Riley, sad news

I am so sorry to hear about Riley! 11 years may sound like a long time but it go’s by way too fast. My prayers go out to you for many comfortable and happy days in his future, spent with you.
Much love :hugs
 
Right now Riley isn't doing too bad although he lost either his balance or strength in his hind end last night when I let the dogs out. I turned to close the door, Riley had started down when his back end went out from under him and he stumbled down the last 2 steps before I could reach him!
From now on I'm right beside him when he goes down (4 steps) and I'm going to either look into a sling for dogs or even just use a towel (he's 38 pounds) and I told my mom that he cannot do the basement stairs, he could easily fall down them! Right now he's doing good on his Metacam, Gabapentin and CBD oil but as things progress we may have to add something in as he's at the max for the Metacam.
On the plus side the stroller comes sometime Monday with UPS. I've been trying to add a delivery instruction for the driver but their website sucks...going to call them tomorrow. Don't want to miss this one! I'm really looking forward to getting him out for walks although I'm going to have to teach Piper and Finnie you don't chase this cart like you do the wheelbarrow or lawn mower!
 
I have added in ramps all over my house for Gavin. Most are DIY, as the ones you can buy are too steep for Gavin. I have plywood planks (supported for his weight with whatever I have) and I drape them in cheap runners from costco/walmart. He uses them all the time, he literally uses the one for my bed 5-6 times a night. I have steps set up for the couch which he uses as well, but those are harder for him.
 
Thank you for the suggestions Cindy, all great ideas but with my 90 year old mom living with me having ramps and such around just isn't feasible plus I'd be worried about him jumping off and with the other dogs around it would increase his risk of hurting himself. I may however have to do a ramp on our outside steps, we have two sets of steps from our side door, one to the gate and another to the back yard and they tend to only use the ones to the back yard. For now I think the floor is the safest place for Riley, besides when I'm not home he's always with my mom...we've been putting a lot of carpet runners down as it's hard for him to get up off the hardwood and tends to not sleep in the dog beds.
 
we do what we can....I haven't really had anyone over to my place for over a year because of all the ramps.
there are some pretty cool youtube videos on building outdoor ramps for dogs.
I also do dog booties (ruffwear) and some people do socks with anti-slip traction bottoms.
 
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