Browse ›
An older Black woman sits behind the wheel of an old pickup truck while a smiling white Maltese sits on the seat beside her. 11 / 26

Grandma Odessa Climbed Into the Old Pickup. Her Copilot Was Already Smiling.

AI imagemaltesepickup truckcar ride

The pickup is old, rusty around the edges, and full of character, and so is the driver. Grandma Odessa sits behind the big steering wheel in a soft gray sweater, seatbelt across her chest, smiling over at her passenger. Pearl sits on the bench seat beside her with her tongue peeking out in a happy grin, her blue collar standing out against her bright white fur. A thermos, a tote bag, and a plaid blanket are tucked behind them, the dashboard holds a jumble of sunglasses and papers, and through the windshield a yard full of potted plants waits in the afternoon light.

Car rides are exciting for many dogs, but tiny breeds like Maltese are especially vulnerable in a sudden stop. Experts generally recommend securing small dogs in a crash-tested harness clipped to a seat belt, or in a secured carrier or booster seat designed for pets. The front seat is not ideal because airbags can injure a dog, so the back seat is the safer choice when one is available. Keep windows open only a little so heads stay inside, and never leave a dog alone in a parked vehicle, since temperatures inside can climb dangerously fast even on mild days.

Pearl's sunny expression makes it obvious that riding along is one of her favorite things. Whether they are heading to the feed store, the post office, or just around the block, she is ready.

Every good road trip needs a cheerful copilot, and Odessa found the brightest one in town.

More from this collection

All 26 →
An older Black woman under a patchwork quilt sits by a stone fireplace with a white Maltese snuggled against her.Grandma Odessa Lit the Fire and Grabbed Her Oldest Quilt. Pearl Knew Exactly Where to Go.An older Black woman hammers a fence board while a shepherd mix holds a stick and a white Maltese peeks up from below.Grandma Odessa Grabbed Her Hammer to Fix the Fence. Two Dogs Showed Up to Help.
An older Black woman kneels on a green yoga mat in a bright room while a white Maltese stretches its front legs beside her.Grandma Odessa Rolled Out Her Yoga Mat. Pearl Had Clearly Been Practicing.An older Black woman fills a wooden bird feeder crowded with sparrows while a white Maltese sits quietly beside her at dusk.Six Hungry Sparrows Landed on the Feeder. Pearl Didn't Move a Muscle.A smiling older Black woman holds a leash attached to a white Maltese at an outdoor produce stand with crates of vegetables.Grandma Odessa Came for the Tomatoes. Pearl Came to Be Admired.An older Black woman pins white sheets to a clothesline while a happy white Maltese trots out from under the laundry.Grandma Odessa Hung Out the Clean Sheets. Pearl Saw a Brand New Playground.