Testimonials

• Betsi, I purchased a Hartman Harness from you in December 2009 for my dog Patrick.  Patrick was an extra large dog St Bernard Great Pyrenees mix.  Patrick had DM and your harness made it possible to move Patrick as he weighed about 135 lbs.  The DM got worse and in April we purchased a cart for him to get around.  Your harness was still helping us get him in and out of his cart.  Sadly recently more medical complications set in and Patrick passed away Tuesday 6/29/10.  I can't thank you enough for making such a great product.  Without it I don't know how we would have managed to move Patrick around those last few months.  SIncerely, Maureen & George H.

• I cannot thank you enough for the harness you made Zoe! She now can walk around the house and yard and enjoy life much more.  I can get her up the stairs without either of us hurting ourselves.  The harness fits very well and I especially like the soft covers for the straps.  I can tell you put much thought into this harness and for those of us with loves dogs that cannot remain upright any longer on their own, this is a godsend. Thank you! Beverly C

• Hi Betsi! I just wanted to thank you for creating such a wonderful, lifesaving product!  Sam is unable to walk without our assistance now and we couldn't help him without the harness.  It's funny to watch Sam try to chase squirrels - his front legs go and we run behind!   Thank you again!! Carolyn, Chris and Sam

• Betsi, Thank you so much for your Hartman Harness. Raydyr and we love it! He feels so much more secure when wearing it and is even attempting to walk into places in our home that he'd been avoiding for months. You are wonderful and I thank you so much for giving us all relief in this difficult time.
  Warmly,  Cheryl

•  We live in a split level house where our pups need to go down stairs to get outside.  We had a ramp built down from our deck so our Gracie could make it out to the back yard.  In the last 6 months the ramp was not enough to help our girl get outside so my husband developed the "wheel barrel" walk down the ramp to help her.  While Gracie's back legs may not be as strong as they used to be her spirit is as strong as ever.  Tonight she walked down the ramp in style & on all 4 legs with her new harness.  Thank you for helping our girl! Lisa   

• HI Betsi, We received your Hip helper for our Boxer Dog, Harvey yesterday & he has turned into a walking maniac. He just loves it!!!  He wants to go out every 5 minutes to visit all his old stomping grounds around here. We just wanted to thank you for your great invention & your very fast delivery to us. It has really turned life around to a better standard in our home.....  Robert & Lynn & Harvey..................:)  

• I just wanted to let you know how much the harness has helped since Carter's CCL surgery.  It allows me to help him up off the floor, get him up and down the steps to go outside, and get him in the car for vet visits.  It has made recovery much easier on both of us.  I don't know how else I would help my 90 lb. boy!  My vet was also impressed with the design. Thank you for designing such a useful product.  Kristin and Carter B

•  Betsi, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this harness. We put it on Eich this morning while he was visiting the Vet and he already waits for us to grip the handle to assist him when he goes in and out of the house. I wasn't sure if he would tolerate it but it appears that he almost likes it. It makes him so much more stable as he walks across the house. We have all tile with area rugs and runners to assist him as he goes from one end of the house to another but this allows him to actually walk with some dignity and not fall over every two or three steps. My Vet had never seen one before and was very impressed at the genius of it. So again my heartfelt thanks for helping to make the rest of Eich's life as good as it can get. And my thanks for making me feel like I can still do something to make his life easier. Always the best, Suzanne A. and Eich

   

• Dear Betsi,WE LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It fits wonderfully and he is able to move around soooooooooooooooo much better. He feels like he has been given his legs back. His tail is wagging. And due to the fact I can help him.....he is doing a lot more exercises that are aiding him to be stronger in his hind legs. I will keep you posted of his progress. It has also been a blessing for my back. I never wanted BJ to feel we was being a burden.... so I would run around the yard holding him by his tail bent over. My back and legs were starting to give me discomfort. Thank you so much for caring so much and making such a big difference in our life. Fondly, Lori & BJ

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• My Vet saw BJ this morning, he has had the harness on only 12 hours. The Vet Loved it........and was very impressed with your harness. I gave her all your info so she could pass it on to others who may need the best harness is the world!!!!!! I cannot thank you enough. BJ and I have spent all morning and half the afternoon out and about in the car, walking and really enjoying ourselves. Before getting this harness even doing something small was a big deal, now going down stairs..... in and out of the car.... everything is so easy. I look forward to many more adventures with BJ. Talk to you soon, Lori

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• We want to thank you for such a great invention!!!  This harness is fantastic!!  Even our two children, ages 7 and 9 are able to help Dakota because of the harness!  Our regular vet and the specialist we are seeing have both complimented it also, one saying in his 30 years he hadn't seen anything come nearly as close to being the best! Thanks again and take pride in what you are doing...helping many people/families help their beloved dogs!!!!Stephanie M. and family, including Dakota.

