You see, as PetConnection’s sibling site, DogCars.com takes great pride in the fact that if not for us, the 2010 Dog Friendly Honda Element would most likely not exist. That’s because back in 2007, the doggedly dedicated auto reviewers at DogCars.com came out with our first-ever DogCar of the Year awards for vehicles that are popular among folks who routinely travel with their pups.

Topping off that debut DogCars awards list was the Honda Element, which we honored as Best In Show for 2007. The Element’s versatile cargo area offers many features that dog owners can appreciate, such as an easy-to-clean interior; squared-off rear hatchback that easily fits crates and side doors that open opposite each other to provide extra access for dogs to jump in and out.

The Best In Show award was immediately embraced by Honda, which proceeded to create an advertising campaign that featured our four-legged friends enjoying the dog-friendly attributes of the Element. But Honda didn’t stop there. In 2009, the automaker announced that a special Dog Friendly edition of the Element would soon be available. This special package, which is priced at just under $1,000, offers dog lovers a host of items that are designed to make the ride safer and more comfortable for all involved.

Dog Friendly features include:

– A stowaway rear ramp

– Built-in nylon crate on comfy bed

– Rear fan

– Bone print rubber floor mats

– Built in doggie bowls

– Special dog print emblems

And much more.

The new Dog Friendly Element is so impressive that it warranted a repeat honor as Best In Show for 2010, tied with the versatile Toyota Venza.

The new Element has also been getting plenty of attention and accolades from dog lovers and automotive writers alike. And when you combine the two – an auto writer who loves to travel with dogs – you get a first-hand account of how well Honda had hit the mark with dog owners.

Here’s a sample of what Alex Nunez, of AutoBlog.com, has to say about how his pups rated the Element:

Our Honda Element pooch-pack tester was a loaded, all-wheel-drive EX with navigation ($27,270 MSRP including the dog package). The centerpiece of the kit is a crate secured to the Element’s cargo bay via straps that loop right into the standard floor-mounted tie-downs. Once it’s in there, know that you have zero storage behind the second row seats; the crate eats up all the usable space. Installation is rock-solid, though, and the top and sides of the crate are a breathable mesh material that the dogs can see through. Not that they’ll be seeing too much – the clamshell-style tailgate obstructs their view backwards and the side windows are too high for them to really see out of. Since the roof of the crate is mesh, light still gets in and they can see the sky.

Frankly, I was okay with all this, because my dogs’ general reaction to seeing any living thing out the windows is to bark loudly and incessantly, as if they have just spotted flying saucers unloading giant cat warriors in a mass invasion. That gets old in a hurry. In the Element, Millie and Pepper basically sat quietly once zipped into the crate. However, if your dogs get motion sickness or really like to look out at the passing world, this is likely a less-than-ideal setup

Read the rest of Alex’s review here. And for more dog-focused reviews, check out our comprehensive list at DogCars.com.

What vehicle was the distinguished recipient of that first-ever DogCars.com Best In Show award? And the winner is . . . the Honda Element! The Element’s versatile cargo area and easy-to-clean interior were just some of the key points that made the Element the best among many other vehicles ranked high on the DogCar of the Year list.

The Element’s popularity among dog owners was so impressive that the marketing folks at Honda jumped at the opportunity to capitalize oncater to the dog-loving public by creating a cute little ad campaign featuring pups and the DogCars.com Best in Show logo.

It also set into motion the design of a new dog-friendly version of the Honda Element for 2010 that features a built in dog bed, flexible crate, stow-away ramp and many other accessories that make it appealing to those of us who like to travel with our dogs.

And the praise keeps rolling in for the Element. This year, the Dog Friendly Honda Element was back in the Best In Show winner’s circle when it tied with the Toyota Venza for top honors by DogCars.com.

Last month, Bark BuckleUp named the 2010 Dog Friendly Honda Element as of the Top 10 PetSafe vehicles. And DogSmith.com gave high praise for the Honda Element by endorsing it as the vehicle of choice for dog training professionals.

