Post Title: My Dog's Exercise Rig – Let’s Clear the Air
Hey all,
I wanted to drop a quick note to clarify a few things, as my original post asking for
mechanical advice somehow spiraled into a debate about whether I care about my dog.
Let me be very clear: I’ve been an animal lover and rescue volunteer for over 25 years. I've raised and cared for cats and dogs since I was four. I take their wellbeing as seriously as my own.
The dog in question is a 3-year-old, 15-pound spaniel mix who’s on medication that causes weight gain. He’s energetic, bright, and genuinely
loves running.
This setup isn’t about me getting in a ride—it’s about
him getting the kind of exercise that a basic walk just doesn’t provide. Walks are nice, but they don’t raise his heart rate or help manage his weight effectively.
And for those suggesting I just let him run free: that’s simply not safe. We live in an area with coyotes, and mountain lions have been sighted in past years. A loose dog out here is a vulnerable one—that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
Here’s a photo of the setup:
I’ve been a competitive tennis athlete since childhood and have academic training in complex systems and physiology. I don’t just throw things together—I test, monitor, and adjust. And I’m here on this forum because I was hoping to improve the
clamp mechanism, not defend my ethics.
I get that seeing a dog next to a bike can raise red flags for some people. That’s fair. But it helps to ask questions before making assumptions. I’m always open to
constructive input. If you’ve got suggestions to make this setup better, I’d truly appreciate them.
Thanks to those who responded with helpful advice.
The rest—take a deep breath. I promise, I’m not the villain here.