Sometimes not even severe back pain will stop a pet from lounging with the rest of the pack.
When my 11-year-old beagle, Sarah, suffered spinal problems last year, the vet said not to let her jump onto the bed or sofa.
What? The portly princess of the universe would have to sleep in a dog bed?
Right.
Needless to say, I picked her up and placed her on the sofa throughout the day and on the bed at night until she felt better – and my back gave out.
Jeanne Wolfington devised a better plan after her 5-pound Yorkshire terrier needed neurosurgery. The Seattle-based entrepreneur created Puppy Stairs, a variety of ramp and step configurations made of a durable, high-density foam.
The soft cubes cushioned the terrier's steps up to the couch, which reduced its pain and prevented further injury. Although the cubes are made of foam, they're tough enough to support a human adult, so kids can play on them too.
The washable covers come in four colors: beige, gray, navy blue and deep ivy green. Prices range from $44 for the smallest cube to $242 for the largest ramp and cube combo.
Puppy Stairs are sold online only at
www.puppystairs.com.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/0...cle_536155.php