“The Honda Element reflects our DogSmith standards of superior quality and professionalism in pet care at an affordable price,” says  Niki Tudge  of DogSmith,

Now just because the Element is right for some dog-loving families, doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. That’s why DogCars.com provides in-depth reviews of a variety of vehicle makes and models, providing pluses and minus each one tested. Check them out here.

(Photo: Twyla, Harper and Bella pose in the dog friendly Honda Element during DogCars.com reviewer Kim Campbell Thornton’s test drive.)

That’s one of the reasons that PetConnection sister site DogCars.com was developed: To give dog owners a sneak peek at what a vehicle has to offer in the way of protection for our pups and convenience for pup lovers.

DogCars.com reviewer Kim Campbell Thornton puts today’s vehicles to the test as she transports her girls – Twyla, Bella and Harper – on their daily rounds.

In fact, her recently posted reviews of the Nissan Versa and the Mazda CX-9 provide some surprisingly opposite ratings from Kim and crew.

Speaking of DogCar safety, Bark Buckle UP did an extensive study of the safety factors in today’s vehicles and came away with a list of the Top 10 pet safe vehicles. Michael Coates of mightycomm reports from Chicago:

Last week at the Chicago Auto Show, Bark Buckle UP founder and Pet Safety Expert, Christina Selter, announced the winners of the third annual Pet Safe Vehicles[ ... ]at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

The Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles are (in alphabetical order):
Chrysler Town and Country (Similar to the Dodge Grand Caravan)
Dodge Journey
Ford Edge
Ford Flex
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Element (2010 DogCar Best In Show)
Kia Soul
Smart Car
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

The safety features that qualify these vehicles are rear climate control, side curtain airbags and d-rings to harness pets.

A whole pack of dogs and their owners appeared Wednesday evening to model proper safety precautions. Selter demonstrated how a full-sized crate can comfortably fit in the back of a Smart Car.

In case of an accident, pets should be secured in vehicles so 1) they don’t get hurt, 2) run out of the car and cause another accident, or 3) attack safety personnel. According to Selter, a 65-pound dog riding in a vehicle going 35 m.p.h. becomes a 2,700-pound projectile if not securely fastened. Traveling with pets in their crates is the most cost-effective safety measure because most people already own a crate.

For these and many other dog friendly vehicle and product reviews, visit DogCars.com.

(Photo:Debbie Freidstat and Bentley show off the pup-carrying capabilities of the Smart car, which took home one of Bark Buckle UP’s Pet Safe Vehicle awards. The Smart has side curtain airbags and D-rings to harness pets, and it also features a fold-flat passenger seat that can hold pet transport carriers.)

As the world’s automakers gather in Detroit this week for the North American International Auto Show, most of the focus is on hybrids, fuel cells and other environmentally friendly technologies.

But one piece of news that won’t get much of the reporting spotlight is that among the handful of manufacturers who stayed profitable during the bleak economy of 2009, were two Korean manufacturers – Hyundai and its littermate, Kia.

From a dogowner’s point of view, Hyundai already has recorded multiple paw ratings by in tests by our reviewers at PetConnection sister site DogCars.com with the Santa Fe. Meanwhile, Kia is well represented in the DogCars reviews with four models worthy of the attention of pup-loving travelers.

Now, just a week after DogCars.com released its 2010 Best In Show award (a tie between the Honda Dog Friendly Element and the Toyota Venza), a new Kia has made the DogCars review list. Listed as one to watch for 2010, the boxy little Kia Soul was just tested by DogCars.com reviewer Kim Campbell Thornton, and her dogs Twyla, Bella and Harper.

Check out Kim’s review and not only will you find out how capable the Soul is for carrying canines, but you’ll also discover such interesting tidbits as Kim’s height, her husband’s nickname for the Soul, and how Kim and Bella choose to kill time in the Soul while waiting for Bella to finish some medical tests.

Apparently Kim and her crew aren’t the only ones who like the Kia Soul because this year’s Detroit auto show opened with the news that the stylish little boxer has been named Small Car of the Year by FAMA Magazine.

