When I found myself cramming three small dogs and two cats into a Mazda Miata for a trip to the veterinarian, I realized it was time for me and my husband to acquire a second car — a dog car, to be exact.

It’s not unusual for soccer moms and carpool parents to choose a vehicle based on their children’s needs, but increasingly, pet owners — especially those who hate to leave home without their dogs — are right there with them.

Click here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18040355/) to read the entire story from MSNBC.com

By Kim Campbell Thornton
MSNBC contributor

Cute stories and so true. When I first bought my E, I was surrounded in the parking lot at the first dog show I took it to. All my friends wanted to see just HOW MANY dog crates fit inside and how it all worked. I had already added my basket and hitch rack and they were indeed impressed.

Of course, that was three years ago and the motor home folks just grinned...but I know who is grinning these days.

Cute stories and so true. When I first bought my E, I was surrounded in the parking lot at the first dog show I took it to. All my friends wanted to see just HOW MANY dog crates fit inside and how it all worked. I had already added my basket and hitch rack and they were indeed impressed.

Of course, that was three years ago and the motor home folks just grinned...but I know who is grinning these days.

What do you show? I attended a small show this past weekend and to my amazement :???: saw 2 Elements there, but their dogs were the small breed dogs. Nothing medium, large, or extra large mind you. ;-)

When I first saw the Element, it was love at first sight, but once I got to reading about it and was able to test drive it, I new I had to include my dogs in this.

I had 3 English Mastiffs, a litter of 8 on the way and a Senior Pit bull in the house. We were able to take the Element home on our test drive, and sure enough all 3 Mastiffs fit in it comfortably. I wish I had thought enough to get a picture of that. :oops:

Since, the pups have gone to great homes, and 2 of the 3 have crossed over. :-(

After rolling my 03 SOP, we agonized over what to get next, with just 2 small Pits and a Mastiff, was the Element still what we needed.

:???: Why of course! :razz:

Kerri