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A smiling older man in a cap sits behind the wheel of an old pickup with a harlequin Great Dane in the passenger seat. 39 / 39

Grandpa Earl Climbed Into His Old Pickup. His Co-Pilot Was Already Buckled In.

AI imagegreat danepickup truckroad trip

The old pickup's interior has seen plenty of miles, with cracked leather seats, a worn steering wheel, and a steel thermos tucked into the cup holder. Grandpa Earl sits behind the wheel in his olive cap and fishing vest, pockets bristling with pens and tools, grinning broadly with a twinkle in his eye. In the passenger seat, Domino sits tall and proud, his harlequin head nearly brushing the roof, front paw resting on the dashboard, gaze fixed out the windshield like a seasoned navigator. Through the windows, a stack of firewood, flowerpots, and a garden hose fill the yard behind them.

Many dogs love car rides, and Great Danes are no exception, but their size makes safe travel a little more complicated. A loose dog can be thrown forward in a sudden stop, and a dog this large could also distract the driver. Crash-tested harnesses that clip into a seat belt, or a properly secured crate in a vehicle big enough to hold one, are the safest options. Airbags in the front seat can also pose a risk, so many experts recommend dogs ride in the back seat when possible. A ramp helps a giant breed get in and out without straining joints.

Wherever these two are headed, they're clearly going to enjoy the drive. Every road trip is better with a co-pilot who never asks if we're there yet.

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