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• Dear Betsy, I could not have imagined the change that the harness would bring to Hugo. The people at the dog run in New York suggested that i get it and i didn't delay. You made it and sent it - and on the first day.. he literally took off round the block in a way that he hasn't for a long long time. It was so funny and wonderful at the same time.I am so grateful to you - for your work and the care with which you make these harnesses and for the support and help that your work has given to me - as a person who is trying to support their aging  and most wonderful dog. Thank you, Miriam H.

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• Dear Betsi, Thanks so much for making Peaches harness right away and getting it here so fast.  When I got home from hosp tonight, there it was!  Immediately opene, read instructions first, put it on, started adjusting and then took Peach for a spin around the front yard.  At first she didn't know what to think, but now she understands that it is to help her and she is truckin!  I will try to get a pic of her in it this weekend and send to you.  With luck I can get her bro Hankie in it with her.  YOu are an angel to make these harnesses, Betsi.  They mean so much to folks like me, dogs like Peach....which you know cause of your dear Dulci Jo.  There is love and care in them.....we can feel the good energy! Cay and Peach

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• Dear Betsi: I just wanted to let you know that your harness is really neat and quite a lifesaver.  We had been using a standard harness for quite some time now; about 8 months as Casey has had some weakness and inner ear problems and it has been useful to steady him by holding the regular harness. But when he suddenly couldn't support his weight with his hind end, that was a whole different problem. At first we added a fleece sling under his belly, but this took two people and you had to be really quick to pull out the sling when he started to urinate. Also, the sling could not stay on while he used the bathroom and when he got where he couldn't stand up I had to hold his hips with my hands.  Your harness combines the best of both the shoulder harness and the sling and makes it possible for only one person to walk him. I don't know how much longer we will have him with us, but your harness is letting us enjoy the time we have left and take our time making the right
  decision for him.   Thank you so much for designing it. Sincerely, Karen S

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• Hi Betsi: Just a line to thank you for the fine harness. We are using it everytime we take "Tara" for a walk now. She is more stable with it on and whenever she loses the back end I can quickly help her recover. She had no problem getting used to it, seems to know it is to help her. We just hope she will be with us for a while yet.  Thanks again.  Bob & Mary V.

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• The harness is a wonderful blessing to my husband's back and to our dear old Katie.  She doesn't mind keeping it on during the day which makes it easier for us to move her from room to room, as she likes to be in the same room with us and she likes to go out a lot to check on the critters she may spy outside.  Thanks again so very much for developing it and coming to our rescue.  May you have a truly blessed new year. Ellen B.
   

• Hello Betsi - The last friday we received the harness for Taca. We are very happy because it helps Taca to begin to walk. Thank you for all. Taca is very happy too. We will tell you how Taca develop. Sorry for my english again. I'll try learn it. Kisses. Montse

• Here is some more feedback for you! The harness arrived at just the right time. I don't know how long Makita could have continued to keep herself sorta walking like she did. I didn't realize how much time she had spent spiraling down to the ground in a sitting position and pulling herself back up until I put the harness on her and she got to really walk again. It must be such a relief for her. It is also wonderful to be able to help her stand up to eat without pulling my back or to get her into the back of my subaru without causing pain for one of us. The harness has made our lives better!!! Now that is my feedback. Please keep making them. Hugs and smiles back to you from both Makita and me

• Betsi: I just want you to know that the harness we purchased from you for Lightning has been a Godsend! It works fabulously. I can't say enough good things about it. You did a great job designing it. If it weren't for the harness, we could not have taken her with us on vacation at the end of July. It made it easy for her to camp with us and still get around outside when she needed to. We leave it on her all the time since she struggles some with walking and staying upright when she's going to the bathroom. It gives her the confidence to walk along and do her business. While she is struggling with her problems, she is a happy girl and the harness has helped a lot. Thanks again for a wonderful product. If I can ever be of help to you in recommending it, please let me know - I'd be happy to do so. Betty
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• My name is Teri P. I ordered a harness from you about 5 months ago. I haven't had to use it until this last week. My 140 lb leonberger, who has a polyneuropathy developed aspiratied pneumonia. We have moved him from vet to emergency numerous times last week and could not have done it without your harness. All the vets thought it was great also. I want to thank you so much fof enabling me to get my dog to and from the help he needed. Now he is home and we are using it for rehab till he gets on his feet again.
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• Betsi,  I just got home and the harness was already here. I put it on Max and it is wonderful! It fit perfectly and he was able to stand up, walk and go potty standing for the first time  since losing his ability to walk. This is a godsend. Max is smiling  and so are we. This is far superior to The Bottoms Up Harness we tried and had to send back because it wouldn't stay on. Thank you very much - Paula  and Max (age 15) Thank you- paula

   

• Betsi!!!!!! A really great big THANK-YOU multiplied by 200!!!!! So far, so good on the harness fit for Allie!!!! We went to see her Friday and they had just put it on her a few hours earlier...All and all it fits better than we thought---thanks to your adjustments...the techs. really didn't have to do much to it....She is able to do her business with it on. They are going to keep working with her and the harness for another week....We hopefully will try to bring her home on Friday.....But, all in all, it appears to be the answer to our prayers in being able to handle her.....Thanks again.....You really should try to market the harness here in Central PA!!!! I'll keep you posted...Brenda K.

