Not being rude but are you not physically capable of lifting her in and out or at least assisting her up the ramp?

Suggestions on a postcard?

How about a fold up set of steps like these? One of the straps seem to clip to the boot latch (at bumper level) to stop the steps sliding away.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314996148499

Usual caveats, never seen these in use so don't know how well they work in practice!

When choosing a successor to our Mk1 Focus auto estate, a requirement for a low lipless loading area was high on the list. Thankfully, the small car powertrain of my choice (1.2 puretech 130 EAT6) came in a Mrs F friendly 2019 Peugeot 2008 (the old model) - no higher than my kneecap; roughly Blodwen ear level?

You might be able to utilise a small set of folding steps (2 or 3 as necessary) normally used to access high-up shelves or the top (of) cupboards, as long as they weren't too steep or the step treads not deep enough.

An upturned paper recycling box might be worth a try as well.

Either would need some kind of anti-slip covering (carpet?) to help reduce traction issues, especially when it's been raining and pooch's paws are wet.

I presume a dog harness (apparently some are designed for older dogs with movement / climbing problems) may not be suitable given your own difficulty helping them up?

Just a few things I gleaned from a quick Interweb search,

Somehow I doubt if a mini trampoline would be of any benefit...

Anyone design a lightweight portable scissor lift?

I'll try to give an opinion as a dog owner and someone who had the exact same issue with the a Labrador and his knackered hips.

Dogs that hurt, especially smaller breeds will be reluctant to jump up anything they can't see clearly into. A narrow bridge/ramp doesn't work for all dogs, I know our was afraid walking the plunk.

We always have low loading lip on our estates, it is a must.

The best I found is those funny van-based cars like Berlingo et-al. Most medium and over dogs can see the boot floor in these. There are also perfectly good grey imports from Japan like the Hi-Jet and Toyota Pixie if you don't need anything big.

Sit in a big vet car park and watch what people drives, you will see that serious dog lovers choose the car based on animal comfort.

Edited by JonestHon on 02/01/2024 at 23:16

Have you thought about trying a small folding aluminium step sold in various outlets for builders use with a bit of carpet glued to the top,they come in various lengths and widths and are lightweight?