2015 Chevy Impala: Puppy’s Perspective
Judy Antell
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All the comforts of home in the 2015 Chevy Impala
The sleek Impala body reminds me of a cat but our dog was so happy in this car
Road tripping with a dog means extra considerations; you have to stop when she has to go the bathroom or eat, and you need a car that fits both human and canine passengers. We drove the 2015 Chevy Impala from New York City to Waterville Maine, with stops in New Jersey (completely out of the way) and Boston (somewhat out of the way) with two of our children and our very furry labrador, Karat.
My preferred perch, when it was just one kid and me.
The wide back seat offered plenty of room for two teens and a dog, who scampered up onto the seat every chance she got. Since the leather upholstery easily wipes clean, we were able to keep muddy paw prints at bay. Flying fur was another matter.
Pampering for parents and pets
Heated seats are great for a road trip to Maine in winter
Kids and dogs ride in the back seat, but the adults get to sit up front. One perk we get is heated seats, so no need to wear coats in the car. Permanent fur coats are another story.
Who let the dogs out?
Bob’s Clam Hut was verboten, but I did snag a few fries
Health codes in most states forbid dogs from entering restaurants, so our labrador couldn’t enjoy the scene at Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery, Maine. We did sneak her a couple of sweet potato fries when we got stuck in traffic and dinner was delayed.
No confined feeling
The view out of the roof from the back seat
It was too cold in mid-winter to open the huge sunroof, but the moon roof option meant we could enjoy more daylight, even on a dreary day. The roof opens up over front AND back seat passengers, making children and canines happy.
Making it all worthwhile
Reconnecting with a cousin
Why do we travel? To see new places and visit old friends and family. In Boston, Karat got to hang out with her cousin, a Portuguese water dog named Shiso.
Shopping, with something for everyone
Sign? What sign?
Driving to Maine, in stead of flying or taking the train meant we could make impromptu stops, like the L.L. Bean mothership in Freeport. This dog-friendly superstore has a whole section of pet supplies, where Karat picked out a new toy.
Comfort in the back seat
Yep, still charging
Though Karat has no tech devices (yet – I’m sure some are in development) our kids were able to keep theirs charged with back seat ports. There is also a seat divider / cup holder if only 2 people (and no dogs) are in the back seat.