======================================= MODERATOR'S COMMENT:
This thread has drifted far beyond its original parenting scope. Please limit followups in misc.kids.moderated to the parenting aspects discussed within this thread, and remove mkm from the newsgroups line for further discussion of other topics such as pet care, driving tips, etc.
=================================== END MODERATOR'S COMMENT

enigma wrote:

oh, i can think of a couple perfectly logical reasons... car
exhaust isn't healthy & what if someone rearends your car.

The rear ending of the car would be pretty awful for the dog that is true.
I haven't noticed the exhaust thing as being a problem. I mean I don't
notice it going in the kennel but I suppose some of it might. There is zero
chance the hitch itself is going to fall off but if the kennel wasn't
properly secured to the platform it would be dangerous.

if all the humans are
in the truck cab & the dog is also going along, he would be in
a securely anchored kennel in the bed.

I don't see this hitch as any different then being in the pickup bed (other
then the rear ending factor which I agreed to).

leedogs aren't luggage. they go *in* the vehicle

Mine doesn't. It seems I'm always being accused of treating my animals
awful on Usenet. I view myself as perfectly ordinary and kind to animals
but maybe I just don't get it.

Dogs are not people. I've drove miles and miles in the back of a pick up
myself and didn't suffer so I can't imagine the dog suffers to much by not
being inside the car. It might not be *fun* but I just don't see how he is
suffering. I don't equate him to luggage but no I wouldn't strap my kid to
the bumper either. I don't think of my dog as a human. There are certain
seasons when the dog suffers less back there then inside. For instance in
the winter my feet would turn to blocks of ice trying to keep it cool enough
inside the vehicle to keep the dog from becoming miserably hot.

This is probably mostly a mute point now because it is dh's car as of today.
If he wants to let the dog up front he can unless we all go together and
then there isn't room unless he rides on my lap, ugh..no thank you.
--
Nikki