I have had pets for most of my adult life. When I was married, we had dogs, cats, birds and fish. Every once in a while, a stray rabbit would come calling. I also had 3 children and animals seemed to go with children. My daughter Cari, before she was killed, would bring home every stray animal that wandered in the area between our house and school. She found a cat that was pregnant and then there were kittens. Next, the cutest yorkie got my daughter’s attention. And more animals kept showing up out of nowhere. I think these darling lost little animals waited in anticipation of my daughter’s arrival. We didn’t think too much about securing them in the car at the time. We did put the cats in their carriers, but the dogs roamed free within the confines of the car.

During the pandemic, I like everyone else made the decision to have a dog. Every time I thought of getting a puppy, I would watch people from my window bundled up at ungodly hours, leash in hand and dog behind. I planned to get a dog that was pee-pad trained so I didn’t have to go out in the rain and snow. I know my limitations and I didn’t want any 4-legged creature to suffer because it snowed or rained! However, due to allergies I needed a hypoallergenic dog and it took me a long time to find what I wanted, a Maltese.

I was fortunate, and Cuddles, my Maltese male puppy, is my new addition. He is adorable, a real joy, and loved by so many. It is a real pleasure to call him my buddy. His motto in life is to love and be loved, and every day we go out looking for people to love. One thing about being a dog owner: suddenly you notice so many other people with dogs, and you quickly have new friends in your life. Cuddles is also a living being and I can’t imagine making any decisions that could cause him pain or to die, if it can be helped. Yet, people who say they love their animals risk their dog’s life every day.  

It boggles my mind when I see pets riding in cars, completely unrestrained. We certainly don't allow our children to travel without wearing a seat belt. They are buckled in their seats for a reason. Why, in heaven's name, do we allow our BELOVED animal companions to risk their lives, as well as the lives of ourselves and others on the road, by riding in the car unrestrained? Yet, we do, according to a Kurgo and AAA survey of people who frequently drive with their pets.  Read what to do.