Months before our beloved “Little” Sophia passed away, my husband and I noticed a change in her ability to walk. Some days, she was like the Energizer Bunny—hopping up and walking tirelessly around the house until she would finally plop down and fall asleep. It never failed to entertain us, and her determination to explore and move was inspiring. However, as her mobility started to decline, we realized we needed to find a way to support her love of walking without compromising her safety or dignity. That’s when the idea of a DIY Pomeranian harness came into play.
Challenges with Mobility
Sophia’s enthusiasm for movement was undeniable, but as she aged, obstacles started to pile up. The slippery wood floors in our new house became her biggest enemy. She hated them because they made her slip and slide, throwing off her balance. To help her out, I got a rubber runner so she could do laps safely around the house. Watching her stroll along reminded me of those older ladies you see mall walking—completely determined, putting miles on their feet every day.
Exercise was always important in our house since my husband is a high-level fitness professional, and Sophia’s activity was just as much a part of our daily routine. But when her health declined, it became clear that she was struggling. Even though she wanted to keep walking, her neurological issues, luxating patellas, and loss of balance made it difficult for her to move safely.
Finding a Solution: DIY Pomeranian Harness
We refused to let Sophia stop doing what she loved most—walking. At first, we tried using a kiddie pool to let her walk without falling, but she quickly grew bored and wanted to roam freely. She would bark until we picked her up to keep going. Eventually, I brought her upstairs to my husband’s office, the only carpeted room in the house. That became her sanctuary—she would walk and sleep there for hours.
One day, my husband noticed that Sophia’s balance had deteriorated further. Her neurological symptoms were worsening, and she could no longer maintain her usual poise. That’s when he sprang into action. Like a man on a mission, he ran downstairs, threw open the garage door, and gathered the materials needed for a DIY Pomeranian harness. If you know my husband, you know he’s like McGyver—always finding creative solutions to any problem.
How We Made the DIY Pomeranian Harness
If you want to try making a DIY Pomeranian harness for your own furry friend, here’s how my husband did it—using materials you probably already have at home.
Materials Needed:
2 five-gallon bucket handles (Home Depot buckets work great)- A Director’s chair canvas back
- Pliers for bending the metal handles
2 five-gallon bucket handles (Home Depot buckets work great)Instructions:
- First, locate the Director’s chair back (bonus points if you already know where it is—like my hyper-organized husband).
- Rip the handles off two five-gallon buckets from Home Depot.
- Using pliers or sheer strength, bend the metal handles into a rectangular shape.
- Insert the ends of the handles into the loops of the canvas back, securing them tightly.
- Place your Pomeranian in the harness, and the handles will allow you to gently support their body while they walk.
Supporting Sophia’s Last Walks
Once the harness was ready, my husband placed Sophia in it, and the result was magical—she was walking again. Her joy was palpable, and she wouldn’t stop until she was too tired to go on. For the next three months, my husband worked upstairs with Sophia by his side, taking breaks from his tasks to walk her whenever she wanted. Whether it was 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., her walks always came first. Client calls could wait, websites could be delayed, and deadlines became irrelevant—Sophia’s happiness mattered most.
In Sophia’s final days, she still wanted to walk, even though her energy was fading. I held her for three days straight without sleeping, giving her the comfort she needed. In between rest, she would fidget and demand her walks, even if they only lasted a couple of minutes. On the day she passed, she took her final walk with my husband, kissed him, and let us know she was ready to go. She left this world just as she lived—fearless and full of love.
Why a DIY Pomeranian Harness Can Make a Difference
Creating a DIY Pomeranian harness allowed us to honor Sophia’s spirit and keep her moving even when her body was failing. If your Pomeranian faces similar challenges, this harness can offer the same opportunity—to walk, explore, and feel the joy of movement.
This simple yet effective tool doesn’t require expensive materials or professional equipment. With just a few items—two bucket handles and a canvas back—you can create a harness that supports your Pom’s mobility and keeps them safe.
Final Thoughts
Our experience with “Little” Sophia taught us that love, patience, and creativity can overcome even the toughest obstacles. A DIY Pomeranian harness is more than just a tool—it’s a way to give your furry friend the freedom and dignity they deserve, no matter their physical limitations.
If your Pomeranian loves to walk but struggles with mobility, try building this harness. It’s easy to make, and it could make all the difference in your dog’s life, just as it did for Sophia.
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