My Dogs are out of their Element: What to Do?
Ah, the Honda Element. A vehicle so thoughtfully designed for active lifestyles, it should have come with a lifetime supply of hiking boots and granola bars. For more than a decade and over 300,000 miles, my Element served as a trusty steed for countless adventures with my canine companions, Bruno and Matilda. With its boxy build and ingenious "double dutch doors" that opened wide to accommodate even the most enthusiastic doggy leaps, the Element was a masterpiece in ergonomic pet transport. Alas, like all things, even Hondas eventually succumb to the ravages of time. As the check engine light began its permanent residency on the dashboard, I knew it was time to embark on a quest for a new chariot, one worthy of my furry companions.
The search for a suitable replacement proved daunting. Traipsing through various car lots in Kitsap County felt like flipping through a dog-eared paperback: familiar territory, yielding diminishing returns. The selections were slim pickings, and the few "dog-friendly" options felt more like afterthoughts than genuine considerations. Then, a beacon of hope emerged on the horizon: West Hills Autoplex in Bremerton.
The Autoplex boasted an impressive inventory – over 300 quality, used vehicles, a veritable smorgasbord of automotive possibilities. Beyond the sheer quantity, their competitive pricing and no-nonsense 3 month/3,000-mile warranty instilled confidence. The sales staff, refreshingly devoid of the usual pushiness, were genuinely accommodating to my four-legged entourage.
Bruno, ever the thespian, attempted to "help" Katie, our salesperson, demonstrate the sunroof in a Subaru Outback by enthusiastically leaping towards it, narrowly missing the glass, and planting a barrage of slobbery kisses on her face. Matilda, meanwhile, found a particularly enticing sunbeam glinting off the dashboard of a GMC Yukon and proceeded to chase it with the unwavering determination of a terrier on a squirrel hunt. Katie, bless her soul, simply smiled and offered me a bottle of water, remarking, "Well, they seem to approve!"
Despite these minor canine diversions, the overall experience was surprisingly stress-free. The sales staff, with a combination of patience and good humor, allowed us to explore at our own pace, ensuring both Bruno and Matilda felt comfortable throughout the process. It was a refreshing departure from the typical car-buying experience, a testament to West Hill Autoplex's' understanding that a car purchase is often a family affair, even when that family includes a couple of furry members. And their enthusiastic tail wags during a spin in a 2022 Hyundai Kona sealed the deal.
The Kona, while not boasting the Element's iconic boxiness, offered a surprising amount of interior space. The rear cargo area, with its cleverly designed folding seats, could comfortably accommodate both dogs and their accompanying paraphernalia of treats and toys. The backseat, complete with heated seats (a godsend for post-walk muddy paw prints), was large enough for them to sprawl out in canine contentment. And let's not forget the side door – a wide aperture for easy ingress and egress, crucial for those exuberant doggy greetings.
The drive from West Hills revealed even more reasons to be thrilled with our new car. The Kona's suite of driver-assistance features, including lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, provided a welcome layer of safety. The smooth handling and responsive acceleration made navigating the east Bremerton streets a breeze. Most importantly, Bruno and Matilda settled in like seasoned road warriors, napping contentedly in their new mobile throne room. As we pulled into the Blue Collar Pet Salon parking lot, I couldn't help but feel a pang of satisfaction. Not only had I found a worthy successor to the Element, but I had, in the Kona, discovered a vehicle that perfectly balanced practicality, comfort, and canine contentment.
Yes, the Element will forever hold a special place in my automotive memories. But as I watched Bruno and Matilda strut confidently into the pet salon, their tails wagging with newfound enthusiasm, I knew the Kona had ushered in a new era of dog-centric adventures. And that, my friends, is a tale worth wagging your metaphorical tail about.
Categories:
Social
