Orcas Issues Introduces “Canine Capers”

Orcas Issues is pleased to present the first in a series of weekly column on matters of interest to canines and their companions, or would-be companions, written by Lesley Liddle. Reader comments are welcome.

Lesley Liddle is a certified service and pet dog trainer. First Mate Lulu is a Corgi/Red Heeler with spots like a baby harbor seal; Crewman Leonard is a Chihuahua/Doxie with tall ears like a rabbit. Both dogs have very short legs and were originally found in California shelters.  Lesley has average legs and can be found on Orcas Island.

Matters of the Dog – Safety First

Because the San Juan Islands are Islands of Dog Lovers, Canine Safety  is my first topic. If you are in the ferry line and look into the passenger seat of any car in front or behind or to either side, you will very likely see a seated pensive dog – not an ordinary dog but a Dog With Status. Such a seated dog is considered to have the rank of a person. It is without doubt a privileged situation, and one encountered all too rarely in this pathetic world of strife and nonsense.

For us, a Canine Islander is believed to be, when you come right down to it, the only individual you can always count on to forgive you and love you even on your worst days. Going to the mainland is often considered a “worst day” and therefore we often need our dogs along to boost our morale. But – and here is the moment of revelation – have you islanders done for this beloved creature what you would insist on doing for a complete stranger? Have you provided your dog with a car harness or seat belt? For most of you, the honest answer is “Huh? ”  Therefore this first discussion is about Dog Safety Etiquette in the car.

There are harnesses made just for dogs, and they attach to the car’s seatbelt. They are not so very expensive and they work. If an accident occurs, the dog will not fly through the windshield and be killed or maimed. The other option is to secure a sturdy crate to the floor or back seatbelt and have your dog ride in it.

I admit to being occasionally forgetful about this when on the island, which is of course stupid, and I will go forward and set a better example. But I never forget, mark these words, I NEVER forget to harness my dogs on the mainland where the speeds, roads and traffic are fast, dangerous, and challenging. Do this one thing if you are on the path to enlightenment.