For the first couple of months that I had Topher, he travelled in the crate, which was seatbelted onto the seat. The problem I had with that was if ever I was involved in an accident, Topher would be tossed around INSIDE the crate, and I didn't like that idea.
A few weeks ago we purchased an Outward Hound car seat and it's attached to one of the second row captains chairs in my van. I can't put him in the front due to the airbags. I was putting off purchasing a seat due to cost, but luckily a friend of mine found one in a town 3 hours from here for 39.99...an excellent price. I was thinking that I'd have to spend 100.00 for sure!
I've been involved in enough accidents to know that ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN and that they can happen anytime, anywhere and when you least expect them. I would feel so darn guilty if anything happened to Topher because I didn't have him restrained properly.
He's getting more and more used to the carseat each time we go out....it wasn't an instant love affair, that's for sure! He sits there and stares at me...lol...as if to say 'what are you doing to me, woman?' hehe But I can relax, knowing that if anything were to happen, I've done everything in my power to keep him safe. ...Last November while out doing an errand, an elderly gentleman pulled out in front of me from a stop sign. (he didn't stop, nor did he see me). I had to slam on the brakes, but I still hit him and the impact (though I was travelling at a very slow speed) was quite severe. I was properly restrained in my seatbelt, but still had some injuries. I can't imagine what a relatively minor accident like that would do to an unrestrained yorkie....
__________________ VAL, TOPHER AND SOPHIE |