PetSafe CareLift Support Harness - Lifting Aid for Senior or Injured Dogs - Breathable Mesh - Machine Washable - Post-Surgery Dog Support - Large

My pup was recently diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), and had to undergo an emergency hemilaminectomy, otherwise she risked being paraplegic for the rest of her life.Since having the operation, my dog has lost her ability to walk (hopefully, temporarily).That said... Although she cannot walk, she has since regained full control of her bladder and anal sphincter. This requires me to take her outside a few times during the day to handle her 'business.'Prior to purchasing this unit, I was using the sling by GingerLead, which seemed like the best option at the time. However, when I went back to vet for my dog's followup to remove the staples in her back, the neurologist recommended I get a harness similar to the Help Em' Up Harness, because it supported her hips... Since I couldn't find that brand on Amazon, I settled on the Solvit. (True Story.)Anyhow... After receiving and making adjustments to the unit, I took her out for a quick walk to see how it compared to the sling.I must say... It was MUCH easier to hold her up with this unit. We walked for a few blocks then turned back toward the APT building. (Prior to this, my hands would get tired before even reaching he second block.)The next step was hoisting her up a small flight of stairs. That's when I was sold.Prior to having this unit, I used the sling and another harness (not made for hoisting) to get her up the stairs in my apt building. Although it worked, I felt as if she was uncomfortable everytime I did so.The next test was in using the unit to get her in her crate (where she needs to spend most of her time for the next few weeks).Again, the unit was much easier to use than the sling. Less slack, less dragging of her legs. More control.Since having the unit, I've used it to hoist her up stairs, into my small car, into her crate, and of course, on our walks.At ~$50, this unit is fair priced, and an absolute Godsend to anyone that has a dog that has trouble walking... Or in my case, a dog that is (hopefully, temporarily) paraplegic.If your dog has an injury, or undergoing rehab (like mine), ditch the sling and get a full body lifting harness.Your back and forearms will thank you. And your dog will likely recover quicker since their lower spine and hind legs are getting the support they need.Although the sizing is a bit odd (I ordered and Medium for 62lb pit bull), the unit seems to be well constructed. Although the included shoulder strap may come in handy, I also found it a bit odd to use.As for getting/fitting the harness, the setup took maybe 10 minutes (since my dog is paraplegic, and I had to maneuver around her more than I would had she been able to stand in her own).A few other things I suppose worth mentioning is that the hind legs part was significantly looser than the front part. For me the extra slack was welcomed since I walk my dog from the back grip. If I were to decrease the slack (which I can), her legs would be much too far from the ground -- sending her spine into misalignment.The only othe gripe I have would be the way the front strap works. I dislike the fact my dog has the step into the straps. I feel there is much greater chances for chaffing her upper area.Some extra (front) padding would be welcomed.But for ~$50, I'm satisfied nonetheless and could not ask for a better harness for my dog's recovery. I may invest in some padding and duct tape it to the front straps, and then it'll be perfect enough.[...]All the best.

My 13 year old female German Shepherd wears it almost full time - I take it off to brush her coat. It does not appear to impede her in any way.She has all the symptoms of cauda equina, so her condition is not temporary - she often has trouble getting her back end off the ground and her rear legs fatigue in hundreds of feet - they even fatigue from just standing while out for a car ride. She will be using this harness for the rest of her life. At this point she is still very engaged and seems happy - this harness has made it a lot easier to keep her active.I use the rear handle most often to steady her when she has trouble walking and lift her back end if she falls down. I no longer need a ramp to get her into my SUV - I use the front handle to get her front legs on the sill - she climbs from there to the top of the folded seat while I lift her back end with the rear handle. The rear handle helps when she has trouble climbing / descending steps. There are no signs of chafing so far - after over a month of steady use. The back straps are sleeved - the fronts are not, but they are wide and there is no need for them to be adjusted tight. I use the belly attachment on the rear section - even though she is female - I feel it spreads the lifting force more evenly over her stomach.There are lots of adjustments and well worth the time taken to make them so the fit is comfortable. Initial set up took about twenty minutes and over the course of the first day of use, I did some readjusting to improve fit. Once done, no need to do again if you remove the harness for any reason. The front secrion has a strap ahead of and behind the front legs. Both go through a chest pad. I marked the front strap so there was no guessing about the way it went back on. Once adjusted, it is easy to remove and to re-install.I am very happy with this product - it has really helped by making it easier for me to keep her mobile.If I could change anything, I would add some sort of clip for the excess rear strap ends - to shorten how much they dangle (there is a generous range of adjustment at both ends). They some times wind up in her urine stream. I solved the problem with rubber bands.I would also add some way to adjust the distance between each handle and it's pad. She fatigues easily and sometimes needs assistance in back while walking. The rear handle works well for that, but it is akward to have to stoop to one side to grip it. Generally by the time a dog needs one of these, walks are short outings for bathroom breaks and a change of scene - so having to stoop to one side for a short time is not a big issue, but not having to stoop would be nice.The set comes with a long adjustable length strap with a shoulder pad - that can be attached to the front and rear sections of the harness - a picture on their WEB site shows a good size dog - looks like a Golden Retriever being lifted almost off the ground using a person's shoulder. It is hard to imagine walking very far this way.My dog still has two good front legs and only needs occasional help walking in back. We don't go far - under a thousand feet over the course of ten to fifteen minutes - but the rear handle really helps to lift her back up when she falls and help her near the end of our walk when she fatigues. I considered just getting the back section - I am glad I got the whole set. The front helps her get into my vehicle - plus it is needed to keep the rear in place when worn full time. I also considered just a rear sling for less money, but this full harness is a much better solution for my dog. When she has a problem getting her back up off the ground - the rear handle is right there to lift and steady her.