I WISH:: Pet-friendly rides

Lately, I’ve been taking part in the I LOVE effort. Today, I found myself making wishes. See, I’m in the market for a new SUV.  My beloved Green Machine (1996 Ford Explorer) is not doing well.

I’m looking for the perfect vehicle for me and my pets.  I think the US Auto Industry could save themselves buy developing pet friendly add-on packages.  According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) — yes, there is such a thing — the pet product industry grew last year (2009) by $2 billion.  That’s $47.7 billion in 2009.  We Americans love our pets! 

So why haven’t Ford and GM caught on to this?  I’ve been developing my wish list.  Here are the features for my dream pet mobile:

• Pet friendly interior fabric
• An integrated ramp
• Optional lift platform for infirm pets or heavy objects
• Automatic lift hatch
• Crate anchors, like baby seat anchors.
• Bowl holders
• Leash tethers for use with halters
• Rear A/C
• Automatic venting when the car temp reaches 70* to create a comfortable and safe environment (Law Enforcement K-9 vehicles are equipped with this type of feature.)
• Interior temperature gauge that’s visible from the outside
• All-weather floor mats for muddy days at the park or stable
• Cargo holders to keep things like buckets, towels and carrot supplies in place.
• Run flat tires
• Incorporate dog parks, vets and pet stores/services into Sync

It looks as if pets are here to stay. We need our vehicles to consider them, too.  I WISH: Ford Motor Company would develop a pet package for their vehicles… specifically the Explorer.  (Butters, Lula and I will gladly test it!)