Recently, I was reminded why we created Buckle Up Your Pet. I was in a parking lot about to leave my parking space and a car pulled up next to me. In the car, was the most adorable little dog sitting on the driver’s lap. For what felt like a minute, I sat there in my car. I had to make a decision. Let it go, or say something. Let it go, or say something.
Some of you may not know this about me, but I am not super comfortable with going up to complete strangers and offering them unsolicited advice. But this is something that I have had to practice, and get better at, because I have to do it almost daily. There are times when I worry that the pet owner is going to tell me to get lost, mind my own business or worse. There are times when I worry that I’m being annoying, or invasive or a know-it-all. During those times, I have to remind myself that this isn’t about me.
This is about that little dog who went for a ride on his owner’s lap. He has no idea that if his owner gets into an accident, he will either be crushed to death by an airbag or be thrown into the windshield and fracture his spine. He also doesn’t realize that he could be a distraction and be the cause of an accident. This is about that little dog, and others just like him, who could be injured and injure others. Those dogs have absolutely no say in the matter. I leave my comfort zone everyday to be their voice.
So yes, when I see you pull up next to me in a parking lot with a dog on your lap, I will say something. Or when I see you driving around with your pet in the backseat unrestrained, I will say something. Not because I’m trying to be annoying, or invasive or a know-it-all. Not because I’m trying to shame you or label you as a poor pet parent. I will say something because I want to educate you and save a life. I imagine that you are someone who loves driving around with your pet, but you have no idea the danger you are putting your pet (and yourself) in.
After reading this, you also have the knowledge and the power to educate. I encourage you to join me in this dialogue. Perhaps you can climb out of your own comfort zone and start the conversation with your family, with your friends, and with your co-workers. I am not encouraging you to approach complete strangers, because, let's be honest, not every situation is safe. But start the dialogue, in whatever manner you feel safe, because you would be surprised how many pet owners aren't even aware of this issue.
If you are wondering what happened with the driver and the little dog on his lap, I did end up saying something. I gave the driver my card and we had a little chat. He, like most pet parents, said that he hadn't thought about it before and he didn't even realize the danger he was putting his dog and himself in. He said that his pup loved riding on his lap, but he would feel terrible if anything ever happened to him. Before I drove away, the little dog and I made eye contact. One more voice heard.
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