Dogs and Cars

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Added: Wed. Mar 25, 2009 10:07pm

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When I was a little girl, more than 40 years ago, I recall seeing dogs chase vehicles down the street. When I see that same scenario today, I don’t think much of it.

But when I see dogs sitting in their owner’s lap while the owner is trying to drive down the street or highway, I have to wonder: What in the world is wrong with this person?

Today when I was driving home from a business luncheon I saw a man driving his mini SUV with two dogs sitting in his lap. Since he was driving so slow, I was wondering who was actually steering the wheel.

On my way to Virginia recently, I saw a number of dogs sitting in the laps of their owners while they were driving. Some dogs had their heads hanging out the window---while others were peering over or through the steering wheel as if they were helping to navigate the vehicle on the road.

What was even more disturbing is the people behind the wheel were baby boomers and older. I was trying to figure out what would possess someone, who needs to mindful of the road and conditions, to allow a dog to literally obstruct his and her view while driving down a busy highway.

Dogs are not meant for driving cars.

Maybe I’ve missed something but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a doggie seatbelt. Have you? As a matter of fact, I don’t think there’s a place for them inside a vehicle at all---unless they’re in a cage.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not an animal hater but I’m just trying to understand why drivers allow dogs to sit in their laps.

Oh, maybe I get it. It’s their “Guide Dog”. After all, some of us don’t see as good as we used to.

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babyboomerbev
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Posted 10:34pm March 26th, 2009

Ginger,

Thanks so much for your insightful comments. You could've actually written this post . I was a little surprised you commented because of your profile---but thanks!
Ginger!
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Posted 10:29pm March 26th, 2009

Hi Bev,

You probably won't be surprised that I'm responding to this blog, because if you've read my profile you know I have three.

First of all, I ABSOLUTELY AGREE that dogs have no place behind the wheel of a car or on the owner's lap, unless they're in their driveway with the keys sitting on the dining room table. It's not only irresponsible, it's a double dose of endangerment: you endanger not only you and your pet, but everyone else on the road around you.

Another thing that upsets me is when I see unrestrained dogs in the back of a pickup truck. If the driver needs to stop suddenly or is involved in a crash, the dog goes flying around in the bed of the truck, or worse.

Now, in response to your comment about having missed something....you actually have. There are seat belts you can purchase for your dog; there are also doggie car seats so that, if you do take your dog with you, it can be held in place. Cages are good unless you have a large dog (I have two that go between 95 & 110 lbs), so it's extremely difficult, and in some cases physically impossible, to get a large enough cage into a vehicle. But you still need to get them to the vet for checkups or shots. The best thing to do is to limit them to the back seat by putting something between the back and front seats....there are nets sold specifically for that purpose. (If your dog is well trained, it can ride in the passenger seat or on the floorboard if you don't have a car seat for it.)

So the bottom line for pet owners is: if you want to take your pets in the car with you, do it responsibly. Don't put you, your pets or anyone else in danger.

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