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.

[BG and Gavin]

In my small SUV I fold the seat down so Gavin can stretch out.  He wears a harness and a tether that attaches around the shoulder belt.  He can move around but on the belt will tighten with sudden pressure.

In the truck he lies crosswise on the seat.

In the cargo spot there are usually cargo holds that you could tether the harness to.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Hm, my back seats don't fold down flat, there is a slope. I will play with it to see what works. Auggie won't mind the harness, I will have to fight with Monty about it. But as long as it does not pin him down, she should be able to get used to it. Thanks!

[BG and Gavin]

Here is a shot of Gavin sitting up in the back seat of the truck with his harness on.

[Vivian & Mojo]

Gavin looks adorable, you must stop traffic with that handsome doodle! I'm shopping now for a car harness, I'm convinced.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Gavin, You ar

[Patti Golden]

Awww, he looks like a big version of my Boone.  I will definitely have to check out the harnesses now.  Glad everything turned out okay.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Patti and Vivian.  I won't lie, he garners a great deal of attention and always a smile or two at stop lights :)  The window get rolled up when we are underway on the highway though.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Such good news that nobody was hurt, that was a very close call.  I tether Riley's harness to the seat belt always but this is a very good reminder why to do it every time.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so very grateful that all of you are safe. What a horrifying experience. You are a wonderful doodle mother for many reasons and not the least of them for keeping Gavin safe in the car. Whew! 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks you Nicky and Bonnie!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I am so happy that there was NO collision and especially happy to be reminded. Thank you.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Lisa