This interesting piece not only keeps an animal in shape, it also gets work done. The animal, in this case, a dog or sheep, walks on the treadmill and powers a machine such as a separator, a churn or washing machine. The wheel on the side connected to the machine with a belt. The conveyor belt would turn as the animal walked, which in turn turned the side wheel, and operated the other machine. The cleats on the slats of the conveyor built gave the animal traction to continue to move. This piece was patented on Jan. 15, 1900; the patent date is stenciled on the side. There are larger treadmills for larger and multiple animals, namely horses, which often ground grain. What a lot of work for a human, that was saved by animal power. We hope that the animal was justly rewarded after their chores were done!