I have a stroller which I use for Holly Poppet and Little Joe.
Holly has Curly Coat/Dry Eye Syndrome, which has led to a couple of her claws being removed and of course her skin has a tendency to crack and get infected if she walks on hard ground, so her outings are, like Oliver's, on public transport to the places where she can walk and run on soft ground. She really enjoys her outings.
Little Joe has stress related epilepsy and ever since he first saw the buggy and jumped into it, it has been his 'safe place' and passport to an active and happy social life that he otherwise would never have had. Without the stroller the world outside our home is a threatening place for Joe. The rattling of lorries, fast cars going by, people he hasn't met before and meeting other dogs are so challenging that before the stroller brought on fits. Joe cries to go out if I have been too busy to take him on an outing. If I open the front door, like most dogs, he will run outside, but only go as far as the garage door, waiting there for it to be opened so that he can get into the stroller. It's good for busy events too; this young dog about town has been shown at the busy and noisy N.E.C., then gone round to have a look at all the trade stands, revelling in all the fuss he gets from the stallholders.
I can thoroughly recommend a stroller for any dog who needs one, but if you travel by car it's best to purchase one which folds down; mine does not.
Kate: I get strange looks from other travellers too. Once in Sutton Park outdoor cafe a man came up to us from behind and shouted in my ear that 'dogs should walk on leads dear'. The one that really gets to me though is the elderly woman living in a first floor flat around the corner, within view of my house, who waits for me to take Holly out. Then she is there waiting for me to tell me what a cruel woman I am 'carting that sick little freak around'. Once she followed me onto the bus, shouting at us at the top of her voice. I had to get off at the next stop to escape.