Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Kalvin’s fresh air taxi

---

By PAT MURPHY
Express Staff Writer

Greg Stock on his daily commute, with Kalvin in tow. Photo by David N. Seelig

Only a few months ago, Greg Stock had the sinking feeling that his 125-pound German Shepherd, (cq) Kalvin, was on his last legs, so to speak.

The 11-year-old's arthritis in his rear legs was worsening, making the 8-block walk from Stock's apartment to work clearly excruciating.

But then, Stock got an idea. This summer, Stock, the co-owner of Sun Summit Ski and Cycle, discovered a trailer cart manufactured in Oregon that Stock could pull behind his bicycle. Kalvin could ride in the cart and be relieved of the pain. Stock also had Kalvin's arthritis treated with acupuncture by Dr. Heidi Woog at the Sun Valley Animal Center.

After Stock lined the 30-by-48-inch trailer with cushions, he said Kalvin discovered this luxury was better than walking. Stock describes Kalvin as striking "a regal pose" when he's being pulled around town.

The only drawback, Stock says, are the frequent stops he makes while curious passersby ask about the trailer and fawn over Kalvin with oohs and aahs..

• viagra
• buy viagra
• acheter viagra

As for Kalvin's arthritis, the combination of the trailer and the acupuncture have been remarkable rehab. Stock says Kalvin's strengthened legs allow him to walk a mile at night and swim in the Sun Valley Lake.

That said, Kalvin still seems to prefer his fresh air taxi over walking.