• Hi Betsi: Your harness has been a major help for us when we are helping her into and out of her cart and when we need to move her around our house. She has taken to the harness very well and with it has learned how to move walk up stairs when we help her. Also, Just wanted to let you know that Joyce and I (and Morgan, of course) filmed the segment about disabled dogs yesterday and your website information was passed on to the TV reporter and should be displayed when the story airs. She told us that it would probably air the last week of July or the first week of August. We will try to make a copy of it and send it to you. Thanks again. Scott K.

• Hi Betsi. I just wanted to let you know that I received the harness. It took awhile to adjust it properly but it is now ready for use. I have used it and Duke doesn't seem to mind it at all. I am so glad I have it on hand for when he has bad days walking and for those dreadful winter months with all that snow and ice to contend with. Thank you for coming to our rescue with your hip helper harness. I will keep you posted. Sandie

• Hi Betsi! I wanted to thank you SO much for the harness you sent me and Willy Mammoth :) It is fantastic!!!! And...we also have a wheelchair for him...I really cannot thank you enough for creating this wonderful wonderful harness....it has increased Willy's quality of life more than I can say...Just wanted you to know how much we love it and that we use it every single day, all day long. He sleeps in the front harness and I just clip the rear portion on whenever he wants to go outside. You are an angel :) A million thanks, Sue and Willy Mammoth...

• Betsy, I wanted to thank you again for your wonderful harness. It allowed us to keep our friend and family member with us for a while longer. Czar had degenerative myelopathy, a horrible disease, that robs us of our pets. Your harness was a godsend. I have given your website to both of my vets, Bay Shore Animal Hospital and Hampton Veterinary Hospital. I hope that they are able to help many pets with your harness. Thank you so much and God Bless you Sincerely, Susan

• Hi Betsi, Just wanted to let you know that Lucas is still enjoying life with his harness. I can't thank you enough for making it for us. I don't know what we would do without it. It has been a Godsend. Teri

• I just wanted to thank you for your harness. This was the best thing that happened to our dog and us. Titus was a 92 lb shepherd. He could not walk and with this he went everywhere with us again. Nancy

• Betsi, Harness came Saturday. It is a huge help. I love the handle it is at the right length and has a really good grip. And Lucy seems to be quite comfortable with it, I love that we can leave it on her 24/7 and air can get to all of her body. As soon as we get settled in it I will send you a picture of Lucy. Thanks for having such a great product. Jennifer and Lucy Girl

• Hi Betsi: I wanted to let you know I received the harness last month, and it is wonderful. After making the initial adjustments, it fits perfectly and I think Scotty is very comfortable in it. It was impossible for me to lift him into the Explorer any more until I discovered your harness. He loves to go in the car, but I was afraid I would drop him trying to lift his 80 pounds. Now I am able lift him safely and comfortably. Thank you for a wonderful product. Anne

• Betsi, Thank you for creating such a great product! The harness works great and Tanner and I are very happy! Lorna

• Betsi-Thank you so much for sending the harness so quickly. Forgive the delay in letting you know how it works. It is WONDERFUL! The quality is outstanding and your instructions were great. I especially like the padding that you've put on it. I have been trying to take it very slow in getting Zack used to it, since he is old, recently deaf and also has Degenerative Myelopathy and has trouble standing for very long. Rather than stress him over it, we took it real slow in the fitting and after about a week of wearing the front part for a couple of hours at a time, we went to the back part. He has never worn a harness and being very set in his ways, it has taken time to do it without upsetting him. Thank you for making something that can help this sweet old German Shepherd. I'm not really sure what tomorrow will bring with this disease, as it is all happening so quickly. I can't tell you what a relief it was to find it in the mailbox. Barbara

• Not only do I believe you deserve the patent for your hip harness, but I also think you must be a very nice person. I’ll never forgot your saying to me “I’m sorry your Jett-Girl needs the harness, but she will appreciate you trying, and she will try, too.” Jett-Girl does not need the harness full time yet. I make her wear it all day on Fridays, and she does seem to be getting used to it. You really designed it very well. My only difficulty was trying to keep the part around her neck very loose, but since each part is individually adjustable, I think I’m finally satisfied with the fit. Again, thank you for your invention! Beverly and Jett-Girl

