It seems just yesterday my girl was literally jumping through hoops and bounding around
in search of any new physical challenge. We would take long walks and trips into the
country every chance I could get away. A shared love of the outdoors kept us on the go.
At home, when not romping in the backyard, we often jogged and ran together, while
continuing our treks into rural America as often as my work schedule allowed.

 My border collie's energy and intelligence has never ceased to amaze me, in all the years
since we have been together. She was a puppy when I had the good fortune to find her
at a recommended breeder; another male puppy was vying for my attention, but it was a
love affair from the beginning. We have been constant companions ever since.
Perhaps the transition was not as sudden as I thought. She did stop enjoying some of her
favorite activities, and I became aware that she had lost some of her “oomph”. I realized
her age might be a factor…an eight- year- old puppy she was not. I needed some extra
help for her.
When some friends introduced me to pet ramps and puppy stairs, things began to turn
around for my best friend. She would now be able to reach her chosen places on the sofa
and on the bed that she had been starting to avoid. We all need a little help here and there
at some point in our lives.
It has certainly given her a new zest for life that she showed signs of losing. Now she
climbs with ease with no stress on her body. We are both grateful for the extra boost.
Used to giving her best to whatever she attempts, her enthusiasm was now being
renewed. She is up and down those steps and ramps many times in the course of a day;
they serve as both therapy and exercise for her Our forays into the country have become
somewhat less demanding, by necessity, but by using her ramp she is able to get in and
out of the van without a moment’s hesitation.