeing them enjoying their renewed mobility. With our orthopedically balanced cart, it keeps them mobile longer and keeps stress off the rest of their bodies and especially their front legs. I just wish over all these years, I had kept count of how many pets returned to full mobility on their own with the aid of our dog wheelchairs!

K9 Carts is proud to announce that our 2014 Veterinary Medicine Scholarship has been awarded to Tramaine Creighton of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Tramaine is a 3rd year DVM Candidate, Class of 2016, at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "I am honored to be the recipient of the 2014 K9 Carts Annual Scholarship," Tramaine stated. "The financial support received though this scholarship will definitely help me to further my studies and achieve my goals. My passions and desires motivate me to dream big dreams, such as traveling the world to help diverse communities. I am truly grateful for K9 Carts' investment in my future of becoming a successful veterinarian and, in return, I too can invest in the future of others." Tramaine is interested in mixed animal practice and seeks to fill a veterinary void on her home island of St. Croix. "There is a need for a large animal veterinarian at home and it is a goal of mine to fill that need by becoming a mixed animal veterinarian." She would also like to work internationally with underprivileged communities by equipping them to become self-sustainable. K9 Carts has been dedicated to helping handicapped dogs and cats worldwide since the 1970s and now looks to inspire a new generation of animal lovers to dedicate their lives to the well-being of animals. By providing this scholarship, we are investing in the future of our pets' health and happiness by supporting future veterinarians and their endeavors. Students studying veterinary medicine or a related field at accredited colleges and universities in the US were eligible to apply. The scholarship winner was chosen from participants across the United States and awarded on September 15th, 2014.