Dogs in the back of the truck

[MrsCat 6]

Yesterday I was pulled over on the side of the highway listening to a voicemail message, when a dog stumbles out of the bushes. I figured he lived at a nearby house. I went to turn around and leave when I noticed he had a huge gash on his head. I thought he had been hit by a car. I stopped and took him home. He had wounds all over his legs and back.

We found his owners today. Apparently he had been riding in the back of the truck, and when they got to their final destination they realized they no longer had a dog. In their 15 mile drive (at 55mph), they really weren't sure where they lost him. They decided to post an ad at the grocery store in hopes that he was still alive and not rotting in a ditch somewhere.

I have no doubt that these owners love their pet. It was obvious in her voice when I called to say, I think I have your dog. It was obvious in the way they both hugged their dog when they arrived. It was obvious in how well cared for he look and how well mannered he was.

But for the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone puts their dog in the back of the truck without a cage. If the dog really needs to travel then it should be in the cab. Otherwise leave it at home. The poor gaffer is truly lucky to have lived.

On a completely selfish note, I wish we could have kept him. He was a great dog.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Kudos to you for stopping and taking the dog home with you as well. You probably did save that dog's life as well as re-uniting him with his owner. I too don't understand why people let their dogs ride in the back of open vehicles. It is so easy for the dog to be off-balanced or to jump or slip out - and if they didn't notice all that time it means they weren't even looking out the back window to make sure the dog was alright! They may love their dog but they sure needed that lesson on responsible pet ownership. Too bad it was the dog that had to pay the price. Again, kudos to you for stopping and helping that dog. He looks like a real sweetheart.

[sunandmoon 450]

California requires dogs in the open back of a pickup to be either in a cage or cross-tied to the truck unless the sides of the truck are at least 46 inches high.

[Emancipation 2]

MrsCat.. so glad you found the poor thing.. what a stroke blessing that you found him..

I agree.. his owners need some lessons.. hopefully they will change their behaviors now.

[Dakine 26]

Yesterday I was pulled over on the side of the highway listening to a voicemail message, when a dog stumbles out of the bushes. I figured he lived at a nearby house. I went to turn around and leave when I noticed he had a huge gash on his head. I thought he had been hit by a car. I stopped and took him home. He had wounds all over his legs and back.

We found his owners today. Apparently he had been riding in the back of the truck, and when they got to their final destination they realized they no longer had a dog. In their 15 mile drive (at 55mph), they really weren't sure where they lost him. They decided to post an ad at the grocery store in hopes that he was still alive and not rotting in a ditch somewhere.

I have no doubt that these owners love their pet. It was obvious in her voice when I called to say, I think I have your dog. It was obvious in the way they both hugged their dog when they arrived. It was obvious in how well cared for he look and how well mannered he was.

But for the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone puts their dog in the back of the truck without a cage. If the dog really needs to travel then it should be in the cab. Otherwise leave it at home. The poor gaffer is truly lucky to have lived.

On a completely selfish note, I wish we could have kept him. He was a great dog.

Hate to tell you but I've seen worse. People had their dog on a lease tied in the back of their truck. It jump out and was dragged a 1/4 mile before someone could stop them. The dog is still alive minus paws!

[mawilson 2,133]

On a completely selfish note, I wish we could have kept him. He was a great dog.

Wouldn't you have to change your name to MrsDog?

[Scott & Lai 12]

Hate to tell you but I've seen worse. People had their dog on a lease tied in the back of their truck. It jump out and was dragged a 1/4 mile before someone could stop them. The dog is still alive minus paws!

[amberdima 6]

ooohh...my sister witnessed a dog hop out of a jeep and get massacred on the side of a highway. bad move. dogs are unpredictable...just yesterday i was having a picnic in celebration of the glorious NJ weather with my dog at my side. while talking to a friend, he ran away without us knowing it. we found him running down a busy road. he will be leashed no matter where i am from this point forward.

Edited April 20, 2009 by Road Warrior

[Danno 1,228]

I don't know, we have all seen a lot of dogs ride in the back without a problem but as for me I would tie the dog off to something where he could not get over the side.

[jundp 191]

Sweet, Cat! Good thing you were there at the time to save the little fellow.

[MrsCat 6]

On a completely selfish note, I wish we could have kept him. He was a great dog.

Wouldn't you have to change your name to MrsDog?

I'm still a cat person. Despite his cuteness.

[MrsCat 6]

MrsCat.. so glad you found the poor thing.. what a stroke blessing that you found him..

I am sure someone would have stopped for the little guy. I swear it must have happened a minute or two before I pulled over. And I NEVER stop on the side of the road when I'm on the phone. It just happened that it was Chris asking me to turn around and grab something at the house before heading into town. So I pulled over to make sure I heard his message right before turning around.

I'm telling you, I wish that dog was mine. He was so good. He even licked ThomasJ on the head when he came in the house. Any dog that gives love to my cat is good by my standards.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I am glad things worked out for the dog. People are getting ridiculous with their pets. People leave their animals in a car with the windows cracked, and a bowl of water while they go shopping, and think things will be okay for the animals. It only takes about fifteen minutes for the animals to be stressed. Luckily, animal control is quick to respond around here and rescue the animals, but only if people make the call when they see animals being so mistreated.

Edited April 20, 2009 by Mister_Bill

[HannahP 119]

My dad used to load us kids and the dogs in the back of the truck to go four wheeling/mudding/whatever you want to call it. I fell out a few times, but the damn dogs always managed to hang on!

[MrsCat 6]

My dad used to load us kids and the dogs in the back of the truck to go four wheeling/mudding/whatever you want to call it. I fell out a few times, but the damn dogs always managed to hang on!

And yes, my dad did the same thing. We don't speak to him anymore.