How did ya do it, Deanna? Maybe the kind we used was different, this had the sliding type pole that was supposed to fit *snugly* against the floor and roof? Har.

I read the directions!

I don't know if we are talking about the same kind Joy. I did try the "euro" style bar barriers and that was a waste of money. The dog can move the bars, get in the front seat, turn on the emergency flashers and honk the horn...

I speak from experience.

The type I have is the adjustable wing nut type. I must say you have to twist HARD and check it once a month or so, because the vibrations of the road will loosen the wing nuts, but it has been working for me for almost a year now.

If you can't get a crate into the vehicle, look into the Roadie harness that Ed sells. This will keep the dog in one place if you roll. If you put a quick release on it, your pup can also eat carjackers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Joy: he shows no reluctance at all to riding in his crate. I have replaced the Mazda with an identical vehicle, and put the crate back in it in the same position, and he doesn't seem to care. But then, my next-door neighbors recreate WWII every 4th of July, and he doesn't even twitch.

Terry: "crack monsters" aren't a problem in these parts, and anyway, it's easy enough just to open the crate when you leave the car, or put the dog in the front.

BTW, I tried one of those "fits-all" barriers and it was totally useless. And, with Deanna, I very much doubt it would have withstood the forces involved in this collision. Maybe a permanently installed one, but I still think a crate is a safer solution. For instance, what about a rear-end collision? Or a side impact? The restricted space of the crate means the dog can't be thrown any distance, where with a barrier, they could build up quite a bit of momentum (and get twisted into a possibly deadly body position) before they hit something.

I wonder if there's a marketing niche for dog crates with built-in air-bags? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and that reminds me of one of the deficiencies of doggie seat belts. They are certainly better than nothing, but they still don't prevent torsional forces as well as a crate, and those are what can really ruin a spine. And, of course, the same strictures on not using the front seat apply to dogs as to children: the airbag could be deadly.

Dave,

Sounds like you have a wonderful dog there! Glad you are taking such good care to protect him. And good for you for posting a warning to others and sharing what was obviously a traumatic event in your life.

Again, we are glad you are both safe <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good point Dave about the forces exerted during a crash. The thought of being rear ended w/ my dogs in the back scares me!!

I think a crate is the best option for sure. I think I'll go and look for a smaller one and see if my dog will fit in it, and it in the car!

I do feel safer when she is next to me on the floor of my van, but the point is that she should be the one who is safe! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Dave,

Showed the pics and your narrative to the DH,
(serious car guy) his opinion is that it's amazing you both survived. He had to learn about the joys of crating when we met, he will be preaching crate a lot more loudly now.