a ramp for getting the dog in and out of the car

At our session on the underwater treadmill today I could feel my back aching from the effort of lifting Penny into the car at home and out at the therapy centre, so I was ready for anything that would make life easier.

And there it was on the shelf - the Trixie Pet Walk. The therapist let me take it out to the car to see if it was suitable.

I did a rather silly thing, at this stage. I had already lifted Penny into the car, so I had the bright idea of setting up the ramp at the door and asking her to walk down it to the ground.

Now, I ask you... would any self-respecting dog walk down a scary, steep black thing that suddenly sprouted from the side of the car?

Of course not! She would take a few steps, freeze in fright and back up into the car and cower in the far corner, refusing all blandishments and entreaties (or offers of treats) by her human.

I had forgotten that we need to introduce our dogs to new activities in a logical way. So, when we got home, I put the new ramp on the kitchen floor and we played with it. Tomorrow we'll try it out on a steeper slope, maybe even as an entry to the car.