Look for Kim’s Kia Soul review here, and the rest of the DogCars.com reviews here.

This year’s DogCars.com Best In Show Award goes to the 2010 Honda Element EX Dog Friendly edition and the 2009 Toyota Venza.  The DogCars team who made the choices: Reviewers Kim Campbell Thornton and Gina Spadafori, and our own Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian.” Kim’s Cavaliers are the models in some of the pictures, as well.

Why did we like these two? While no single vehicle will fit all dog-lovers any more than it will be a perfect match to any segment of buyers, we were impressed at how far Toyota and Honda were happy to go to court pet-lovers.

Both vehicles were designed and marketed with the dog owner in mind, taking great measures to outfit the vehicles with custom accessories to help keep a dog safe and comfortable.

The Toyota Venza, which was first introduced as a 2009 model, is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a design similar to a sport wagon, but with more interior room than a traditional wagon.

The low-to-ground clearance offers small or less-agile dogs easier access to the Venza through tailgate or the side passenger doors.

The Venza was initially marketed to pet owners by offering a variety of dog-safety accessories built specifically to fit the vehicle.

Made by pet products manufacturers Kurgo and Solvit, the accessories can be purchased directly through the Toyota dealer, making it easier than ever to ensure that all dogs are safe and secure when riding in a Venza.

For Honda, this year’s Best In Show award marks a return engagement, as the 2007 Element was honored with our first-ever DogCar of the Year Award. After we caught their attention, Honda upped the ante,  rolling out a special “Dog Friendly” Element package that goes to great lengths to please pup lovers.

The Dog Friendly Honda Element EX offers a package that includes a raised platform and cushioned bed with a soft-sided crate facing out the rear of the vehicles, and an extendable ramp for easy in-and-out suitable for dogs of sizes.

Other dog-friendly features include a rear fan for improved airflow, a spill-resistant water bowl, bone-patterned rubber floor mats, and a tote bags with leash, collar, ID tag and bag dispenser. Special badges on the side and rear of the Element proclaim its dog friendly status.

In a departure from previous DogCar of the Year Awards, which listed top DogCars in several categories, this year’s list features a look ahead at what potential pup mobiles are coming from the world’s automakers.

The reasoning: The past year was so hard on the auto industry – with entire brands disappearing and new vehicle production slowed to a crawl –  we decided that instead of looking back on what was, we wanted to look ahead to what’s down the road.

In addition to the Toyota Venza and Dog Friendly Honda Element, here’s a look at the top five DogCar prospects for 2010:

Ford Transit Connect

One look at the promotional photos of the Ford Transit Connect and you can see that it’s a definite DogCar contender. Based on a model that is popular in parts of Europe, where streets are narrow, the Transit Connect can be outfitted as a cargo van or five seat wagon. The low-to-the road clearance couples with a high profile roof, dual sliding side doors and a pair of rear doors to provide easy access to the cargo area from any angle.

Ford says that you can configure your Connect in a wide variety of designs, including a wide-open cargo area with rubberized floor mats, which is music to the ears of all dog-loving drivers.

Honda Accord Crosstour

In a throwback to the Accord Hatchback of the 1980s, Honda is introducing a car-like Accord Crossover utility vehicle that may – or may not – be considered as a potential DogCar. The Accord Crosstour features a V-6 that gets up to 27 mpg, and boasts 101 cubic feet of cargo space.

And while a hatchback is preferable for dog owners, the sloped rear roof may not be as appealing for those carrying crates for the canines.

Volvo XC60

The XC60 is Volvo’s first small SUV, or what the Swedish carmakers calls the “Small Premium Utility” category. Offered with a choice of six-cylinder engines and lots of design features like all leather interior (easy to clean), panoramic roof (open-air feeling), and fuel mileage of up to 27 mpg.

The Volvo XC60 comes from a bloodline that is definitely DogCar friendly, with the XC90 large SUV receiving five paws and the mid-size VC70 achieving four.

