ROAD-WORTHY POOCH PROTECTION: We can all agree that, without protective restraints, canine passengers are as much at risk in a car crash or sudden stop as human riders. So why do so many of us hit the road all safely buckled in — except for Fido? Bad person, bad, bad person.
Save the excuses and buckle your buddy into a Ruffwear Load Up Harness — my choice for leader of the protection pack. Heavily padded top and bottom, with wide adjustable straps and strong, but unobtrusive all-metal hardware, this federally crash-tested vehicle restraint travel harness attaches easily, but firmly, to any seat belt via one sturdy rear-end loop.
Your dog can sit or lie down, sprawled or curled up, but won’t go flying forward if you slam on the brakes — or worse. Sure, you have to first carefully adjust the straps to fit the dog perfectly, but Ruffwear’s website has a great video that guides you through the uncomplicated process step by step.
The neck section is V-shaped to avoid uncomfortable pressure on the dog’s throat or neck, and any excess strap can be neatly tucked up flat using the integrated Velcro strips. The Load Up Harness can stay on for potty breaks and leg-stretching jaunts, though it’s not meant for heavy hiking or long walks. (It was purposely made with no hook-up for a leash, which could tangle or become a choking hazard on the road, if left attached.)
The five sizes accommodate girths from 13 inches to 42 inches — sorry, teacups, it’s the crate for you.
Ruffwear Load Up Harness, in size XXS to XL, is $79.95 at www.ruffwear.com.
