Car Rides

I've witnessed the complete abandon with which some dogs ride in cars. With little regard to personal safety, they stick their head out the window, their ears flop up and down and the tongue hangs out to the side in an almost embarrassing fashion.


Not Vegas.

Vegas is lifted into the car. I think this is the first breach of dog dignity. You see, Vegas cannot lift herself into anything as she was born with a bad back. This bad back also causes her to walk with a distinct swagger. Vegas will then curl up in a seat (or dog bed) and I get the distinct impression she is saying to herself, "Go to my happy place, go to my happy place, go to my happy place."

I remember from when I was very young, bench seats in cars. You don't see bench seats much anymore although I'm sure they still have them. I remember lying in the front seat (when that was still safe) with my head on my Mom's lap as she played with my hair and Daddy drove. It is what safe feels like. This morning Vegas reminded me of that feeling when she reached out and placed one big paw on my thigh and eased her head on to my leg.  I tossled her ears and wondered if this is what safe felt like to her?

The wonderful cut grass smell is lingering on the feet of dogs tonight.