Man on bike with dog: silliest thing ever?
This past weekend I saw what is quite possibly the silliest thing ever. A man riding a bike with a special backpack carrying his pooch. I suppose it's not that much different than stowing your pup in a basket off your handlebars. But...when I saw the guy I thought, "He must be a real nut."
And nuts are always the most interesting to talk to. Sadly, I was 44 miles into a 63 mile bike ride and didn't have the energy to catch him and ask him if his dog was enjoying the view.
Instead, I went home and Googled "pet carriers for bikes" to see how much this ridiculous looking contraption cost. Curiosity kills time, yes it does.
I found this nylon handlebar carrier, above, that comes with a sunshade for $45. I'm thinking this would turn a lot of heads.
But it was not quite what that nut, I mean dog lover, had. Here's one that is more like it. A $63 doggie pack (at left)!
I do wonder if this pet parent worries about his dog's safety. What if they were hit by a car or ran into a tree? That pooch needs a helmet. Now let me just Google that...
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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I saw something similar this past week end on Victory in Glendale. A man riding his bike with a homemade flat bed small trailer attached and his black and white shepard sitting very nicely on this trailer. A free ride.
I think it's great. Most people with dogs will take them in the car when they're able, and dogs get bored in the same house/yard as we do.
Most dogs are pack animals and they like to go with their leader. An animal psychologist, Konrad Lorenz (Man Meets Dog) talks about how dogs need to imitate their 'old' (pre-domestication) behavior. Going for a ride in the car (bike) is, for the dog, like going hunting with the pack leader.
When I had a dog (2 times) any trip we took together was treated as work (both dogs were herd/retriever types) so it reinforced their identity and sense of purpose. One dog, who was part German Shepherd would be told "Stay, guard" when I would leave the car (NEVER on even warm days, let alone hot) and upon return would be told, "good stay, good guard". She was a sweety and wouldn't hurt anyone, but a someone looking for a car to break into wouldn't know that...
So many people live in apartments and work long hours. I think to be able to spend time with a pet outside the apartment (where the pet spends almost ALL its time) is someone who has looked into what makes their pet happy (and themself). And I seem to remember reading that having a pet in public is a great way to meet people...
Julia, that man with his pooch in a special backpack you thought " must be a real NUT " can very easily be my husband. My husband often takes our Puppy on a bike ride with him. Just 'cause it is something you will not do, does not mean it is a NUT thing to do.
So you think leaving the family pet home alone for long hours day in and day out is less nut ? Just like Lynda said, after one works long hours and wants to excersise after coming home and does not want to leave his/her pet home alone longer then necessary I think it is a bright idea and not Nutty !!!
You make a great case for why it's important to talk to people who seem nutty or odd. Exchange a few words and you find they are just regular folks. ~Julia