Montrose has a new set of wheels.

[CorgiMum]

Our trip to Whidbey Island on Friday was for an appt at K-9 Carts west.

Both of Monty's back legs are 'down' now and she needs to make use of the stirrups that came with the cart. The problem was that we took them off in Dec when we brought the cart home as she was still able to push along with her back feet as she toodled along in her cart. And, we couldn't remember how ro use them.

So instead of taking clips and emailing them, we decided to drive down a day early for Bobbie's Corgi Beach Walk.

They took a look at the cart and said that there were two small cracks in it and took it inside to the factory. 1 1/2 hours later they had made Monty a new custom cart, much different than the first one. The only thing they reused were her wheels.

I asked about payment, how much we owed them, and they said nothing.

Barbara Parkes also said that if we ever have a problem again finding a motel, just come and stay with her, she has lots of room at her house. I can't say enough good things about the people at K-9 Carts West. Thank you is just not enough. DOG bless them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTyIoDRz1Ok

[LoveMySadie]

Monty looks so proud of her new wheels! What a joy it must be for you to see her both mobile and comfortable. +WUBCLUB+

Leslie

[ZdogZ]

Barbara ~ Miss M looks really good in her new cart! I was just talking about her earlier to my parents. Now I need to tell them about her new cart. She sure can get around pretty good in it...watch out!

[CorgiMum]

That was her first trip around in it, at the picnic after the Beach Walk. She sped up after her first trial run.:SMILE:

[corgimom]

Barbara,

She is a beautiful girl, it is so neat to see her getting around in her new cart and what awesome people at K-9 carts for not charging you for anything! They have hearts of gold.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Reading about Montrose, and what all you have been through, has been extremely enlightening, and I'm glad that I have this education under my belt.

[CorgiMum]

And I hope you never need it MGM."NO:":

Linda, there are some really good people in this world, and so many of them seem to be dog people. And corgi people in particular.:SMILE:

[zephyr9779]

Wow! It looks great and works well! Here in Singapore, there's no one who makes doggy carts and they need to be imported.

Hmm...maybe we should start one over here so that owners have an option to get the cart instead of ...xxx.

Hi to Montrose from Benny!

[Dillydoodle]

what a wonderful organization! such compassionate people. I am so glad that Monty got new wheels that are comfortable and boy can she go! So happy that they were able to take care of that for you both ...what wonderful people there.... and monty is such a lovey girl...

Emilie

[ColColt]

And I hope you never need it MGM."NO:":

Linda, there are some really good people in this world, and so many of them seem to be dog people. And corgi people in particular.:SMILE:

You certainly have ran across some jewels, Barbara and I believe the largest of them all is Monty...what a precious gift. Despite her obstacles, she and you have kept going through all this and the world, unfortunately, is not full of people that would do this and go that far with their little furballs. May you be blessed for your compassion, love and patience. She is a lucky little girl.

[manymuddypaws]

Monty looks fabulous modeling her cart! You and your husband are truly wonderful people to stand by Monty. I will quote David in that she is a lucky little girl!

[CorgiMum]

David & Amanda, thank you, we are so very glad that Monty has us too, you know what I mean. She is truely a special dog in so many ways, she has taught us so much.+WUBCLUB+

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I just had this crazy thought, something that I am very prone to do, let's do a children's book, with a dog in a cart(we can use Montrose as the model)!!!!!!!! There isn't anything out there like this, kids would be seeing a dog live and be happy in that condition and really learn something valuable, and some of the proceeds could go to that Cart program, a way for you, and for us, to give something back. I have the cutest pictures in my head right now, I can so easily picture the cover, that would be the photo(turned into artwork) of Montrose that you have posted in the trip thread with her in her cart. This would really educate, and the media would love this!!!

[ZdogZ]

That sounds great, MGM. As a teacher, I know that kids just love books about dogs. Our school librarian is the mother of my breeders and I know that she'd get a book for our library. I bet that I can get other teachers to buy one, too. The students in my school would love it, especially if they know that I know Miss M. I am all for doing something that gives to the cart program.

[mtoy]

I just had this crazy thought, something that I am very prone to do, let's do a children's book, with a dog in a cart(we can use Montrose as the model)!!!!!!!!

That is a terrific idea!:NOTWORTHY:

[CorgiMum]

Go for it!!!:SMILE:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Consider it done.

[Dillydoodle]

that is a great idea... and valuable learning tool as well... I love the idea MGM!


