Not just dog’s and drivers..!

Monday, November 22, 2010 - Either you have your own dog you’ve taken in your car for a drive, or you’ve seen dogs being taken out by their masters. How we all love showing our dogs off, don’t we? We drive along the highway with our dogs sniffing the wind, half its body outside and bystanders moving back with fear, and what a thrill it gives us! But I wonder whether your dog’s enjoying the experience or poking his head out to see how he can get away from the maniac who’s driving! Yes, your dog as much as any other co- passenger enjoys a good driver. The car seat, which seats and cushions your behind so well, can be a terrifying experience for your dog.

Suddenly it’s not in control! It’s the driver who is in control! Depending on how smoothly you change your gears, how well you handle your brakes, Buster or Buddy or is it Lassie becomes confident. You can bet your bottom dollar that when dogs get together they sure must be discussing the type of driver their masters and mistresses are. “My master’s a maniac, I dread going out, I think I’ve got a slipped disc!” “I want to report mine to the SPCA! I’m becoming a nervous wreck!” “Mine’s a gem!” The poor dog has no safety belt to hold him safe. Years ago I had one, who loved sitting in the front seat, majestically and regally, looking with disdain at the strays she passed by. What I had done was to take her out in the car as a pup, let the windows down a bit so she could get the wind on her face, and all went well till one fine day, I had to suddenly brake and poor dog fell. From that day she sat on the back seat, where she wouldn’t get hurt as bad as in the front. She lost her trust in me.

What your dog looks for on a drive is total trust in the driver, and this comes when you the driver drive with the dog in mind. Encourage him to sit at first with someone he’s used to, he’ll just have a long snooze and when you hear him snore you’ll know you’ve passed the dogs driving test. “My master’s a gem!” he’ll say proudly when he comes back after a long drive, “ I’m just waiting for another long trip with him. Woof! Woof..!” And as I write this article today for dog lovers, I guess in life it’s not just dogs who need to trust in their drivers, we also need to trust our Driver.

Depending on our relationship with God, we sit in front enjoying life and know He is in charge. If we have no relationship with Him, we cow down in the back seat and are scared to face life. How is your relationship with the Driver of your life, and more importantly, do you have a good Driver?

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com