A close call and another plea...

[BG and Gavin]

We were making our regular Sunday night drive home from the cottage.  It was dark, Gavin was contently stretched out on the back seat of the pick-up truck (after happily finishing the last bites of each of our cheeseburgers) and DH and I were singing along to a classic rock tune on the radio.  We were cruising along about 80 km/h (that’s about 50 mph US) on a two lane highway that was widened to four lanes to provide a turning lane on each side (along an area with a number of businesses).  The person in front of us merged to the right lane to turn into one of those businesses.  At the same time a person came out of the business and was attempting to make a left hand turn right in front of us.  Everything happened very quickly.  Our half ton truck was about to broadside a compact car in the driver’s door.  I let out a gasp, my husband hit the brakes hard, then steered hard to the left swerving into the furthest on-coming lane.  “Ok,” I though, “we are not going to broadside this car, but when we tag the front end of it, we are going to spin.”  But miraculously (and thanks to some nifty driving from DH) we missed the car!  But believe me when I say the momentum was intense – first forward and then sideways.  Gavin and his seat cover shifted slightly, but thanks to being harnessed and strapped into the seat belt, he was not propelled forward and onto the floor of the back seat.  And God knows what kind of damage he would have suffered if that happened!

Some people on this site will warn you about feeding food from China.  Others will educate you about puppy mills.  Some will advise you to get pet insurance.  I am the one that has and will continue to urge you to strap your doodles into the car when you are travelling.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Omg that is so scary!!!! I've never considered dog seat belts but once I had Zoe in the front seat On a hot summer day ( because there are more ac vents in the front), and a car cut me off at a stop sign so I had to brake really fast and she did indeed slam into the dashboard then the floor. I had to pull over and hold her for about 20 minutes because she was in such a state of shock. Luckily this was on the way to the vet and I had them do a thorough examination on her and she was ok. I notice now she wedges herself inbetween the back of the seats and Ben.
Do they freak out in the beginning when you first use it? I will definitely research the types of belts and get them some. Perhaps it will help Ben with his motion sickness as well.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for sharing your story Joanna.  I am glad that Zoe was not seriously injured.  Gavin never had any issue with being strapped in as I have been doing it since he has been a puppy.  I think it makes him feel steady and secure.  He can sit, stand up or lie down.  When he gets in the car or truck, he goes right to the spot where he gets hooked up and lies down and waits to be strapped in.  I think they catch on quickly to the routine.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thank you. I'm so glad Gavin is ok too! Sorry I wrote that whole reply in a frantic state after reading what happened to you guys and was so scared! I'm glad you are all ok!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have heard that the harness type car restraints that fit around their chests and keep them sitting up facing forward actually help with car sickness.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Karen!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I just read that the other day in fact!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

BG, you know, the last plea you posted did work--at least with us.  Spud has been belted in since your post. Keep them coming. Glad you are all safe

[BG and Gavin]

You know how happy that makes me, my friend.  Love that Spud!

[Camilla and Darwin]

So glad you are all okay! I agree with you. Securing your dogs when you drive is SO important!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

You must have been scared to death for a moment there!  I am so glad everyone is OK.  This is an excellent reminder to restrain the Doods.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

how scary. glad you are all ok!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Wow, BG!  I bet you were scared to death! So glad everyone was safe!  Thanks for the reminder -- SAFETY FIRST!!