Dear Driving: Safety should be your number one concern for your best buddy before you feel “guilty” about denying her the feeling of those big ears flapping in the wind. Most dogs do enjoy an elevated view of the world from an open passenger window and the abundance of smells rushing up their flared nostrils. 

However, a loose dog in the car is not only dangerous for the dog but to you, the driver. Ideally, a dog should travel in a crate in the car. If involved in a motor vehicle accident, the force can throw the dog, not only out the window, but into you causing injuries to both of you. And just hanging her head out the window makes her face and eyes a target for flying debris and dust, small pebbles kicked up from the road and insects. But if you insist, there are some products on the market, which can allow your traveling companion to stay next to you with her head thrown back in wild abandon.

To keep your hound out of harm’s way while in a car seat, use a harness. Try either the “Go Anywhere Car Harness” which can be used for walking or driving or the “Car Safety Harness” which is just for use in the car. Both attach to the seatbelt and are available for under $20. The Car Safety Harness also comes in a fleece-lined model for $26.99 and can be ordered at http://www.drsfostersmith.com/

After securing your dog, you need to look at eye protection. There is a product called Doggles® which are sports goggles for dogs. No, these are not cheap sunglasses but serious protective eyewear for dogs. According to their website: “Doggles® come in a range of sizes and styles including: Pee Wee Pups, Super Sports, Shore Views and Big Dogs. They offer 100 per cent UV protection, impact resistant lenses, side air vents, adjustable head and chin straps, foam padding around each lens and a flexible frame.”

They fit dogs from five to 200 pounds and can be ordered at http://www.dogstory.net/doggle_for_dog.htm and sell for $24.95. Online you can choose from a variety of colors (including a snazzy glow-in-the-dark model), view photos of other dogs in their Doggles® and get helpful training tips. Once your kindred spirit is all geared up it’s time to hit the open road, or at least the open window button.

AKC Responsible Dog

Ownership Day

The American Kennel Club in sponsoring “Responsible Dog Ownership Day” Wednesday, September 17, 2003 to educate the public about responsible dog ownership and the rewards of a respectful human-canine relationship.

Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis, an avid dog lover and trainer, is AKC’s spokesperson for this inaugural event. A kick-off celebration will be held in New York City’s Central Park on September 17, the day AKC was founded in 1884, at the Naumburg Band Shell (72nd Street transverse) from 3 to 7 p.m. The public can meet Louganis as well as test their dogs as a Canine Good Citizen among other activities.

“Being a responsible owner is the cornerstone of the bond between people and their dogs,” says Louganis. “AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will be an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the fact that while the rewards of owning a dog are priceless, it’s crucial to understand the commitment involved and learn how to be a conscientious dog owner – whether it’s about spaying/neutering, how to properly train your dog, or just finding the ideal breed for you.”

For a listing of local events held around the country through September 21st visit www.akc.org go to “In the News” and click on “AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day.”

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Send questions or comments to elvemel@aol.com or P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470-0307.