We are all fine -- Scariest night of our lives

On Saturday we had spent the day playing on the rocks and enjoying the weather on Belle Isle with Marley. After leaving Marley jumped in the back seat and passed right out. I wanted to put him on my lap to snooze, but Cole reminded me he was filthy so we let him sleep in the back. We recently bought him a gentle leader so he was not buckled in with his harness as he usually is. Anyways we were headed up Main St. near cary town and a driver ran the red light at Belmont and T-boned us going 40 mph, hitting my side of the car. The first thing I remember was the impact and screaming for Marley. As we were spinning, I turned to see him and he wasn't there. After we came to a stop, Marley was the only thing on my mind -- Cole jumped out of the car, I knew he was fine. We found Marley on the rear driverside floor under the driver seat. I had to pass him through the window because Coles door is the only one that would open. Before coming to a stop on the sidewalk, we also jumped the curb and went over a fire hydrant. The hydrant ripped though the metal in the trunk and the passenger rear floorboard. We are so lucky Marley ended up on the rear floor of the drivers side of the car, he would be severely injured or not with us had he been on the passenger side. We are all fine and escaped with minor bruising and very sore muscles. The kid who his us was 22, it was his second drunk driving offense and was taken to jail, but seemed to thankfully be uninjured. We just found out this morning that he does have auto insurance and they are covering everything, even vet bills! I am so upset with myself for not having him buckled up, The witness said by the way I was screaming they thought we had had a child or baby in the back seat (he is my baby:-)).... So anyways buckle up your doodes, and car insurance does cover your pets!
We are sooo sooooo thankful to be ok, especially Marley!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adrianne Matzkin on February 16, 2009 at 9:44am

OMG!! I am so grateful to hear that you all physically fine! How is Marley?
Samantha is sending Marley tons and tons of Doodle hugs and kisses

Permalink Reply by Valerie and Cody on February 16, 2009 at 10:10am

I'd probably be screaming just the same. I'm so happy to hear everyone is ok. I bet Marley's kind of sore. Give him lots of love from me and Cody.

Also, I don't know how you're handling everything with insurance, but if you need a personal injury attorney, I can recommend one.

Permalink Reply by Katie Cole on February 16, 2009 at 10:50am

Oh wow Kelly! So glad you, Cole, and Marley weren't injured badly. Be sure and get some insurance-provided therapeutic massages and if you don't have one, find a friend with a hot tub or spa to so you can soak your sore muscles. Too scary! I'm madder than ever at drunk drivers.

Permalink Reply by Jaime on February 16, 2009 at 1:38pm

I am so sorry to hear what you've been through but at least everyone is ok. I used to use a seatbelt for Penny all the time, then for some reason, I stopped. I may have to reinstitute using it. If there is anything I can do, let me know.

Permalink Reply by Belinda Stevens on February 16, 2009 at 2:22pm

Ahh Kelly I am so thankful all 3 of you are ok. You are so right about buckling them up. I am guilty of not doing this as much now that Stella is older but thank you for opening my eyes.
Again.... so glad you all are ok! Give little Marley a tiny soft squeeze for me! I'm sure he is sore too!

Permalink Reply by Kelly & Cole on February 16, 2009 at 5:23pm

Thank you all for your thoughts. I would have never forgiven myself if something happened to Marley! We are thinking about purchasing something different as far as a seat belt. What we currently use is a harness which has a short strap to use if needed as a seat belt. After more thought I don't know how safe this is. I think we will look into something actually approved if there is such a thing. Does anyone know of a safe, approved seat belt device for dogs?

Again, THANK YOU all for you thoughts and well wishes! -- I really want to raise awareness about the importance of buckling up our doodes...

Kelly, Cole & Marley

Permalink Reply by Jaime on February 17, 2009 at 11:48am

That's the seat belt that I have too, a harness which attaches to the car seat belt. The only other option I've seen is crating your dog in the car. I think the intention of seatbelting/crating is to keep the dog from being a projectile and hence hurting itself or you as it moves through the car. I guess the center seat is would be best.

Permalink Reply by Valerie and Cody on February 17, 2009 at 2:09pm

Yeah, I asked the people here and they said crating the dog and then securing the crate would probably be best. The main point in those harnesses is to keep the dogs from distracting the driver. They're not really meant to keep the dog safe during an accident.

Permalink Reply by Kelly & Cole on February 17, 2009 at 2:15pm

Yes, I have been researching all day and cant really find anything that is meant to protect the dog and not just the passengers. There are some "dog seat" types of restrains, but they are mostly for small dogs, which would be fine for now, but in a few months he will have outgrown it. I am still searching for a solution & thinking about starting a discussion about vehicle safety restraints for our doodes... It seems that there would be something out there, tested, to protect pets??? Anyways, I am looking and will let you all know what I find...
Thanks again!
Kelly, Cole & Marley

Permalink Reply by Jenn&Greg on February 16, 2009 at 6:40pm