We have a 16 year old female Blue Heeler/Border Collie. "Athletic" doesn't cover how active and energetic she always was. Well, her hips are arthritic and her leg muscles had weakened to the point she could not use the bathroom without sitting in it, and then couldn't get back up. She could barely walk 10 feet before her back legs would give out and she'd drag her hind end until she was exhausted. Any uneven ground would cause her to fall. Each of these things would leave her looking at us in a way that seemed like she was giving up. We were preparing ourselves for this being our last season with her. Buying Help 'Em Up was a last ditch effort to buy her some quality of life before we said goodbye.
With the hip harness we were able to provide enough lift for her to comfortably use the bathroom and even go on walks. And in less than 3 weeks she has built back enough muscle that she bounds - BOUNDS - on walks (in short bursts). She is able to support herself using the bathroom unless she's really tired, and while her hind end still has some problems navigating uneven ground, she's able to move around on her own, except in the steepest and roughest situations.
I'm not exaggerating when I say finding these harnesses has saved our girl's life. So much of our dog's energy and personality was sapped when she was immobile, and Help 'Em Up has brought her back to us! We will forever love you guys for the time your harnesses have bought us with our sweet Indigo!
