Our city is a walker’s paradise.   Although there are numerous walking paths, we also have parks and sidewalks easily accessible just minutes from home.  Walking through the park has been a life saver for me, restoring serenity during some tough times and health scares.  But one thing jolts me to the core, sending shock waves through my system.  I’m enjoying my reverie, when suddenly, there’s a dog barking in my ear.  Literally– a few feet away–a dog barking it’s head off while hanging out a car window.   I don’t know why so many people in the city think its okay to do that.  All I know is that a dog’s bark disturbs a walker’s peace when it’s that close, and so unexpected. 

It’s very common in nice weather to see dogs sticking their heads out of car windows.  Apparently, their owners believe that’s safe.   Probably, they think they’re give their dog a joy ride in the fresh air.   Actually, it’s dangerous.

Sometimes the problem is compounded when there are two dogs in one car.  One in the shotgun seat, the other in the back.  Both hanging out the window and barking frantically, because they’re anxious or overly excited by the experience.  You wonder what goes through the mind of the driver of that car.  Do they enjoy some kind of sadistic pleasure in seeing people  jump in sudden fright?  Or are they so  self absorbed that they think it’s cute?  Like a “yes” mom watching in adoration  as her spoiled kid throws a temper tantrum in the checkout lane at the supermarket.

In at least five states, it’s illegal for a dog to be in a car unrestrained, because it can cause distracted driving.

According to veterinarians, it’s not safe at all for a dog to hang it’s head out the window.  Even if they enjoy the wind in their face,  foreign objects like leaves, insects and rocks can strike them with great force and even damage the cornea of their eye.  Also, foreign bodies can work their way into a dog’s ear or nose, causing severe inflammation.   Would you encourage a child to hang their head out of a car window while you’re driving?  Of course not.  Why, then, let a dog’s bark disturb a walker’s peace?