Owning a new car, especially after 19 years with the old one, comes with a learning curve. Dad needs to get use driving it, especially with the new safety features. For Mom it is joining everyone else in the 21st century by giving up her CDs and getting use to streaming. As for Asa and myself, we are also dealing with the highs and lows of adjusting. Specifically how to get in and out of the car!
Our new car is a lot taller than our old one. As you know, I pride myself in my athleticism, but let’s face it, I’m an 11 year old dog! Although I can jump in and out of this car, that doesn’t necessarily mean I should do it. Asa comes with his own unique set of issues. Not only has he never been fond of jumping, now with one eye it makes judging jumping into the crate more difficult.
The first few days Dad thought he was a young man again, and lifted us into our new ride. Asa was fine with that, and would go limp. But I know Dad isn’t a young man, and shouldn’t be lifting me. Therefore, I would somewhat fight him on the way up and down. What’s worse? Jumping or being dropped? I didn’t want to find out.
Luckily that was only temporary because Dad had the dealer install a trailer hitch in Mr. Red, and started yet another spreadsheet. This time he researched steps and ramps for dogs. We had some great suggestions from friends for a swivel step that would go under the car when not in use. But a little research, and a few questions to Chewy, it was soon determined it wouldn’t fit our needs. We also looked at a step that folded up. But again Dad found issues with it. Space inside the car was also a concern, which ruled out ramps, and some portable collapsable stairs. When we go on long distance adventures, we need all the space we can get to pack our gear and didn’t want the extra bulk.
After doing his research, Dad purchased a simple, heavy duty, plastic step that goes into the trailer hitch when we are getting in and out, but isn’t permanent. Each time we enter or exit the car it needs to be removed. Yet it is small enough that it conveniently fits in the back next to our crate, but wide and strong enough to support our weight. Dad also bought a bumper guard to fold out to protect the car from scratches as we enter and exit. Needless to say, donning and doffing the car takes a few moments, but for now this system works for us.
Being the smarter and more agile of the two, I immediately recognized what the step was for, and got into the car with ease. It is getting out that this old dog needs to learn a new trick. I instinctively want to avoid the step and just leap out. Good thing Dad reminds me to use it. Asa, well he still wants to be picked up. He’s not as confident using the step just yet. But Dad has found if he holds his harness to guide him, Asa eventually gets where he needs to be. When exiting Asa does his impersonation of a seal. He likes to try to slide down the bumper guard onto the step! So needless to say, we both need a little more practice to get over the highs and lows of this learning curve!
