Just like the elderly, older dogs with joint pain or muscle problems can find it difficult to live in a home with stairs. In many cases, a dog may just stay on the ground floor because going up the stairs is too much for them.
A family in South Carolina couldn’t bear to leave their 15-year-old dog Jackson downstairs at all times due to his hip dysplasia. So they made a pretty big investment: an elevator.
Things we do for our dogs
Okay, technically it’s a properly functioning elevator, theoretically used by only one person at a time. Elevators were installed during home renovations to make it easier for homeowners to get to the upper floors as they get older. But for now, we’ll say it’s a dedicated dog lift, and it’s adorable.
A TikTok video posted by @loganmend624 (aka Logan) shows Jackson, 15, of Yellow Labs, sitting in a transparent tubular elevator.
“When you’re 15 and the coolest boy ever let your parents take you on the elevator,” the caption read.
Jackson really couldn’t use the elevator alone because he needed someone to open the door for him. But it allows him to go wherever his family members are without having to climb the stairs.
Some people in the comments tried to claim Jackson was “terrified” inside the tube cutter (a contraction I just made), but in another Q&A video nextLogan explains:
“He loved it, it was so much easier than carrying him up the stairs. And for those of you who say he’s terrified, he’s not, he loves it, he just jumps right in. “
@loganmend624 PT. 2 of the elevator series 😂 he LOVES it!!! #fyp #elevator #lab #PlutoTVIsFree #dog ♬ Coming Soon – Andy Mineo & Lecrae
Less pessimists point out that the elevator is definitely doing its job in making Jackson’s life easier.
“Many people scoff at this, but as a Veterinary nurse with a passion for EMS management, this makes me SO HAPPY!!!!!” – @scottishwolflass via TikTok
Give it back to our dogs (Within our own budget)
Of course, some point out that the cost of installing an elevator in your home can be prohibitive for most dog parents. No, we can’t all do this for our senior pups, but it’s sad to see that some will choose use their money to improve the beloved dog’s life?
“My life goal is to be rich enough to give my dog the life he deserves like yours.” – @ kim.rose.art via TikTok
Oh, the stuff I would get for my dog if I had a bigger budget. If you can’t afford a lift (most of us can’t), you can always try DIY ways to make your older dog’s life easier, like this temporarily lifting a Bulldog parent did.
For tips on how to help your dog with hip dysplasia, read this.
Featured pictures: TikTok
