Having said that, there are times, when for convenience, speed or due to excessive distance, other forms of transport need to be deployed. Dogs all have their own preferred method of traveling in cars. Some go in the boot in crates or with a guard to stop them making an unscheduled trip into the cabin to visit the occupants. This hasn't been an option for a number of years, in 'Her Indoors' car, as she's got a Mini, and any effort to shut me in the boot would lead to a very stern phone call to Dog-line. Some dogs travel, lounging in full splendour and comfort, on the car seats, with a restraining harness that plugs into the seat belt retainer. This sounds like a great idea but 'Them Indoors' have a totally unreasonable concern for the car's upholstery so are not in favour. What's a bit of terrier glitter and the odd scratch mark between family members, I ask you.....
The Boss used to favour a small, soft travel crate that went on the back seat and was held in place by the seat belt. This way he was still in the same zone as the other occupants, but saved from any disturbance to his senior napping.
When I used to live with my previous owner, I was allowed to free-range in the car, traveling in the foot well or hopping onto the seats as the whim took me. Apparently, this is now illegal as an unrestrained pooch isn't a good idea in terms of potential distraction for the driver, or in the event of an accident. When I came to live with 'Them Indoors' they had to reconsider my transport arrangements and I have a suspended car seat that hangs from the headrest and is secured by a strap around the seat or by the seat belt. I am fastened into my seat via a harness and I prefer to travel in the front passenger seat so I can rest my head on the edge and gaze lovingly at 'Her Indoors', something that, to be frank, she finds slightly unnerving. It also has the added advantage that she can give me ear rubs if we have to wait at the lights or we get stuck in traffic.
I can also use my seat when the roof is down although 'Her Indoors' gets a bit cross if I bark at other furs as it makes her jump. She also worries about me getting something in my eyes as she wears sunglasses to prevent such a mishap for herself. Then she discovered something called doggles, which as the name suggests are sunglasses/goggles for dogs - Amazon has a lot to answer for. However, I look pretty cool in mine and I turn a few heads I can tell you.
When the Boss was alive and we were not traveling by car, we had the problem of his senior staying power, which was significantly diminished in later years, although his enjoyment of being out and about, meeting people with their furs, and snaffling treats, remained with him to the last. The answer was for him to have his own transportation devices. This started with a back carrier for long walks. He used to walk for a bit and when he got tired 'Her Indoors' would pop him in the back pack and carry him. He loved it. He could still supervise activities and get treats without 'Her Indoors' knowing about it, or expending any effort whatsoever. In due course, 'Her Indoors' bought him a buggy for walks with me, and the same applied. He'd potter along until he got tired, then in he'd get and off we'd go!
Recently, 'Them Indoors' have bought new bikes for use at home and whilst we're on holiday in our motorhome, which is a great idea with just one significant drawback: there's no space for a samll dog. There was some subversive talk of putting me in the basket on the front but I'm not standing for any of that nonsense, or sitting for that matter. I'm no-one's handbag pooch. After much discussion, they decided a doggy bike trailer would be the best way forward and they've purchased a rather fetching little number in racing red. Like the Boss, I've got my own number plate and I' making a few little tweaks and personal touches just to make it clear who's on board. I haven't been out in it yet but 'Them Indoors' are bribing me with treats to sit in it. The Boss might have been an adventurous fur, willing to give anything a try, but I'm more cautious. I've got used to 'Her Indoors' driving, but I have my reservations about what she'll be like on a bike. Keen cyclists might like to look away now, but it's got a battery for pedal assistance, to increase her potential range with a small dog in tow. Anyway, I'm going to search the Internet for a doggy crash helmet just to be on the safe side. If they do doggles, there must be a helmet out there somewhere - watch this space!
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| All fastened in and ready to go - watch out lady furs! |
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| My bike trailer with a few homey touches! |
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| Cool or what! |
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| The Boss in his buggy with me as the outrider! |
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| Giddy-up 'Her Indoors'! |
Postscript
Since the Boss went over the rainbow bridge in February, 'Her Indoors' hasn't had the heart to get rid of his buggy and back pack, as he was so happy in them, but it seems a shame for them to just languish in the shed with no fur using them and I'm a mere youngster and don't need them. So this weekend she's had them out and cleaned them up. If anyone in the south-east would like either of them, the buggy (with extra anchoring points - the Boss was...well...the Boss!) or the back pack are yours for £20 each, buyer collects, or for the back pack if necessary, pays postage. Full service history and previous elderly, totally careless celebrity owner!
The Boss's Back Pack
The Boss's Buggy
If you prefer new, here's the links. If you buy anything as a result of clicking on them, we get a small amount of noms money from Amazon which is only right and proper!
