Car makers put dogs in the driver's seat

Psst, did you hear they are making cars for dogs?

The auto industry is desperately trying to skid into bankruptcy. If there was ever a time to be creative, it is now.

That’s why I am not surprised by the debut of dog-friendly vehicles not at car shows or car lots, but more appropriately, dog parks.

Going to the dogs has never been so good – as least that’s the hope for Honda, makers of the 2009 dog-friendly Element set to engage in a dog fight for customers with Toyota’s pet-pleasing Venza.

I happily confess that when I shop for vehicles, the “pet factor” is key. As editor-at-large of Fido Friendly, a magazine that caters to people who travel with their pets, I engage in treks with my two dogs, Chipper and Cleo to all parts of the United States. We have done road trips to desert resorts, houseboat cruises, dog-friendly ski sights and more.

When I bought my 2008 Saturn Vue last year, I didn’t seal the deal until I gave it a test ride with Chipper and Cleo in the back end. Cleo is a 12-pound mystery mutt and Chipper is a 60-pound Golden Retriever-Husky with erect ears that soar skyward. The backend of the Saturn accommodated her ears and provided ample space for the two of them to get cozy on long road trips. At the time, Saturn did not pitch these model as pet-friendly. Maybe they should have.

Now, Toyota and Honda are cleverly thinking outside the box by promoting their new models at places where dogs hang out – like dog parks. These venues give owners the chance to kick the tires while their dogs perhaps “decorate” the tires with personalized signatures as they check out the pet-pleasing perks. Among the features include a built-in bed fold-out ramps and more.

I’m all for cars built with pets in mind. But I will draw the line if they start handing out driver’s licenses for dogs.