While dogs do love riding in the back of pickup trucks, a letter to Dear Abby reminds us of the dangers:
...I watched in the mirror as she tumbled to the road. Belle survived the fall and started to get up, but before she could get out of the way, an oncoming car hit her.It was stupid, awful and completely unexpected. And it could have been prevented. A simple harness, or better yet, keeping my beautiful Belle in the cab would have saved her life.
Now, because of a stupid, macho image I had of a man, his dog and his truck, I have lost a beloved friend. Please, Abby, warn your readers that if they have a pet they care about, not to allow it to ride unrestrained in a truck bed. -- GRIEVING IN LEXINGTON, KY.
in many states this thoughtless act would be illegal. I feel for him, but like my friends that think Im cruel to keep my cats indoors 24/7...a safe pet is a happy pet, forget the image!
Posted by: DancingRainGirl at August 9, 2004 01:48 AMMy stepson had his dog's leash tied to a rope that ran the width of truck bed, and she was still able to leap over the side. Luckily she was alright, but she almost got caught under the rear wheels of the truck. Very scary.
Posted by: Jeff at August 10, 2004 02:28 PM