I will be having abdominal surgery in late September that will make my daily
pack walk cumbersome for at least six weeks.

As some may know, I have a very low tech method of walking four dogs that
involves a stirrup leather strapped to my waist - exactly where the incision
will be.

I am looking for a better harness that can accomodate my pack. Has anyone
used or can recommend any sort of device that will put no pressure on my
stomach? Thank you!

Kind regards,
(the)duckster

In article M5ftk.879$p72.748@trnddc05,
\(the\)duckster wrote:
I am looking for a better harness that can accomodate my pack. Has anyone
used or can recommend any sort of device that will put no pressure on my
stomach? Thank you!

This may still be too physically stressful but a
"diaper-style" skijor belt sits at the hips. See, for
example, http://www.nooksackracing.com/skijoring.html
I don't think I'd trust that my middle parts wouldn't get
pulled around if a dog doesn't move with you.
--
Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis -

Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community

"(the)duckster" wrote in message:

I am looking for a better harness that can accomodate my pack. Has anyone
used or can recommend any sort of device that will put no pressure on my
stomach? Thank you!

Never used one, but how 'bout something like this?
http://www.shop.thealphapac.com/main.sc Maybe take the dogs two at a time
or hire a dog walker instead?

Suja

"(the)duckster" wrote in message
news:M5ftk.879$p72.748@trnddc05...
I will be having abdominal surgery in late September that will make my
daily
pack walk cumbersome for at least six weeks.

As some may know, I have a very low tech method of walking four dogs that
involves a stirrup leather strapped to my waist - exactly where the
incision
will be.

I am looking for a better harness that can accomodate my pack. Has anyone
used or can recommend any sort of device that will put no pressure on my
stomach? Thank you!

Kind regards,
(the)duckster


Does your physician know about this 'pack walk'? Just curious what he/she
thinks. How serious is the stomach surgery?


td

I don't want to instill gloom-and-doom, but 6 weeks after my abdominal
surgery (last fall) I still wouldn't have wanted a single dog on a leash to
pull on my *arm*. You might want to look into a dog-walking service for a
bit more time than you're planning. It's just good to take precautions and
not need them, than to not plan and then get caught without a good alternative.

Good luck!
Gina in Virginia
http://www.webshots.com/user/ginainva

(the)duckster wrote:
I will be having abdominal surgery in late September that will make my daily
pack walk cumbersome for at least six weeks.

As some may know, I have a very low tech method of walking four dogs that
involves a stirrup leather strapped to my waist - exactly where the incision
will be.

I am looking for a better harness that can accomodate my pack. Has anyone
used or can recommend any sort of device that will put no pressure on my
stomach? Thank you!

Kind regards,
(the)duckster

"(the)duckster" wrote in message
news:M5ftk.879$p72.748@trnddc05...
I will be having abdominal surgery in late September that will make my
daily
pack walk cumbersome for at least six weeks.

As some may know, I have a very low tech method of walking four dogs that
involves a stirrup leather strapped to my waist - exactly where the
incision
will be.

I am looking for a better harness that can accomodate my pack. Has
anyone
used or can recommend any sort of device that will put no pressure on my
stomach? Thank you!

Sometimes when I need to haul something like a load of wood or leaves, I
use a garden cart, and I hook Muttley's leash to it. If he tries to pull or
chase something, the mass of the cart holds him back, and eventually he
seems to know that his movement is limited and he just keeps pace with the
cart. You might be able to use such a cart, or a shopping cart, or even a
wheeled walker, which will give you some support as well as eliminate any
stress on your abdomen from the dogs' leashes. It would be a good idea to
try it before the operation. You could also consider an ATV like Diddy uses
to give her dogs exercise. A riding lawn tractor is another option, or even
just a mower, depending on where you intend to walk them.

I was walking fairly comfortably about 2 weeks after my surgery 9/12/2001,
but it was about 6 weeks before I had all the staples removed (from about a
6" incision), and I could return to normal activity. About 8 weeks before
playing volleyball again. I did not have a dog at that time, but I did have
to split some wood when the weather got cold in November.

Good luck!

Paul and Muttley