Kia Soul

One of the few completely new models being introduced in 2010 is the Kia Soul, which at first glance appears to be inspired by the original Scion xB. But the Soul has a distinct look all its own and its squared-off tailgate provides great hope for DogCar drivers who need space for crates and other canine cargo.

With mileage estimated to be 24 mpg in the city/30 highway and a price tag starting at under $15,000, there appears to be a lot to like in the Soul.

Hyundai Tucson

This manufacturer has pretty much stayed below the DogCars.com radar screen in past years, with only the Santa Fe getting high consideration (4 paws) from our reviewers. That may change with the new, 2010 Hyundai Tucson, a compact SUV that promises to rival the popular Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape in canine carrying capabilities.

The Tucson comes in at a lower starting price, better estimated fuel economy, a longer warranty and an all-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive option that can’t be found on those competitors. The question is, will the sloped rear be too much of a hindrance for dog crates?

That’s a quick look at some of the top DogCar possibilities for 2010 — and our team will be reviewing them all.  Be sure to check out these and all vehicle reviews from a dog-lover’s point of view at DogCars.com.

Things seem to be easing up some, based on the interest we’re seeing again in the DogCars.com reviews. And I’m a better place, too, which is why when Honda woofed I agreed to take a look at their new Dog-Friendly edition of the Element, with built-in crate, ramp, bone-stamped matting and ultra-tough, stain-resistant upholstery.

The test vehicle arrived a little while ago, and I gotta say: It’s pretty cute.

More after a few days of driving …

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Up to this point, the gasoline-electric hybrid Prius hadn’t been seriously considered as a potential DogCar because its design didn’t fit the typical layout that we look for in a canine carrier. Most DogCars, we surmised, need to have rear portions that are squared-off – not sloping – in order to adequately handle canine crates and dog beds. So the Prius’ long, sloping hatchback was quickly ruled out as a possible DogCar contender because it appears to take away valuable crate space.

However, during her weeklong test drive of the newly redesigned, 2010 Prius, Kim came away pleasantly surprised at the deceptively spacious interior of the highly-popular, four-door hatchback sedan.

I had my doubts about the Prius as a dog car, but like the magical Weasley tent in the Harry Potter series, it has a more spacious interior than its compact appearance suggests.

Kim put the Prius through the test and while she isn’t ready to claim it as the perfect DogCar, she did find it to be more canine friendly than its main hybrid competition, the Honda Insight.

And best of all, she liked not going to the gas station as often as other DogCars. The Prius averages around 50 mpg in both city and highway driving. It is also classified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and, according to Toyota, the Prius:

“. . . is built using processes that reduce emissions in every stage of the vehicle lifecycle, from production and driving, through to eventual disposal and dismantling years down the road.”

That’s news that would even please the Copenhagen crowd.

Read Kim’s full review of the Prius here, and the rest of our vehicle reviews at DogCars.com.

I took this to the extreme, passing on a last-model used car to replace my increasingly unreliable minivan and snaring two vehicles with lots of good service left for less money combined  than one-quarter of the cost of a new economy car. My Plymouth van got donated to charity, and in its place I have a ‘97 Toyota Previa van as my DogCar (one owner, 102K miles) and an ‘86 Mazda pick-up  as my daily driver and weekend farm truck (one owner, 65K miles).

Kim and Keith are still driving and reviewing vehicles — Kim has the Kia Soul this week, with review to follow soon — but I actually got tired of driving a new car every week (I know, seems funny even to type it!), so I’m not reviewing at all.

Seems some people are wading cautiously back into considering new cars, though. Of course, the Cash For Clunkers program really moved the merchandise, but even with that over we’re seeing traffic up on DogCars.com, and more e-mail from people asking about different models.

The media is showing increased interest, too, as evidenced by  in this piece from the Deseret News (Utah) about people considering their dogs when buying a car:

More than 30 percent of people consider their pets’ needs when picking out a family vehicle, according to a recent survey by LeaseTrader.com. That’s up from 12 percent in 2006 and 8 percent in 2003. The trend’s not lost on car manufacturers and auto insurance providers, who are making adjustments to make sure Fido stays safe and comfortable on the road.

