I Drove the Car on Our Road Trip (Mostly)

On our road trip, they let me drive the truck. I want to be upfront about this: I am not a good driver. I can barely see over the steering wheel even when I am sitting on Daddy’s lap, which is where I was for the driving portion of this adventure. Still — I was technically in the driver’s seat, so I am taking credit.

The Parking Situation

We pulled into what I believe was a McDonald’s. I parked the truck next to a curb. I was being very cautious, which is why I left several feet of space between us and the curb. Safety first.

After we stopped, I went to do my business on the lawn. Very nice grass. Good location. When I was done, I noticed the sign.

No Parking.

I did not see that sign before I parked. I maintain that this was an honest mistake and that the grass was very inviting. We left before anything happened.

The Car Seat That Did Not Fit

Before the trip, Mama and Daddy had bought me a dachshund car seat. This was very thoughtful. There is one problem with dog car seats and dachshunds: we are long. I am a standard dachshund with a full-length body, and I did not fit in it. I was too long from nose to tail to sit in it comfortably. So I rode on Mama’s lap instead.

This is actually a known issue for our breed. Most dog car seats are designed for compact dogs. A dachshund that stretches nearly the full width of a front seat is not what the designers had in mind.

The Stop That Almost Got Me

At one point during the trip, we had to stop very fast. I was on Mama’s lap, which is not a harness, and I almost went right onto the floor. I held on. Mama held on. Everything was fine. But it was a reminder that riding on a lap feels safe until it is not.

If your dachshund car setup involves a lap as the primary restraint — I understand, because I am in that situation myself — just know that a sudden stop changes things very quickly. A harness clipped to a seatbelt is safer, even if it means spending some time testing which one actually fits a long dog.

I am already researching my options for the next trip.