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!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Who makes Darwin's new harness?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh Darwin, now you're both handsome and safe....perfect!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Darwin even looks adorable in a car harness!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Yeah, good Doodle mommy (and daddy too). Darwin you look very handsome in your new harness!