Seatbelt for Molly

September 3, 2009 -

I have often worried about my dogs when I take them for a ride in the car. I’ve always let them stay loose in the back seat, but I hate to see them jostled around. Even if you drive carefully they’re bound to lose their balance. Rosso in particular likes to stick his snout out the window, but he can also open the window (so I have to lock it) though I’m always careful to open it just a little so his nose can peek out but not his head.
Recently I went on vacation and took Molly with us on a road trip. Again I worried. I thought about putting her in her kennel in the car, but the one we had doesn’t fit. So I initially opted for just keeping her loose, like I usually do. Well, we had to do a u-turn off the highway (something to do with the driver missing an exit, aka: me – go figure) and Molly was terrified. I did it as carefully as possible, but still she felt the movement of the car which frightened her.

I’ve always known you can get seatbelts for your dog, but I’ve never been keen on the idea. I want to protect them, but I also pictured them forced to sit in one place for a long drive and that seems miserable, too. It seemed like too much to ask, freedom of movement and protection…

When I gave my brother his puppy (Molly’s sister, Rozsi), he received a seatbelt from his mother-in-law as a gift to her new granddog. So I quizzed him on its use and found out I was completely wrong. The seat belt fits comfortably on them around their chest. It has a strap that connects to the seat belt so your dog can actually turn around, lie down, stand up, etc. All it does is provide them the protection of the car’s seatbelt system if there is an abrupt movement or stop.

I went out right away and bought one for Molly for our return trip, and I’m so glad I did! You could tell that she liked it, too. She felt secure and comfortable riding in the car than she usually does. Her anxiety level definitely went down. The material that goes around her body is fleece and very cushiony, and it’s adjustable to fit her comfortably.  Here’s the one we got, but there are several varieties to pick one that’s right for you: http://bit.ly/Seatbelt.

It reminded me that our pets really are like our children, and the things we can do to comfort them and make them feel safe and secure increases their kinship with us and reinforces the special bond we have with them. Molly now wears her seatbelt whenever she’s in the car, and is the happier for it. I also got a smaller kennel that’s more suited to her size and can be used in the car as well. Taking care of my ‘kids’ is so important to me.

Now I’m curious about goggles… I’ve heard they can get eye injuries from sticking their head out the window (Rosso)…