[...]

Molle Hess, a science teacher at Hillcrest Junior High, for example, had a long list of things she needed to accommodate her five dogs. She wanted a van with rear air, double doors, removable back seats and enough space to fit four dog crates.

“I told the car salesman, ‘I won’t buy the van if the crates don’t fit,’ ” Hess said. “I made him take out the seats and put in the crates right then just to make sure.”

Such demands are far from unusual, said Taylor Johnson, a sales manager for Ken Garff Honda.

“People bring their dogs in all the time to see if they ‘like’ a particular car,” he said. “Just the other day I thought I’d made a sale and the guy told me, ‘Oops, sorry. My dog won’t fit in the back of that.’ ”

Car dealers, eager to accommodate doting pet-owners, which, according to a recent American Pet Products Association survey, represent more than 40 percent of the population, are starting to offer pet-accommodating add-ons for popular vehicles.

Check out the article here.

Rare was the time I turned over the engine without a dog or two (three or four) in the car.

The Voyager has been a good vehicle: Countless river runs, lots of training trips, competitions and a coast-to-coast drive to live in a beach house in on the Florida Panhandle for a few months in the winter of 2000-1.  My heart dog, Queen Heather, spent her entire life with me in that van, which I named Forest, as in Green.

And now they’re both gone.

With 12 years and close to 100K miles, the Voyager was becoming increasingly unreliable. So I stole my brother’s little truck — an ‘87 Mazda pick ‘em up with less than 65K miles — as my daily driver (he bought a newer used truck), and also snared neighbor Judy’s ‘97 Toyota Previa van as my DogCar, because it was in better condition.

In the end, I didn’t sell ol’ Forest — I donated him, to Capital Public Radio. Quite a few people responded to my Craigslist ad, but I just got the feeling a lot of them were planning bad things for Forest, and I didn’t want him involved in the smuggling of drugs, puppy-mill pugs or undocumented workers.

So … he went to charity, with lots of Heather’s fur still in him. He just left, and yes, I feel sad. Yes, I know that’s crazy, but it’s still true.

***

I even gave away the plates.  My “FLTCOAT” vanity plates will end up on another person’s car in SoCal — she wanted them, and I … am planning to leave the state in the not-to-distant future. So they’re gone, too.

End of an era, truly.

Images …. all pretty self-explanatory, except for Roger and Me: That’s McKenzie sitting on the hay.

To accomplish the goal this weekend (I hope), I put an ad on Craiglist this morning:

‘98 Plymouth Voyager SE — one owner, low miles – $950

The good: Incredibly low mileage for a 12-year-old van — 90K — dark green exterior, gray cloth interior. Great AC, power windows, nice sound system, newish tires. 20ish mpg. Should be a good transportation car for years. One owner, regular servicing.

The bad: Sagging left front bumper (bolt broke, doesn’t impede driving), electrical short in door, neither interior nor exterior very pretty. This was my “dog car.” The rear bench seats have been stored since 1999 in the garage, so they’re like new. But the rest … well … allergies may be a problem and the fastidious dog-hater will not like this vehicle, possibly even after detailing.

The good or bad: Obama sticker, under which is an anti-Bush sticker. If you’re a Rush-Beck person, the karma on my dogma may be very wrong for you.

Price is $950 dollars firm, cash or registered check . I’m giving a good break off low private sale Edmunds book for you to pay for detailing and to deal with the electrical short.

Seems there are a few potential buyers already, and my brother will be dealing with them this weekend. But I knew I would get a nastygram,  and I was not disappointed. Paraphrasing over the f-bombs, removing the caps and hyper-exclamation pointing, here’s the meat of it:

I wouldn’t sit where your fat ass has been and I wouldn’t let my kids sit where your shitty mutts have been, either. Obama? It figures. Another clueless socialist, but I don’t expect YOU to care about the future of this country. You’re another dog freak who hates children.

Yeah, well … that’s why I put all the details in the ad. To save everyone some time. You’re welcome!

Actually, I’m surprised I got only one such response, but the day is young …