Safety First!

[Camilla and Darwin]

After reading the blog post by Jodi today, I realized that I needed to get more serious about Darwin's car safety. He is usually just loose in the backseat, and enjoys it because he has the freedom to look out either window, lie down, or look out the front windshield. Unfortunately, he has taken some tumbles as we've stopped quickly or turned sharply. I read in her post that they had gotten in an accident and that the harness had stopped her dog from being flung into the front seat. Well, if a sharp stop makes Darwin tumble forward, imagine what would happen if we got in an accident? DH and I decided it wasn't worth the risk, and went and picked up a car harness. I have done a lot of research on car safety, and I believe the general opinion is that having your dog in a secure crate is the safest way to travel. Well, Darwin's crate definitely doesn't fit in our car. So I think the harness is a reasonably good alternative.

I was afraid that Darwin would resist or hate it, but he did totally fine. We just snapped it on him and the only difference was that he wasn't wobbling all over the seat or moving around as much. He didn't struggle or anything, just sat there looking slightly confused. I think it will also help to prevent him getting sick in the car, because he's not moving as much. Anyways, thank you Jodi for reminding me that safety is more important than convenience!

Modeling his spiffy new harness:

All safe and sound!

[Brenda F]

Isn't it funny how, despite the fur, they look human sitting there like that? I recently saw this girl in a smart car with a huge doodle in the passenger seat. It was just hilarious and I was wishing I had my camera!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin can lay down in his harness. I think it depends more on your seat belt and less on the harness, to be honest. Our seat belts are adjustable if you pull on them, unless there is a sharp jolt, then they lock in place. Since the seat belt is just slid through a loop in the harness, it is not actually the harness that allows him to lay down. Does that make sense?

We haven't yet used it on a long drive. I think it will actually make it easier for him though. He's usually wobbly and unstable because he refuses to sit or lay down. He wants to be standing the whole time. Now we have the harness, he has to be sitting or laying down on the seat, so he's been more secure and way less carsick. I think we will probably stop every couple of hours at least to let him have a stretch break though.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Can Darwin lay down if he wants to in his harness? What do you do for long drives?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We have one and it is GREAT. Darwin looks mighty cute in his :)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin says thank you... :-)

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

What a gorgeous coat Darwin has!!

[Debbie and Thomas]

Oh yeah...I will post a picture tomorrow if I find one

[Debbie and Thomas]

OK Darwin you double of my Thomas, we are going to get one of these tomorrow! thks for the reminder you handsome dood.

[Camilla and Darwin]

The brand is American Tourister, and I found it at Petsmart.

[BG and Gavin]

Darwin! What a good boy you are! Good doodle mom Camilla too! I hope that Jodi's post made an impact on others as well.