Story and Images by Jenn Lin © 2022-2023, All Rights Reserved

It might seem silly to say that the primary reason I drive is my dog, but since I work from home and I don’t have any kids, that’s actually very accurate. I’ve taken more trips with Duke in my backseat than anyone else. Anytime I get into my car, he’ll hop in as soon as I open the door. But it wasn’t always like this.

March 19th, 2022 is a day I’ll never forget. That morning, I came across Duke’s profile on Kijiji. I’m just browsing around to see what’s out there, I told myself. Half of me thought I wasn’t serious about adopting, and the other half thought, well, if I really find the right pup, maybe I could become a dog owner again. It had already been 4 years and a pandemic since my family dog had passed away. And I had just gotten back from a rejuvenating trip to Mexico, feeling ready to take this next step.

The breeder agreed to come by and let me meet him and his brother. Initially, I was really leaning toward the brother for the fullness of his coat, but personality was ultimately the deciding factor. The second I opened the door, Duke waltzed in like he owned the place, unafraid to approach me—whereas his brother was shy and thoroughly shaken from the ride over, and he had even thrown up in the car. It seemed like a no-brainer: I went for the dog that appeared confident, friendly, and could handle car rides.

After seeing him in my space and interacting with him, the decision was made: I knew that I couldn’t let Duke leave and run the risk of someone else taking him. The breeder left me a bag of puppy kibble and some pee pads. It wasn’t until much later in the evening, after the initial euphoria and excitement of getting him had settled a little bit, that I realized I needed to get more essential items.

Unfortunately, by that time, all the pet stores were closed. I didn’t want to leave him home alone, and so I thought I had no choice but to drive to Walmart and leave him in the car as I shopped. As I was getting ready to start my trip, I thought it would be a good idea to place him, this 5-pound 2-month-old fur-ball with no name yet, inside open cardboard box. I did this to give him some sense of safety, and to keep the car dry in case he did pee himself. As we were driving to the store, he was relatively quiet. A good sign, I thought.

So I ran into the store and reassured myself with each step that it’ll be fine. I’ll be back in no time at all. I gave myself 15 minutes to grab everything I needed: a harness, a dog bed, treats, and a few toys. 15 minutes turned into 20 by the time I made it through self-checkout. As I rushed across the parking lot and back to my car, I slowly realized the horror that had taken place in the backseat. There were poopy pawprints everywhere! Duke had jumped the box I left him in and completely soiled himself, thinking I had abandoned him! I was mortified, not only for the situation I had created (i.e., the mess and the stench), but also because I had totally traumatized my pup and it hadn’t even been a day!

I had left him there all alone in a new place, in the dark, with strange sights and sounds. He was so distraught that on the way back home, he forcefully climbed and perched on my shoulder, all while crying, trembling and clutching onto me by my neck. All I could do was hold him in place, soothe him and let him cry it out while I drove. How could you leave me like that?! he must have thought. Fortunately, he seemed to calm down as we got closer to home. By the time I parked, he was quiet again. Phew!

Once we got back, he slept soundly through the night on my kitchen floor (NOT on the bed I just bought him). I remember lying in my bed that night, letting what had happened that day sink in. Oh man, what have I done? I had just made a life-altering decision, but I was OK with it. I was more than OK. I was thrilled that I was opening my heart and letting love into my life again.

Two days later, after a short day in the office, I decided to spend some time in the car with Duke to get him more comfortable with being in it. He was initially a little nervous, just sitting there with me in my parked car, but the more I let him rest, all curled up on my lap in the front seat, the more calm and sleepy he became. Success!

As for the clean-up job on that fateful night, I’ll say this: I’ve never used so many Lysol wipes in my life! Thank god I had leather seats. And although I wanted to be mad about having to clean up, I couldn’t, because this is exactly the sort of thing I signed up for. Accidents happen, and it wasn’t his fault.

Since then, I’ve taken him everywhere with me that I could, including across the border to Seattle. A 3-hour trip one-way and not a peep! From then on, I knew he would be totally fine riding in cars. Here he is enjoying the car ride during our recent family trip to the Sunshine Coast:

Did you enjoy this story? Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! Follow me & Duke on Instagram at @jennlin91. Or contact me today to take part in my project to document the love stories between people and their dogs!