Erin's story:
I adopted Nikkita from the ASPCA in NYC a long long time ago. She was the best dog in my lifetime so far. She loved to swim, ride in the car, play, protect- you name it- she did it. I was NOT ready to lose her. In August of 2010, I went for a Sunday drive with my dog. She was unsecured (as usual) in the backseat. We were stopped in traffic on the highway. I was the last in line. I looked in my rearview to see the car behind me was not stopping. I had no time. I screamed for Nikkita in hopes of getting her attention. The car slammed into the back of my car without even attempting to brake.
Immediately after the accident, Nikkita seemed fine, however we still took her to the vet. The vet said there was nothing we could do and to watch her. Within two days we knew something was very wrong. Nikkita lost her eye sight and use of her motor skills. We took her back to the vet, again there was nothing we could do and I saw the "bad vet face" as we left. Nikkita soon then started to pass out and seemed to go into a coma while she was sleeping. She was euthaniezed in our home soon after. I then had to talk to insurance companies about my "personal property". Let me tell you that a family member is just not personal property. All the money in the world couldn't bring back Nikkita. We now have Nikki, awesome - but not Nikkita. Nikki has a seat belt. When she chewed through it as a puppy- I bought another one. In fact, that trip was one of the only trips to the pet store without my dog. Why? No seat belt.
After this accident I asked myself- Would I have let my 6 year old child ride around unrestrained in the car? Never. Why did I let Nikkita unrestrained? Of all the stupid stuff I had bought for her over the years, I couldn't have spent $40 bucks on a pet seat belt? How many times have both Nikkita and I walked past them in the pet store? Really?!
Please please please keep on passing this on and thank you again for doing what you do. If my story can teach or help others- please tell it. Thank you and best of luck.
Erin Lysaght
Thank you Erin for sharing your story to help others. There are many great products out there from companies such as Kurgo and others to help protect your pets while traveling in a vehicle. Please research and find the right products for you and your pet, it could save their life.