Emilie

[sutulu]

Barbara:

Montrose looks wonderful in her new cart. What a great story about the folks who adapted her old one for her. There is a special place in heaven for folks like that!

Susan

[Penutsma]

From this site and from the fluffycorgi@yahoo sites that I have been a member of for a while, I have seen several corgis with wheels. Is this a major problem? What causes it? Do I need to watch for anything in particular? I really don't know anything about this and am a little concerned that it may happen to Delilah someday.

[Bobbie]

About 1% of corgis will eventually develop some kind of back problem. One major cause (about half a percent) have DM, or degenerative myelopathy. This is a disease similar to multiple schlerosis in humans. First the back legs loose muscle control, then the front legs. As it tends to be a disease of older corgis, most die of other causes. This is a very low percent of corgis, but is common (up to 15%) in German Shepherd Dogs.

Another half a percent comes from IVDD, or intervertebral disk disease. This is where a disk in the back ruptures, causing disk material to press against the spinal cord. Surgery in the first few days can bring full recovery, but is costly, and another disk often ruptures later. Some dogs do recover without surgery, some with surgery do not recover. Luckily this is relatively uncommon in corgis; in dachshunds up to 25% may have a disk rupture.

A small additional number of corgis will get spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, which causes lameness or paralysis, or severe arthritis. Dogs do not do as well with carts if the cause is arthritis. And a few corgis have back injuries due to trauma. The long corgi back is particularly susceptible to injury, and the main thing you can do to prevent it is to keep your corgi from jumping off of things.

Note on percents: they are based on a VERY rough estimate I did awhile ago.

[corgimom]

I just had this crazy thought, something that I am very prone to do, let's do a children's book, with a dog in a cart(we can use Montrose as the model)!!!!!!!! There isn't anything out there like this, kids would be seeing a dog live and be happy in that condition and really learn something valuable, and some of the proceeds could go to that Cart program, a way for you, and for us, to give something back. I have the cutest pictures in my head right now, I can so easily picture the cover, that would be the photo(turned into artwork) of Montrose that you have posted in the trip thread with her in her cart. This would really educate, and the media would love this!!!


What a wonderful idea MGM and what a beautiful Corgi(Miss Montrose) for the model. Just think how neat it would be for young kids who are disabled to be able to read a book about a short legged dog who has adapted to her own "wheels" and still gets to vacation with her family and have playdates also.

[Bobbie]

You also asked what to watch for:

DM: what appears to be weakness in a back leg, or wobbliness, or a paw turning under. In the case of DM it doesn't really matter if you find it early; there is no successful treatment.

IVDD: often more dramatic, a sudden yelp, your corgi is in terrible pain, or unable to move, or dragging a leg. But it can also be subtle, as in DM. In either case, keep him crated and get immediately to the vet as surgery MUST be done immediately to have a high chance of effectiveness. Xrays can sometimes diagnose the disk rupture, to be sure, if nothing shows on Xrays, an MRI might be suggested. You need a specialist for surgery so if you have these symptoms you might want to go immediately to the specialist.

Note: there appear to be a lot of vets that will tell you to euthanize your dog if you cannot afford surgery or it is unsuccessful. If your dog is only paralyzed in the rear end, they can have a good quality of life in a cart. In some cases you might have to use doggie diapers (some retain bladder and bowel control and some do not) or express urine. It requires care, and not everyone can or will do it, but I'd recommend not making a hasty decision. Yes, your dog is in pain, but pain killers and rest will cure that, and you don't know if you can manage the care until you have had a chance to get over the initial shock and see what quality of life your pup can still have.

[Bobbie]

Just think how neat it would be for young kids who are disabled to be able to read a book about a short legged dog who has adapted to her own "wheels" and still gets to vacation with her family and have playdates also.

Actually there are several books for children.

Gretchen, the Bicycle Dog
Shorty Stories, a Story about a Dog and her Famous Wheels

there is at least one more but I cannot remember the title.

None about corgis, though.

[corgimom]

Actually there are several books for children.

Gretchen, the Bicycle Dog
Shorty Stories, a Story about a Dog and her Famous Wheels

there is at least one more but I cannot remember the title.

None about corgis, though.

I didn't know that, but then again, I never looked for one. That is so neat because most kids love animals. A corgi one would great.

