My New Ride

My people got a new ride.  They got a 1969 Jeepster Commando.  I think this is a pretty cool car, let me tell you why:

A. I look pretty cool in it (see my picture below)

B.  I like cars without tops.  It's even better than sticking my head out of a car window.

C.  The seats are a little torn, but that's ok because there's lots of extra cushion for my little paws.

D.  I am an American (Eskimo) dog.  I like things that are American (like me), so I like Jeeps.

E. This car was built in Toledo, OH.  Even though I live in Florida now, I was born in Minnesota.  It's cold in Ohio, it's cold in Minnesota.  See the connection to me?

F.  Popular Science claims that this Jeep gets 13 miles per gallon.  That means my people will have to stop to buy gas more often when we go for rides, and I'll get to smell grass in new places.

G.  Popular Science also says this Jeep does 0-60mph in 13 seconds.  That means it's not so fast that I'll fall over when my people take off.

This Jeep is not 100% perfect for me yet.  It's pretty loud, and I'm not crazy about loud noises, so my people need to work on that.  The exterior color right now is pretty boring. I think it would be better if they go back to it's original color of red (because red looks great with my white fur!). 

Here's a picture of me and my daddy with the Jeepster (don't I look cool?):

New Nissan LEAF may be first dog-friendly EV

Electric vehicles seem to be growing in popularity lately, but from a dog’s point of view, the quiet electric operation can make it too easy for cars to sneak up on us. In an attempt to avoid running over dogs like me (or humans), the 2011 Nissan LEAF is using nifty noises to help make the car less stealthy when driving at low speeds. Yes, dogs hear at a higher decibel level than humans, but just having the noise at least gives us a chance to get out of the way.

It’s true that sometimes I like to scare my humans by acting like I’m about to run in the street, but electric cars are so quiet that I might not even be able to hear it coming. The LEAF will be one of the first EVs on sale, and it will be the first to incorporate such an audible warning.

At low speeds moving forward, the tone is at its loudest since the car is able to protect pedestrians who might be walking behind the LEAF in a parking lot. Once in drive, the tone changes slightly, but it still sounds like the high-pitched wine that comes from EV motors. In reverse, the tone chimes similar to a conventional back-up warning system used on delivery vans. All of these sounds come from a speaker mounted under the hood where the engine would be on a normal car.

My top 5 favorite cars

I get this question all the time! "Hey Mauja, what is your favorite car?" Well listen up, because here's my top 5!

In the number five spot is the Volvo XC70. First of all, who doesn't like safe cars, but my reason for liking the XC70 is the fact that it is like an SUV but much easier for me to jump into. Some dogs don't like station wagons because they get caged in the back, but I always get a window seat whenever I travel!

For dogs that like to hide things, the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country are great vehicles. With all of its hidden nooks and crannys, I can store my chew toys (I call them my babies) and bones anywhere in these cars. Another good thing about minivans is there is a lot of space for me to explore! Check out this picture of me exploring the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Like the Volvo, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover can get me and my human just about anywhere and it has a low window line making it easier for me to stick my head out the window (I'm a pretty small dog). If I don't feel like sniffing out the window or a certain someone won't put the window down for me, there are so many windows in the SX4 Crossover that I can still see what's going on outside the car.

It may not seem like I'm a fan of cars with all these crossovers on the list, but there are many cars that I like. Although my "daily driver" is a Toyota Corolla, one of my favorite cars to ride in is the Mazda MAZDASPEED3. For me, the sporty seats help to hold me in place, but my human seems to have the most fun driving with a huge smile on his face!

Finally, my favorite car out right now is the Honda Element. Besides the wide opening side doors that make it easier to jump in, this is the only car that I've ever seen that actually comes with a dog package. I like jumping up into cars, but for older dogs who aren't capable of jumping this high, this package adds a ramp that my friends can walk up to get into the Element. This package also comes with a spill-proof water bowl in the back and an electric fan just for me! As much as I hate being locked in the back, the Dog Friendly Honda Element has a dog bed and shaded kennel, and the humans will like all of the dog paw prints and dog bone designs used on the seats and floor.

Oh, and one more thing: although some of the cars on this list have leather interiors, I actually prefer cloth seats. Yes, leather is easier for the lazy humans to clean up my fur (and the occasional en route illness), but with cloth seats I don't slip and slide all over the place! Of course I don't slide too far because I'm always strapped in with my seatbelt tether properly attached (safety first!). Humans have to wear seat belts and dogs should, too!

Put 'er in gear

Hello everybody, and thanks for checking out my blog, Waggin' Wheels. This site is for animals of all kinds, including humans, and is centered around my love of cars. As a pet, I've ridden in all sorts of cars ranging from minivans to an Audi R8 (that's me in the picture), but nobody ever asks to see what I think of today's cars. Waggin' Wheels is my way of adding a little doggie flair to the automotive industry, so roll down your window and stick your head out... for my human readers, just have a seat and enjoy!