Bailey Chairs 4 Dogs is an organization that aims to help dogs suffering from canine megaesophagus, an often misdiagnosed condition in which the muscles of the esophagus fail. When this happens, food and water cannot be propelled into the stomach and instead end up sitting in the esophagus. Symptoms include constant vomiting or regurgitation, weight loss and difficulty breathing. Megaesophagus can also cause dogs to aspirate food or fluids into their lungs, resulting in pneumonia.

“Unfortunately, by the time the diagnosis is discovered the bills for the owner are into the thousands,” says Bailey Chairs 4 Dogs founder Susan Sanchez. “Or worse, the family can’t afford to learn the diagnosis and the dog is euthanized. Many undiagnosed dogs also end up in shelters.”

Sanchez and her husband created Bailey Chairs, which can be used to treat canine megaesophagus by positioning dogs to eat in an upright position. Currently, the couple donates one chair to a family in need for every chair sold. “We are not a business; we build these chairs out of our garage in my husband’s spare time,” says Sanchez. “We build them at cost for those who can afford them and raise money to give them to those who cannot. My goal is to be able to give one to every dog owner who needs it.”

For more information and to donate, call 707-430-1671 or visit BaileyChairs4dogs.com.