I present to you the (almost done) BARK-INATOR!It still has a few things left to finish it but the light was almost gone. Added to the middle will be blocks to make the hinge angle positive rather than negative. To connect the top to the porch where he doesn't have to step up or down (and it will stay secure), there will be eyebolts into the riser for the first step and then some carriage bolts added as pegs under the ramp to hook into the eye bolts. Finally, a small rail will go atop the sides a few more inches so he can't step off early (he's not a jumper, put a block up in the bedroom door that he could easily jump over and he won't)
It was an experiment. One length of wood, finished would get him to the ground but at too steep an angle.
OK, make and add another section, then hinge so it will fold in half to carry like a ladder to the garage or just straight up the stairs into sun room (which is just storage)
With someone walking him down the steps to his left, he should learn quickly and safely, it's like the ramps at the dog park for agility, only bigger. The longer length can also be used on another set of stairs to the basement if needed. All for about $30 and a sandwich for the engineer.
It was also tested with a 162 pound Irish Sitter and it held the weight well. :-) Next summer the steps will be rebuilt as they need it. That big hedge -like bush will come out and a small ramp can be added off the steps that way into the yard for him or any older rescue dogs we get down the road. For now, this should keep the stress off of his limbs. Though I may borrow a Motocross bike and park it out next to the ramp to get the neighbors attention.
Barkley gets to come home tomorrow, to the crash pad for a week, no steps at all for a few more days. There may be additional Veterinary consult but he's walking much better.
Please can I have a skateboard?