• I have to tell you THANK YOU! It has been over 4 months since we got your harness when Timmy tore his accruciate ligamnents (both legs) and he is walking great with the harness and also on his own (I use the harness 90% of the time). I would never have been able to keep him alive since he is NOT a happy camper about someone helping him go potty. With the harness he has no idea and is great with it! My friend Linda just bought one from you, I hope she has as good of luck with it as I have. Thanks again for saving Tim's life! Kristen

• Hi Betsi, Here's another update: Dillon was so excited about being able to go for a walk again that he walked about 3 houses down from our house. This is the farthest he's walked in probably two months. I walked him around the yard and across the street a bit before taking my other dog, Shelby for a two mile walk. Then when we got home, he started whining and whining. I asked him if he wanted water, wanted to go outside, etc. - no response, just more whining. Finally, I asked him if he wanted to go for a walk...bingo! He started trying to get up. That's when I walked him down the street. I had to turn him around because he wanted to keep going. (I was afraid he'd run out of steam too far from the house and also didn't want him to over do it.) Thanks again! Also thanks for the tip about yogurt...I'll try it. Regards, Cheryl

• Thanks, Betsi. I will try those suggestions. Devlin is really benefitting from the harness and it was a great precursor to the cart that we just received. My sense is that he really prefers the harness. I have shared your literature with one vet that I use and she has a customer that has a small dog that is in need.

• Betsi, I was just tracking down your site to send a pointer to our vet who has a patient with DM. She had seen us using the harness with our beloved German Shepherd Jesse who also had DM. Little did we know when we ordered the harness what a blessing it would be for us and for him. He was diagnosed with DM a little over a year ago - his decline was steady and rapid - we came to the difficult but necessary decision to put him to sleep in March. Steadily he lost mobility and eventually all control in his back end. The harness, which started out being an assist for his weakened legs, gradually became the support that allowed us to continue to care for him. He was a big Shepherd, near 100 lbs, and we often remarked that there would have been no way without the harness for us to manage to care for him after he could no longer walk on his own. This harness literally gave us many more months of precious time with him. I just thought I would take a moment and let you know what a difference your harness made for us and how grateful we are. Thank you, Diane

• betsi, i just wanted to thank you again for the harness. i got it from you at the end of march and found it very helpful, without it i would not have been able to help bandit and keep here as long as i did. he passed on yesterday and we would like to consider donating his harness to another dog that could benefit from it and need the washing instructions again. thank you again for giving us those few extra months. Cindy

• Betsi, My harness arrived yesterday! I put it on her today and adjusted it as you said, she loves it! It has given her so much confidence, my daughter-in-law swears Kizzy is smiling. She has not spent so much time outside playing for months as she has done today, if fact I'm exhausted, lol. She even seems to have better balance with the harness on, she's had it on all day even sleeping in it, is that OK or should I take it off. It's so comfortable I can't see any reason why she can't keep it on all the time. Thanks for all your help, A very satisfied customer:-Hugz Freda

• Hi Betsy!  Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how much we LOVE the Hartman Hip Helper! It didn't take very long to get the harness adjusted, and we've been using it regularly since it arrived. Blue falls out behind less often now, because I can easily steady him when he needs it. Getting him up and down the front stairs, and in and out of the car is much easier on us both. The harness is sparing Blue's dignity, wear and tear on his weak hindquarters, and my back - WE LOVE IT! Thank you for such a wonderful tool. Blue's mobility needs can be easily accommodated with the Hartman Hip Helper. He's even worn it to the vet, and we have gotten some inquiries. Naturally, I'm more than happy to tell people where we got it. Thanks again! Joan and Blue

• We are both very happy with the Hartmann Harness. Ragnar is still getting used to having the entire harness on, but the detatchable back part is just wonderful. It is such a step up from the Bottoms Up harness which has nothing to protect your hands or allow you to hold the dog in a position which is comfortable for the owner. Ragnar is a large dog and is dependent on some sort of harness to go outside. He also has a cart, but as you know, those are useful only in certain circumstances. After months of the other harness I finally developed calluses on my palms which became infected and very painful. I am a member of Marjorie support group and your harness is mentioned on the boards. I will be sure to let members know how happy I am with it. Maria and Ragnar

• I just want to thank you. It was in the mail when I went home for lunch on Monday. We immediately put it on him. You had it set up pretty close to his size. That is an excellent harness and really makes Rocky want to run around like he used to. He is very strong and ends up making me go all over the yard when I am trying to walk him. Marilyn...

• Just to say thanks --- Sophie's harness arrived on Saturday and life is so much easier now. I live in a walk-up and can actually take her up and down the stairs easily, move her around and place her easily in her Eddie's Wheels for Pets. Thanks again. Michele