PROJECT 5: Pugsly Project- I researched the exact height and weight of pugs and took down their measurements before taking on the next steps of looking for materials that would support their weight. They are pretty small, only weighing close to eighteen or nineteen pounds and generally ten to fourteen inches tall at the shoulder. “The mutation of the SOD1 gene associated with degenerative myelopathy has been identified in the pug. The overall frequency of this disease in the breed and approximate age of disease onset is currently unreported for the pug.”(Paw Print Genetics 1). However, in one study of 382 pugs tested, 29.6% were carriers of the mutation and 17.5% were at-risk/affected. I will be taking all my materials from the Whitmor PVC Triple Mesh Sorter With Wheels, 26.95 plus tax which should be around 27.00 dollars or so. I will only attach the bottom and middle set of wheels and use one of the three bags, cut in half if too long, and lay one out across the top and loop another one around the bottom and secure them on both ends with a firmly tied knot, thus creating the sling for Pugsly's body to rest in. It should be ample support for Pugsly and the wheels are known to move with ease across most surfaces. I plan on purchasing the sorter, since it's generally pretty inexpensive, and using recycled items from my home like the dog harness, fabric for the sling, wheels from my tricycle. My Design's benefits to Pugsly: Thought my materials were inexpensive, I believe that it will still support Pugsly very well. I took into consideration that his legs are rather short, and when placed in the sling, walking may become difficult. So, I modified my earlier design after having seen that small wheels do not function properly in this context. Option of harness or doggie sling depending on Pugsly's general mood of the day and if he's strong enough to move on his own or if he needs more support. Also, having his legs tucked under him is more help because it's less weight for him to have to drag around. To break it down, I plan on using the attachable pieces and velcro from the wheeled laundry sorter. I made this decision because it was more affordable for me his way. I will attach four full length bars (24in.) before attaching them to four shorter, identical bars (12in.), creating a sort of box before cutting three holes on either side of the fabric to slip the torso supporting sling onto the bars. This way, Pugsly can be set in the sling or his owner can simply attach the harness at the front with the velcro. The back differs from the front because the back has an extra added bar to attach the feet pouches to.