Post by wavewolf on May 21, 2015 18:10:46 GMT -8
davincidanes, quality of life is a major benefit to be reckoned as you evaluate the risks of meds. Sounds like a good appt today.
Are you to use cane for support or for balance? Either way, I strongly suggest forearm cane/Canadian crutch/Lofstrand crutch as an alternative to straight cane with handle. At least try some, getting them properly adjusted. Using them in pairs when you do not have Maestro assisting is best for proper gait and posture. If primarily for balance, a single forearm cane is still far superior to a regular cane--you can actually correct your position safely and securely. And excellent version that is very affordable is this: millennialmedical.com/shop/forearm-crutch. These are fully adjustable, have comfortable handgrip, are not too heavy, have spring-loaded tip (protects shoulders), have very long-lasting, most secure articulated tips, and have ergonomic angle on handle (protects wrists). They are only sold in pairs, but if you have to walk a long way, even after Maestro is trained, using pair is superior to single. You can have leash attached around your waist to him, have him walk on loose leash beside you and be available as needed for picking up stuff, getting up and down, etc. Forearm canes can be hung off arm without have to find a place to stash them when you need to use your hands, convenient. I think of my canes as my "primate arms" since they touch the ground!!! They feel like an extension of my body, and are short enough to fit easily into car. I use mine for support and balance, with leg braces. Now I use my wheelchair for most excursions, but my canes at home because my house is not accessible.
What harness are you using on Maestro? If there is a Ruffwear Webmaster in his girth, this works very well for mobility and is comfortable for dogs. I used these in search and rescue in late 1980s, and still using now for mobility service work!
for now. I did get one with a small tri-pod base for better stability. I will start there, and work my way into what my "needs" really are as I as I figure them out. Not ready for a forearm crutch or two yet. Information overload! LOL 
So I already have a "backpack" vest for Maestro. I've had it for years, because I've had dogs in the past (Maestro's great-grandfather the first) that have carried my "stuff" on occasion. For his serious service work, I did modify it a bit. I moved the chest strap down so that it rests at his chest level, and put those fuzzy seatbelt cover things on the front strap for extra padding. I went to the Ruffwear website, and they have some really nice stuff... but here is my problem. Their Large/XLarge size fits a chest circumference of 41" maximum. Maestro's chest is already 40" and he is not even close to stopping growing. His chest has not dropped yet! Yikes. Here's a pic of him in his back-pack. I'm also throwing in a picture of his daddy who has a MASSIVE chest, and I expect the same on this baby boy by the time he is 3 years old. LOLOL! Love his sire... his name is Sawyer. What a hunk!
