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The SabakaSling consists of three adjustable loops of nylon webbing (with their associated adjustable buckles and latches), and two short lengths of PVC tubing. Of the two tubes, one is simply a handle for the owner's convenience, the other tube is the central "hub" of the SabakaSling, through which pass all three loops. I will call this second tube the "back tube," because it will eventually be positioned just above the dog's tail, aligned with the lower spine. Two of the adjustable loops, which incorporate easily connected and disconnected latches for convenience, are to go around the dog's rear legs, or haunches. They should be adjusted so as to be under slight tension around the haunches, to prevent their changing positions when downward tension is relieved -- such as when the dog sits or lies down. These are the "leg loops." The third loop connects the handle tube to the back tube. It's length can be changed to compensate for variations in dog and owner height. It is to be adjusted for the comfort of the owner. The SabakaSling design also includes two anti-chafing sling covers for the dog's comfort. These go around the leg loops and prevent abrasion. The nylon webbing material is identical to that used to make most dog collars and leashes. This material is readily available at both fabric stores and sporting goods stores that handle supplies for camping and climbing. It is generally sold by the foot, and comes in several colors. I recommend selecting different colors for each of the loops, so that each can be easily identified in daily use. The nylon webbing should have a width of one inch, and be thick enough to resist moderate pressure when you try to fold it along it's length -- that is, you try to fold it's edges together. Cotton webbing is not recommended. The pipe used for the tubes is available for a very low price at hardware or plumbing supply stores. It is of the type used for the installation of underground lawn sprinkler systems, and is known as three-quarter- inch schedule 40 PVC pipe. It is sold only in 10-foot lengths. Because less than one foot of pipe is needed to make a SabakaSling, I recommend asking friends or neighbors if they have any left over pipe from previous projects. A friendly gardener or plumber might also be willing to help you out. Please be aware that schedule 40 PVC pipe has walls that measure about one-eighth inch, and that there is a similar looking of pipe with much thinner walls. The thin- wall pipe should be avoided due to it's inferior durability. While PVC pipe is easy to work with, cheap, and readily available, substitution of other materials is acceptable. For example, you can see in the photographs that I used a piece of copper water pipe to replace a broken handle tube. Any functional material of appropriate size may be used. The fittings and latches for the adjustable loops are preferably made of plastic, probably nylon, and are of strong construction. They are available at most sporting goods or military surplus stores that carry camping and rock climbing gear. Attachment and adjustment is accomplished by the way the webbing is fed through the fitting, and can be rather confusing. Trial and error will soon bring the desired results or, failing that, simply looking at the rigging of fittings on other gear you already own (camera straps, clothing, etc.) will show the way. Metal fittings, such as those available at fabric stores, can be used, but will not be as durable and will increase the abrasion of the nylon webbing. The Sling covers can be made from either the "fuzzy" synthetic material used for lining jackets, or the sweatshirt material known as fleece. Obviously, it need not be new. Recycle an old sweatshirt. |
