CARS AND PETS
Part II
On my way home the other night, I stopped behind a vehicle pulled over to the curb. The driver had just jumped out in pursuit of a yellow lab wandering alone at the Five Corner's intersection. Hanging on to the collar of this apparently lost or misplaced dog, she beckoned to me, asking if I had a cell phone. I did, so I tried calling the number on the dog's tag, only to get a recorded message. I left word that I would take their dog, and gave my phone numbers.

The home address on the tag was on Madaket Road, a long way away, although in the direction I was headed. Naturally, we knew nothing about this dog; we only knew he shouldn't be unattended on busy Pleasant Street. He was friendly, so I invited him to jump into the back of my vehicle, and he didn't hesitate.

Closing the hatch, we stood a moment to commiserate about the dangerous circumstance this puppy had been in. It is then we hear a shout from across the street, about a half block down from where we are stopped. "Hey! What are you doing with my dog?" Hel-lo-o….we're saving your dog from being run over, that's what we're doing! When the coast was clear, I let the dog out of the back and he dutifully ran home to his irresponsible owner, who I hope will keep better track of him in the future.

It should be obvious that keeping your dog under your control and away from vehicular traffic is an essential safety practice, but for some reason, our common sense seems to go out the window when it comes to our pets and cars. Particularly here on the island, perhaps our relaxed lifestyle, narrow roads or lack of freeways lull us into thinking our pets are invincible in or around automobiles.

Even in the car, for the short trips accompanied by our pets, travel can be a hazard if your pet is unsecured. Safety researchers have found that a slam on the brakes at just 30mph can send a 50- pound dog forward with the force of being pushed by seven 200-pound men. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that pets moving around in cars are the third worst distraction while driving. Since they are unable to brace themselves adequately during unexpected swerves or stops, animals loose in cars can be thrown against dashboards, windows or floors. They can interfere with driving by crawling into the driver's lap or by preventing access to gas or brake pedals.

There are three basic ways to restrain your pet in the car. For an animal familiar with a crate, whether the enclosed plastic or wire mesh style, the crate offers a secure and familiar environment for traveling with the added convenience of a confined space for them to be housed in when you arrive at your destination. Acrate pad and favorite toys will make this a very comfy spot for your pet. As an added precaution, secure the crate inside the vehicle with bungee cords or other restraints.

Atravel harness is another way to limit your pet's mobility in the car. You can use any standard harness and a short car control strap, which slips over the seat belt, then fastens to the O-ring on the harness underside. Your dog can move about somewhat, but is confined to sitting or lying down on the seat. Taking this idea a step further is the raised car seat, ideal for the smaller dog or cat, which is secured by the seat belt system and to the animal by an internal loop connected to a harness. Some of these seats have drawers for holding toys or food, and one clever 3-in-1 product flips around for multiple uses as a car seat, travel bed or suitcase.

Another popular method of confining your pet in the car is probably the least secure. For SUVs or wagons, a barrier in either wire mesh or a more open tubular design will confine your pet to the cargo area, while allowing freedom of movement. The barriers are temporary, easily installed and are typically held in by tension between the floor and roof. However, its vertical stability might be compromised by the force of a collision, allowing the pet to fly forward, or if the rear window glass should break or pop out, the dog could get loose.

No matter which method you choose, get your animal accustomed to traveling and to the restraint system before you undertake any major car trip. If your pet is an anxious traveler or prone to carsickness, allow plenty of time to have short desensitizing trips that will associate positive results with a car ride. There are also homeopathic aids that will help soothe and relax queasy travelers.

Take plenty of water, be aware of the outside temperatures and avoid leaving the dog alone in the car for long periods of time. If you are on a long trip, stop every couple of hours for a leg stretch and potty break. Use your leash for exits to and from the car, and by all means, keep your dog away from traffic.

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAAand CWA(Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Miz Edna kitty. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com. I