Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 01-04-2004 12:41 PM         

---

My mom was taking me to the airport in Austin, TX when we saw a dog that had been hit by a car lying in the far right lane of the road (it's a six lane road). A police officer had blocked off the area and was standing there by the dog. When we drove by the dog picked up his head, so we circled back to see if he was getting help. They had called for the emergency vet truck that the city has, but it was still enroute. Apparently in Austin they pick the animals up and take them to the shelter, if they have a lot of injuries they put them to sleep unless someone will be responsible for their vet bills. A vet was driving by and stopped right when we did. Neither of us could transport the dog to a vet ourselves (my mom has a mustang), so we comforted him while we waited for the vet mobile. My mom and I said we would be responsible for the vet bills, so when they came they loaded the dog up and took him to the emergency vet clinic. We followed them there and got there a a minute or two after they did. The driver met us at the door and said that the dog had died right when they put him on the table.

It's a very sad story, but that is not why I am telling it. We found out from the officer that the dog had been riding in the back of a pickup truck. The truck changed lanes or braked or something and the dog fell out and was hit by the truck behind them. The people in the truck the dog fell out of and the people in the truck that hit him kept driving. A guy a few cars back stoppped and called 911.

I can not believe that people leave their dogs unrestrained in trucks. I see it all the time and I always think how easily the dog could fall out if they turned too fast or braked suddenly. This experience illustrated that all too well. The vet mobile driver told us that they are trying to pass a law in Texas making it illegal for dogs to be in the back of a truck unrestrained. I think we should all do whatever we can to see that this law is passed in Texas and where ever we may live. This dogs death was totally preventable if his owners would have taken more care and clipped him to a harness so he couldn't fall out. I hope these laws get passed soon so more doggies don't die.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-04-2004 01:52 PM         

---

I know exactly what your talking about. Both of my heelers are well aquainted with the back of the truck. Even though we might only drive a block or mile or two, they still get buckled in by a truck harness. It stretches across the bed, and has a short 6" lead with a snap in the middle that attatches to the dogs harness....You can get them at any pet stores. I have two in my truck.

They snap in and out easily, and don't get in the way of anything. ONLY USE THEM ON HARNESSES!!! They are not meant for collars. A dog can wiggle out of a collar.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 478
From:Dallas, Texas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 01-04-2004 02:56 PM         

---

Not to mention, if you use it on the collar, and you were like the person who didn't even stop when the dog flew out, if they flew out and it were on a collar, well, the dog could be hanged. I really wish people would stop doing that! I am sure the dog is pretty banged up afterwards!

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 01-04-2004 06:23 PM         

---

Definately use a harness. My grandpa used to clip his dogs by their collar until one day he went into a store and one of the dogs tried to jump out. The dog nearly strangled himself before my grandpa could get him unclipped. Luckily the dog was fine and now they ride in the front of the truck or are clipped to a harness.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-04-2004 07:21 PM         

---

I have a safety harness especially designed for car rides which i attatch to the middle of the bed right next to my truck window. Plus I would NEVER drive with him in the back on a road that large. I take 35 mile an hour back roads to get to the dog park so he is always safe and secure.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 1392
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-05-2004 04:04 AM         

---

Driving with the dog unsecured is awful. But can you imagine not stopping when your dog falls out and gets hit?! Makes you really wonder about people.

Jamiya

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 240
From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-05-2004 06:34 AM         

---

I was so happy when the state I live in (New Hampshire) made it illegal for a dog to be riding unrestrained in the bed of a pickup. They either have to be in a carrier secured to the truck or somehow restrained. What kills me is to see a person alone in a cab and a 1/2 pickup and their dog stuck in the bed of the truck...there is more than enough room inside the truck for the dog to ride in a be safe.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)