So, I have this SUV, right? And my little buddy, a golden retriever named Max, he’s not getting any younger. He used to jump into the back like it was nothing, but now, I can see it’s a struggle. I felt bad watching him, so I decided, “Alright, time for some dog stairs.”

First, I looked online, just to see what was out there. Lots of options, you know? Different sizes, materials, all that. Some were pretty pricey, and honestly, some looked a little flimsy. I wanted something sturdy and reliable, something that wouldn’t wobble when Max used it.
Research is very important.
- Some were foldable, which seemed handy.
- Others were more like a ramp, but I figured stairs would be easier for Max.
- There was even a fancy one with built-in storage.
Then I thought, “Why buy when I can build?” I’m pretty handy, and it seemed like a fun weekend project. Plus, I could customize it to fit my SUV perfectly and make sure it was super stable for Max.
I went to the hardware store and grabbed some wood, screws, and some carpet scraps for grip. I measured the height from the ground to the back of my SUV and decided on a three-step design. I sketched out a simple plan, nothing too complicated. Just wanted to get the job done.
Spent the next few hours cutting the wood, sanding the edges, and putting the whole thing together. It was actually easier than I thought. The hardest part was making sure each step was level. Then I attached the carpet pieces with some heavy-duty glue, and that’s it. I added some extra support braces underneath, just to be safe.
When it was done, I called Max over. He looked at the stairs, sniffed them a bit, and then cautiously put a paw on the first step. He looked back at me, like, “Are you sure about this?” I encouraged him, and slowly but surely, he climbed up into the SUV. Tail wagging the whole time! He was used to it quickly. I can tell that he feels comfortable using it. And I have to say, the angle was appropriate for his limitations.
Now, getting into the car is a breeze for him. No more struggling, no more jumping. Just a nice, easy climb. And I feel good knowing I made something that makes his life a little easier. Plus, it was way cheaper than buying those fancy store-bought stairs! It’s a win-win, really.
So, yeah, that’s my story about building dog stairs for my SUV. Not the most exciting tale, but it was a good project, and Max is happy, and that’s all that matters.