Alexander Epp, who lost his mobility in a car accident at the age of 21, has written a book that is an inspiring yet ruthlessly practical handbook for wheelchair users and their dogs.
Epp starts from the beginning by going through the decisions to be made before bringing a companion dog into a wheel-based household. Pedigree v Rescue? Puppy or Adult? And follows this up with training and walking advice specific to wheelchair users – including the pitfalls of on-lead walks.
He’s clearly a real dog person, and speaks with wry humour about the relationship between dog owners and other people in daily life together with some elegant strategies for subversion.
Epp’s descriptions of extended wild solo camping trips with a German Shepherd, full of useful tips on equipment and personal safety, redefine the landscape of what is and isn’t ‘accessible’.
Above all, Epp’s respect and love for his dogs shines through on every page.
Waggy Trails and Wheelchairs is a 96 page lavishly illustrated paperback published by Hubble & Hattie, an imprint of Veloce Publishing http://www.veloce.co.uk/ with a 50p donation made to Dogs for the Disabled with every copy of Waggy Tails & Wheelchairs sold.
Useful website links for wheelchair users:
