A new step

This afternoon has been spent making a new step for Nala.   Bella and I think Nala is pretty spoiled, at 14, she is the senior member of our Golden Pack, we understand her special treatment,  it is for a good cause.  She can't hear, she is losing her sight, she has lost most of her teeth, and she is getting very stiff in her hips.  She gets special food, special supplements, even special treats so she does not have to chew on hard treats with her gums. 

For Nala to go in and out to the back yard through the dog door she has to go through the garage.   She has to go from the hallway, through the dog door, down onto one step and then onto the garage floor.   When she comes back in, her front legs are coming through the dog door and onto the hallway carpet before her back legs have stepped up onto the concrete step, then one more step up to the hallway level as she comes through the dog door.    She can't push with her rear legs, they are getting quite weak, she sometimes stalls and struggles hard getting her feet up and on the step, then pushing and pulling herself up, over the threshold and into the hall.  

Today's task was to build a platform out into the garage, making the step much larger so that she can step up onto it and then come in on the level.   If this does not work, then a ramp will need to be placed up to the platform.   So far, she has navigated up to the platform and in twice with no struggle.   We hope the platform outside the door will let her continue to come and go when she pleases.  There is already a light on all night over the step so she can find her way in the dark, her vision is getting weak in the dark.  She does enjoy her freedom and her ability to go outside and enjoy the yard with us when we are running.  She does not like being confined, she likes her activity.  As much trouble and as much pain as it causes her, she still makes 10 or 15 trips in and out each day, we wanted to see her continue to be active.   They will let her in the back door, then she will run out the dog door and around again.   We will give this a few days and then see if the ramp is needed or if she will function without it. 

We hope you had a Thankful Easter, it is a wonderful day to celebrate family and friends, and especially old Goldens.

Mogley G. Retriever