I was asked to re-post this, as it seems to be not showing on our page for some (though I see it right here below). So - as requested........ ♥ Ransom ~ 2 Legged Pitbull ~ *For Observational Purposes Only* PLEASE VIEW ENTIRE POST BEFORE COMMENTING First and foremost - NO, we do not allow Ransom to play like this unprotected on a regular basis. Normally we are forced to keep him confined to a soft floored area in the house - and when he is outdoors for short periods of time, he does use a drag bag to protect his delicate skin. This video was done for OBSERVATIONAL PURPOSES so that those skilled professionals who have expressed interest in aiding us with the creation of a suitable mobility device for Ransom, are able to observe his movements and body build. To answer some common questions (again): Where did Ransom come from? Ransom was thrown in a trash can by his breeders when he was 5 weeks old, after they realized that with a hind limb deformity - he couldnt be sold. Word got to a Houston, TX girl (via her boyfriend who is friends with these breeders) who pulled the pup from the trash and within a few days, posted him on a classified ads site... crippled puppy for sale. Some Houston animal advocates saw the listing and reached out to us for help. After a couple of days of back and forth haggling with the girl, we were ultimately able to persuade her (with the $300.00 asking fee - hence the name, Ransom) - to release the pup to us. Why did you take his legs? Why didnt you just put him in a cart? We tried conservative treatment - numerous therapies, medications, supplements.... when that didnt work - we tried a less invasive double surgery... also, to no avail. There was nothing left... Ransom was growing quickly - gaining 15 lbs over 7 weeks - the pain, already bad, would have only worsened as the days, weeks and months went by. It wouldnt have been fair to NOT follow through immediately with one of the two options. Amputation - or euthanasia. I do what I know to do in these cases - and thats the best that I can offer. Ive gone over and over it in my mind, struggling with whether our choice was the right one... and while discussing with the surgeon once again following the amputation - after he had been in there and seen all of the massive muscle and tendon abnormalities - it was set in stone, that there absolutely was NO OTHER OPTION for Ransom but to amputate at the hips where the problems originated. Can he have prosthetic legs? Yes, we know about Derby.... HOWEVER, Derby still has legs - they are just deformed. Unfortunately, the abnormalities of the tendons and muscles in Ransoms legs, affected him from the hips down - so no stump could be left for which to attach prosthetic limbs. Amputation was at the hip joints - so no, he cannot receive prosthetics. Will you get him wheels? Its not just the getting of a cart.... we have carts - and we could pursue others from any number of companies that manufacture them... but we were trying to gear away from the standard carts because they just dont work well for Ransom. (or any dog with no rear legs - they are great for dogs with missing front limbs - rear is something much more different and difficult). We have made several attempts with standard and customized wheel carts for Ransom, none have been appropriate for him. (Yes, are well aware of Eddies Wheels, Ruff Rollin, The Rolling Dog Project, etc.) Standard (even custom) carts are made to seat and anchor by slipping the hind legs into a padded harness... obviously that cant happen with Ransom. Hes a monster of a thing - and thrashing around in a cumbersome steel contraption - makes him even moreso..... not to mention, keeping one on him - even with a harness and mega strapping - he twists and rolls until he whips it off. (high risk of spinal injury). We wanted something less invasive - a small custom piece of lightweight durable plastic with small wheels. Which was great - as a concept - but not so much in reality. Designed by a literal rocket scientist - Im not sure how much more towards the stars we can shoot... but well keep trying. Yes, we know all about Duncan Lou Who Boxers and Pitbulls have totally different body types.... (especially extreme bullies - with overly broad shoulders and bowed short forelegs like Ransom) ::creepy breeders:: Ransom is not physically capable of maneuvering his short, thick body the way that Duncan does. Duncan is Duncan - Ransom is Ransom... both function in their own way. Mugsy is another two-legged pup - but again, different body types along with the overall size of the dog - (obviously, small breed dogs do much better with these types of limitations) - are important factors to consider. Yes, we know all about Turbo Roo The creator of Turbos 3D printed wheels, Mr. Mark Deadrick - is also the man who created our first 3D printed mobility device attempt for Ransom. We are in close communication with Mark and he is working on plan B with us currently - since my concept for the first, did not work for Ransom. What about a bucket with straps? Whatever mobility device we are able to come up with for Ransom - must allow him to potty freely. A wheeled bucket type device would be great (if he didnt have a tail and didnt have the need to potty) What about a harness attached to a cart to keep it on? Attempted...... multiple times........ failed. (ultimately, some version of this is how we will need to attach ANY device - but we have to come up with a better way) When fitted in a standing position - any harness and strapping will hold on a set of wheels. But with movement and motion - straps become displaced and the device either rides up to an inappropriate position conducive for mobility - - or slips off the back. Using fixed position rods - would resolve the slipping issues - but would make it impossible for Ransom to move in his adapted as natural method of locomotion and use his hips as he does to propel himself forward (like a seahorse or a dolphin). We WILL come up with something suitable for Ransom. In the mean time, he leads a somewhat conservative life - but is a happy, spirited boy nonetheless. We appreciate your love, concern and support of this amazing boy and of our efforts to aid him. Follow the progress of Ransom (and all of our rescue kids) on our Facebook page linked below: https://facebook/FriendsOfEmmaCleftPalateChihuahua
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 16:52:06 +0000
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