Happiness is a car ride
As a dog owner, lover and photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time observing dogs. Luckily, I’ve picked up a few tips from my canine friends, who have a lot to teach us about living. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from dogs is that the car ride is just as fun as the destination.
As humans, we tend to focus on “getting there”, wherever “there” is. The grocery store. School. Work. Our vacation spot. We tend to view the things in between here and there as obstacles. Traffic lights. Slow drivers. Detours. And the tedious distance that must be covered.
But what about all of that great stuff that exists between here and there? If you think there is nothing interesting between point A and point B – let’s say, your home and the local grocery store – take your dog with you the next time you head out and you’ll notice a few things.
First, your dog will be excited about the trip that you are viewing as a chore.
Second, your dog has no idea where he is going, but he is excited anyway.
Third, your dog will be fully engaged with his senses – looking out the window, sniffing the air, and feeling the breeze in his face – literally taking it all in while you tune it all out, focused on your destination.
Finally, your dog will show you that there is plenty to bark about between Point A and Point B!
So the next time you hop in the car, be sure to stick your head out the window, let your ears blow in the breeze and take in all of the scents of the world around you. Consider taking a road you’ve never explored before to feel the excitement of the undiscovered. And let yourself enjoy the car ride as much as the destination.
20 Responses to “Happiness is a car ride”
Car rides are fun Laurie but I prefer to walk and so does tall person. We so much more when we walk.
Hi Bassa! You are right – walks are a lot of fun, especially when you are with your best friend! And I think you just gave me a great idea for a photo (thanks)!
“Ride” is one of my favorite words. And you’re so right. I don’t care where we go. I get very excited when we arrive at the beach, though. I love the ocean!
Hi Lola! I bet you look adorable with your ears flopping in the breeze – whether in the car or at the beach!
Thanks so much for visiting today! Have a great day! 
We love our car rides. Our humans let us safely hang our heads out of the window to let the breeze run through our hair. After a breezy ride, we’ve been told we have the hair of 80s rock stars. We hope you enjoyed your ride!
Bella and DiDi
Hi Bella and DiDi! Ha-ha! I’d love to see your 80′s rock star hair – that would be fun! Thanks for visiting!
Oh Laurie, you are SO right! I think there have been only 2 or 3 occasions when I haven’t taken Flo for her daily walk (… other than when the vet said no to walking… I’m quite proud of that). On one of these I took her for a ride in the car to the car wash instead. I figured that her senses would run overtime doing something like that, and it worked. I wish I’d taken a photo of her in the back of the car when the machine was spraying all around us!
That is too funny! I can only imagine how Flo reacted with the car in the car wash! And good for you for making sure she gets her walk every day – I’m sure she loves that!
Thanks for visiting and sharing your funny story!
I love this post! The car is the funnest place on earth! Mom and I believe the journey IS our destination.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Hi Cupcake and thank you! I’m glad you love the post! The car is a lot of fun and you and your Mom are right about the journey!
Hi Laurie!
Oh my gosh yes, they love rides! Walks are their favorite but going for a ride is just about as much fun! Daisy looks so happy in her picture! The best riding companion we had was big Hallie as she sat on her behind like a human on the pillow with her back against the seat looking out the window. She made expressions about everything she saw and she was a lot of fun to ride with. Sounds like Daisy has a great time and so do you!
Great post!
God Bless you!
The Collies and Chuck
Nice post Laurie. My favorite at home is when I pick up their collars and they hear the jangle of the dog tags. Sends them into orbit. They can’t get into the car fast enough.
Hi Spiderpaw! Same thing here – the leashes come out and they go crazy! Thanks for stopping by!
Yes, that’s right, that must be happiness for a dog
Hello and thank you for visiting my blog! I appreciate you stopping by!
Great post!! We can learn a lot from our dogs
Thanks Misty Shores! Dogs are great teachers, aren’t they?! Thanks for visiting!
Wonderful photo and entry! Good reminder for all of us.
Hello Lois and thank you for your visit and comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the photo and post! Thanks for stopping by!
[...] a recent post, I featured a photo called Happiness is a Car Ride. One of my regular readers, Bassa (a beautiful Caucasian Shepherd Dog with a fun blog), commented [...]