Looking for something could use some help

[Shanerbanner10]

My father was paralyzed in a wreck last week, some kid was high on pot and pills and hit the vehicle my dad was in head on while texting. My dad asked me to try to find him a 'sled' type device that he could transfer into from a wheelchair and let our highly energetic 160 lb German Shepard walk or run pulling him behind. I've seen a couple different systems but none of them allow the dog to pull you, give you full control (steering and breaks) and have wheels. All three are a must have! I have searched google pretty intensively and haven't really found much, if anyone have any ideas or knows of anything like this please let me know.

Edit: Just for anyone that reads this I don't want to make the impression that my father is lazy by any means. he's in a solid shape for a 53 year old who volenteers often, rides his bike a couple times a day and would walk or run with dogs everyday rain or shine, just a spur of the moment idea for the time being and who knows where this will go.

I am also active duty military home one emergency leave so i can only do so much, this would be one of the things i really want to make happen b.c i know how much he loves his dog and just being an active strong person.

here are a couple pictures of Miller, our dog, and I. These were a few months ago and he's gotten bigger since then... now weights about 100 lbs.

 

[old95b10]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Sorry about your fathers accident.
What you are wanting sound like a custom job.
As recent as this happened I'am sure you have been busy, and the internet is fast and easy for things that are on the market NOW.
You should look into local fab shops that do aluminum work "as it should be light" If you know what you want and how you want it built, a little time with a fabricator and he could tell you what can be done and how much it will cost. Should be able to rob most parts from mountain bikes(wheels,brakes,steering neck bearings)
to keep costs down some.
If nobody offers what you need you have to make it yourself.
Or have it made. I dont know of anyone that offers what you want,
and I'am sorry if I have wasted your time about building something if that is not your intent. Just hope you find what you need, or someone to build it local, as to fit it to your father.
Good luck and prayers to your father and family.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Thank you very much, I figured that's what I may have to end up doing and lucky me I have done a little weldimgnwith aluminum and also have access to welders and material.
Thanks again

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Our condolences to your father. Try looking at the off road skateboards. Many have suspension 'trucks', steer, and brakes. Also downhill luge's or Skeleton luge's may be what you can strat with

 

[El Vaquero]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Sorry to hear about your dad. I also think the fab shop is your best option if you think your dog is able to pull him.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Thanks for the input, I've found some off road wheelchairs that look like they may be the best option besides building something, options are still out there, going to keep looking

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

A mini sulky wouldn't work?

http://www.rjwalsh.com.au/mini/

 

[truth]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

How old is your dad, or maybe how fit is he is a better question? I ask because I've been lucky to work with some of the best adaptive athletes on the planet and the fabricators that build their gear and I've never once heard of any of them looking to be dragged around by a dog. Not that it's not possible, but it might not be happening for good reasons. If I have an idea of what your dad might be capable of I might have better chance of putting you in touch with the right people. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Josh Dueck, Winter X 15 Gold medalist

Josh & Lacey Dueck, Winter X 16

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Truth pm inbound. thank you for the amazing pictures and of course the comment.

 

[jwSubMOA]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

Sir please pass on my best wishes to your father. He sounds motivated to not let it slow him down. I'm not paralyzed but I lost an arm and leg in a motorcycle wreck, so I can relate. I was a machinist and have built many things to help me including my latest 12mph all terrain Powerchair.

What you describe is definitely a one off job. I'm sending you a PM with my contact info, I would be honored to try to help in some way. God bless.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Re: Looking for something could use some help

jwSubMOA: pm replied and thank you for the message, he is definitely a strong man and is smiling more than i'm sure most would in a situation like this. Making the best out of each day.

Life is such a tender yet valuable gift. I am so very thank full that he survived this wreck and is in such great spirits.