[corgimom]

Note: there appear to be a lot of vets that will tell you to euthanize your dog if you cannot afford surgery or it is unsuccessful. If your dog is only paralyzed in the rear end, they can have a good quality of life in a cart. In some cases you might have to use doggie diapers (some retain bladder and bowel control and some do not) or express urine. It requires care, and not everyone can or will do it, but I'd recommend not making a hasty decision. Yes, your dog is in pain, but pain killers and rest will cure that, and you don't know if you can manage the care until you have had a chance to get over the initial shock and see what quality of life your pup can still have.


Bobbie, I am curious as to approximately how much does surgery cost. I know what specialists charge can vary greatly depending on where they are located, but what have you heard from others as far as what it cost them?

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

But Bobie, how many of those books give the Corgi cart group part of the proceeds. :BIGGRIN" I just heard back from a publisher(pays to make contacts so you can have an in with people and can bypass waiting, I don't wait very well!!!)and I am proud to announce that she LOVES the idea. I hereby announce the upcoming publication of MISS MONTROSE, with Barbara and I, along with the artist, splitting royalties, and with a percentage of each copy sold going to the Corgi group that Barbara works with. I see a story of two dogs, both dancers, one ends up in a cart and has to watch her friend continue dancing, and has to learn to "walk" and be happy again. It's a heck of a lesson, if I do say so myself. Can't you just picture the artwork, Montrose on the cover, smiling, in her cart, and Dylan dancing and wearing his bow-tie. Still interested CorgiMum? Jespah, want to be the artist??? This could be fun. And we have a built-in world-wide network on this site.(When I explained CorgiMum's story to our publisher(and I didn't give them your name Barbara), the first thing she said was, "You guys are going to get on Ellen!" She sees big potential for this book.

[corgimom]

I see a story of two dogs, both dancers, one ends up in a cart and has to watch her friend continue dancing, and has to learn to "walk" and be happy again. It's a heck of a lesson, if I do say so myself. Can't you just picture the artwork, Montrose on the cover, smiling, in her cart, and Dylan dancing and wearing his bow-tie.


+JIGGY+ How cool!

[CorgiMum]

Bobbie, thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge about these medical problems with corgis, and other breeds too. We are very lucky to have you here with us to do that for our dogs, and for us.+WUBCLUB+

MGM, you are taking the corgi world by storm.:SMILE:

[ZdogZ]

If ya'll go on The Ellen Show, I think we ALL should show up with our corgis! Montrose and Dylan WILL need their bodyguards, afterall! :BIGLAUGH:

[dcole]

If ya'll go on The Ellen Show, I think we ALL should show up with our corgis! Montrose and Dylan WILL need their bodyguards, afterall! :BIGLAUGH:

I'm there!!

Barbara, Monty really gets around with those new wheels. There's no stopping her! :CUTE:

MGM, you ROCK!!! :COOL:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I just love Corgis, and Miss Gambler in particular, and everytime I have seen a photo of Montrose in the cart, I have thought of Miss Gambler, and spent a lot of time wondering if she could look that happy, and hoping that she could.

[Bobbie]

Bobbie, I am curious as to approximately how much does surgery cost. I know what specialists charge can vary greatly depending on where they are located, but what have you heard from others as far as what it cost them?

I've heard of $2500 to $7000, the latter may have been when more disks ruptured immediately after surgery. $3000-$5000 is probably more in the average ballpark. I've also heard of dogs having up to three separate occurrences.

There is an information page on IVDD at the UC Davis website here:

http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/neuro/discdis.html

but no costs given.

[Bobbie]

But Bobie, how many of those books give the Corgi cart group part of the proceeds. :BIGGRIN" I just heard back from a publisher(pays to make contacts so you can have an in with people and can bypass waiting, I don't wait very well!!!)and I am proud to announce that she LOVES the idea. I hereby announce the upcoming publication of MISS MONTROSE, with Barbara and I, along with the artist, splitting royalties, and with a percentage of each copy sold going to the Corgi group that Barbara works with. I see a story of two dogs, both dancers, one ends up in a cart and has to watch her friend continue dancing, and has to learn to "walk" and be happy again. It's a heck of a lesson, if I do say so myself. Can't you just picture the artwork, Montrose on the cover, smiling, in her cart, and Dylan dancing and wearing his bow-tie. Still interested CorgiMum? Jespah, want to be the artist??? This could be fun. And we have a built-in world-wide network on this site.(When I explained CorgiMum's story to our publisher(and I didn't give them your name Barbara), the first thing she said was, "You guys are going to get on Ellen!" She sees big potential for this book.

