Most expensive pool noodle

[-lenny-]

Didn't think much of it before honestly. We have been camping with our companions for years and never an issue. The story is as follows...

April 15, 5pm. We are at home, watering trees in the backyard. 5th wheel is parked in yard with slides out, as we always do. Our two dogs are playing and chasing each other around the yard. The 8 month old often ducks under the 5th wheel to lose the 14 month old (both Labradors) that is chasing her. This goes on for some time, until the larger dog gets too close to that corner. I hear him hit and immediately yelp. Looking over from 50 feet away I can see the flap of flesh sticking up. Uh oh. So now it's Friday night and I am trying to get him to the closest vet that can stitch him up. Ended up not being our regular vet, which didn't help matters. The wound ended up infected, and he had to have some dead tissue removed a couple days later. One week after that the wound was clean and healthy enough that it could be closed. Today we had the drain removed, and if all goes well the last sutures will be removed next Monday. It's been tough on the poor guy, as he usually goes for 6-8 miles of off leash walks in the woods every day, but hasn't been able to leave the yard since the accident. He is definitely feeling better, as he is getting fairly stir crazy. We have since been to our regular vet twice, and a specialist once. Really should have taken the extra time initially to go to our regular vet, but hindsight is 20/20. Of course the vet bills are getting to be rather substantial, but seeing our pup sedated 3 times in 10 days stings far worse.

So now we have pool noodles for the edges. Farmers might liken it to closing the gate after the horses are out. However, this is definitely not something I want to go through again, and Hopefully this helps someone else avoid this type of incident.

[Wiscampsin]

Good to hear he's feeling better and hope he'll be enjoying those 6-8 mile walks in the woods real soon.

[Oakman]

The poor puppy, it's no fun going to a doctor.

How come you keep the slides open when you trailer is at home?

[-lenny-]

Our normal routine is to put all the slides out, and then take perishables and whatever clothes we want into the house. Usually do a light clean inside, and often I pressure wash the exterior. Honestly, it's mostly habit I guess. We just like the convenience of being able to go in at any time. But you raise a very valid point. Thank you.

[yworrydog]

Dogs rule, no matter the expense LOL Glad he is fine now.

[mdstudey]

Thanks for the tip, it would be good to if there are 2 legged kids playing hide and seek under the 5th wheel. Glad to hear puppy is on the mend.

[DreiHunde]

Poor kid! Glad he is doing better!

Mine occasionally want to use the camper as a "pick" whenever they are rough housing, so I've gotten in the habit of closing steps etc but I'm still shocked one of them hasn't been had by the step boxes.

and they might have because lately they have been using the underbrush around the property to evade each other! I'm sure the bushes are a little "softer"!!

[RubyGirl]

Glad your baby will be ok. Another item to cushion those corners with are pipe insulator sleeves. Home Depot or Lowes or just about any hardware store has them if you can't find a noodle. A noodle comes in bright colors so you can see them but the insulators are great too. Use them at the campground water supply during chilly weather so we have several on hand. We also use them on our steel building truss edges which can really make your head ring if you hit one while climbing in the loft.

[Paulie1138]

I am also a noodle fan. Just after getting my fiver, I laced open my scalp on the bedroom slide corner. Now, part of my setup includes the covers on the corners! Have a friend that does extruded foam products, so he made me a nice batch of pre-slit bumpers!

Glad to hear the pooch is doing better.

[Jim in Halifax]

Yellow tennis balls also work very well!!! Cut a slot and push them on corners!!!!

[D. J. Schuler]

DON'T FORGET TO REMOVE CORNER PROTECTORS BEFORE CLOSING SLIDE! Sure can mess up a day (and trim).

[dawn52627]

Just bought 2 noodles for a cruise, now I can use them on the toy hauler. I have a blind Standard Poodle so this is a very good idea. He was too small last year when we had the slides out, but now that he has grown (and grown and grown) I better do some poodle protecting.

[-lenny-]

Just an update. Got the drain removed Monday, and Atticus is feeling pretty spry. Still has to wear his shirt so he can't get at his sutures. But today we were able to go for a gentle 5 mile walk, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed!