Safety First

A few weeks ago, we were reading about how The Thundering Herd all wear seatbelts in their Jeep.  I had been contemplating the idea of getting seatbelt harnesses for the dogs for a while, for several reasons.  After we read that they'd actually had an accident, but nobody was hurt, Mr. Taleteller looked into ordering one to try it out and see how it would work for us.

We had several reasons for wanting to try them out.  I assure you it had nothing to do with the dirty looks I was sure we would get from the girls.  Eating drive through food in peace had no motivating factor, either.  Those  would be nice benefits, but really, it was to keep the girls safe and not to torment them.

Our reasons were for their safety.  First, if there were ever a crash, it would certainly keep them from being thrown too far or getting tossed around.  Second, it would also keep them from running off after a crash if there were windows or doors broken open.  We've heard alarming stories over the years about greyhounds who survived serious crashes only to be lost after they ran away in fear or were hit by traffic as they bolted from the scene.  Third, it is safer to keep your dog restrained in some way so that they can't distract you from driving.

If you read our blog on Saturday, you saw that Bunny opened the package up and then was a bit nonplussed.  This one was ordered for Blueberry, but one will be coming for Bunny soon.  We figured that it would be easier to start training Blueberry to use it first because she pretty much gets in the van, claims her seat, lays down and does not get up until we arrive at our destination.

Anyhow, we took our maiden voyage with Blueberry wearing her harness.  To say that she was underwhelmed by the whole thing would be a vast understatement.  It would be akin to saying that the Sistine Chapel is a nice church.  Still, she didn't complain too much when she first got in and Mr. Taleteller hooked her up.  Then, we started the van and Blueberry decided that she had to circle three times before laying down.  Houston, we have a problem!

Being the devoted pet owner that I am, I climbed to the back of the van and worked for several minutes to unsnap the harness, pull the strap out from beneath her and then reattach it.  I'll just say that I'm glad the van wasn't moving when I started working on that little task.  Blueberry was surprisingly uncooperative about helping me out, too.

Me:  Blue, could you just...roll...over?

Blueberry:  No, you loon!  Do you not see that I am strapped down?  Woe is me!  I know how Aslan the lion felt now!

Me:  You're restrained by one tether!  It's hardly like being tied down!

Blueberry:  Hmph!  Why isn't Bunny tied up?

Me:  Bunny's harness isn't here yet, but she will be wearing one, too.

Blueberry:  (looking around)  Where is she going to be tied up?

Me:  She's not going to be tied up!  Her seatbelt is going to attach to this seatbelt over here.

Blueberry:  You mean I have to share this seat with her?!  No!  Surely you jest!

Me:  Yes, that's the plan until we can figure out a way to attach hers in the middle part of the van.

Bunny:  What are you talking about?  Why are you petting Blueberry and not me?

Blueberry:  I can not sit next to that all the way to anywhere!

Me:  Finally!  It's attached the right way.  Blue, we'll work something out!

So, I climbed back up to my seat, feeling a serious case of stink eye boring through my back.  I began to be glad that greyhounds aren't born with laser beams in their eyes.  We're easing into the seatbelt routine, and while the girls may not like it, sometimes we have to do things that are unpopular to keep those we love safe.  Girls, I can't even say I'm sorry this time!

For those who asked, our harness came from Champion K9 Outfitters.