MLBob Furia
Well-known member
Not too long ago someone posted asking opinions about using - and about trying to find - a ramp for use with a truck / SUV in order to avoid having the dog jump down from and into his vehicle.
One of our Labs (his name is still on the kennel box in the truck) developed a severe arthritic condition affecting the shoulder, knee and "ankle" joints in his right forleg. Eventually he became so crippled by this that we made the decision to put him down. I always felt that part of what contributed to the development of the problem was that he was allowed to jump up into and out of the back of my vehicle in order to "kennell up." At the time I was driving a Ford Bronco whose gate was fairly high. When we got our latest dog I swore I'd get a ramp to avoid any possible injury resulting from the constant jarring from jumping down out of a vehicle.
Here are some pics of the ramp I settled on. Name molded into the ramp is "PetStep." I believe we ordered it from Cabelas with credit points ($115?). Folds in the middle to store, but very sturdy when opened - yet light enough so that it's easy to handle.
It probably takes me under four seconds to set it in place when I un-kennel the dog, and the same to fold it and place it back in the truck after she kennels-up. IMO, worth the peace of mind to know I won't have her injured jumping down onto a concrete ramp covered w/ ice, or constantly jarring her legs when getting down. I use it whenever she travels to train or hunt - or for anything requiring she ride in the truck. I store it as shown, but it could also be stood on end to slide alongside the kennel, etc.
One of our Labs (his name is still on the kennel box in the truck) developed a severe arthritic condition affecting the shoulder, knee and "ankle" joints in his right forleg. Eventually he became so crippled by this that we made the decision to put him down. I always felt that part of what contributed to the development of the problem was that he was allowed to jump up into and out of the back of my vehicle in order to "kennell up." At the time I was driving a Ford Bronco whose gate was fairly high. When we got our latest dog I swore I'd get a ramp to avoid any possible injury resulting from the constant jarring from jumping down out of a vehicle.
Here are some pics of the ramp I settled on. Name molded into the ramp is "PetStep." I believe we ordered it from Cabelas with credit points ($115?). Folds in the middle to store, but very sturdy when opened - yet light enough so that it's easy to handle.
It probably takes me under four seconds to set it in place when I un-kennel the dog, and the same to fold it and place it back in the truck after she kennels-up. IMO, worth the peace of mind to know I won't have her injured jumping down onto a concrete ramp covered w/ ice, or constantly jarring her legs when getting down. I use it whenever she travels to train or hunt - or for anything requiring she ride in the truck. I store it as shown, but it could also be stood on end to slide alongside the kennel, etc.
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