That sounds great. I like the idea of a book with a corgi.

[Bobbie]

I wanted to add one more thing to what not to do (how to avoid disk problems.) A LOT of the carts we have donated come from big corgis. Particularly, about 25% come from fat corgis. Very, very few come from small or lean corgis. So keeping that weight off of your corgi is really important.

[Jespah]

Jespah, want to be the artist??? This could be fun. And we have a built-in world-wide network on this site.(When I explained CorgiMum's story to our publisher(and I didn't give them your name Barbara), the first thing she said was, "You guys are going to get on Ellen!" She sees big potential for this book.

YUP!!!! Count me in!!! I love it - I want to help CorgiAid and I want to meet Ellen - but I'd rather meet you and Barbara first!! MGM - get a Skype membership, then the 3 of us can talk on the phone together!!

Deb

[mtoy]

I wanted to add one more thing to what not to do (how to avoid disk problems.) A LOT of the carts we have donated come from big corgis. Particularly, about 25% come from fat corgis. Very, very few come from small or lean corgis. So keeping that weight off of your corgi is really important.

You are absolutely correct. My Millie looks very lean at her perfect weight of 23 lbs. She can play soccer, chase Link, go on pretty long walks for her age. But some say she's too thin looking. Wrong. At 25 lbs she starts to lose the use of her rear legs. At 27 lbs she cannot walk at all.

[Bobbie]

My Dolly was the same way. She hit 38 lbs once and was dragging a hind leg. Her normal weight was about 29 (my daughter fed her to get her up to 38- she was supposed to be measuring the food and she was filling a quart bowl full.) At 29 she was fine.

[mtoy]

My Dolly was the same way. She hit 38 lbs once and was dragging a hind leg. Her normal weight was about 29 (my daughter fed her to get her up to 38- she was supposed to be measuring the food and she was filling a quart bowl full.) At 29 she was fine.

A full quart of food - sounds like a Corgi's dream meal - I'm sure Dolly was overjoyed!:EEK:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

It's official, Miss Gambler is on a diet!!!!!!!!

[ColColt]

[You are absolutely correct. My Millie looks very lean at her perfect weight of 23 lbs. She can play soccer, chase Link, go on pretty long walks for her age. But some say she's too thin looking. Wrong. At 25 lbs she starts to lose the use of her rear legs. At 27 lbs she cannot walk at all.


That's hard to believe that just a few pounds could make that much difference. I would never have though that.

[MrsGrace]

On a related subject, the same effect happens to humans as well. Just 1 extra lb of weight translates to 4 extra lbs of weight on your knees.

Just catching up from 2 weeks away, and the book sounds like an AWESOME idea!!! Way to go you guys!! Let me know if I can help in any way.

[Jespah]

It's official, Miss Gambler is on a diet!!!!!!!!

Poor Miss G - oh well, it's the best thing for her if she still has that Vegas Showgirl dream!!! :BIGGRIN"

Deb

[Fluffypants]

Wow! Look at what I miss from a couple of days away!

Barbara - The Divine Miss M looks, well . . . divine in her cart. Such a happy and spunky gal. She is an inspiration to all - 4 footed & 2 footed alike. And you are a wonderful corgi mom.

MGM - Your book idea is fabulous! It seems you already have everything covered, but if I can help at all please count me in! At the very least, I plan to buy a copy for every kid I know . . . and that's A LOT!!!

Bobbie - thanks for all of the great info!!!

And those people at K9 carts deserve the donations. How nice of them to give Miss M a new cart free of charge!

In short . . . . YAY EVERYONE!!!! +WUBCLUB+

[bunnybutts]

Happy that Monty got a new set of wheels! The black really works well with her blond hair :CUTE:

How exciting to have a book about Monty and Dillon! And he's dancing too! Is there nothing that MGM can't do? :LAUGH: Maybe Cheetah could do the illustrations for you??? She has a great style drawing Shippo!

Seriously, what a wonderful idea to help other corgis in need. And I love the idea of handicap children also seeing how Monty has coped using her wheels. When my nephew was 3 he had to wear an eye patch for lazy eye and glasses. I searched and searched and could not find an "Action Figure" (he loved them) that wore glasses "NO:": - finally found a GI Joe with a patch.

Let us know when the book is out AND the date we will be on Ellen!!!