Lifestyle

How to Travel in Your Car with your Dog

Published

4 years ago

July 3, 2020

Transporting a dog from one place to another can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re travelling over a very long distance. It’s undeniable that certain cars are better suited to canine transportation than others. And if your dog is considered a fully-fledged member of the family, as so many are, then their needs should be accounted for before any purchasing decision.

For those considering a new car, ZenAuto have penned an article which identifies a few important considerations. Most of what they’ve identified can be distilled into a few key categories.

Capacity

The first consideration should be space in the rear of the car. You’ll want enough of it to accommodate a dog in a fixed cage, along with all of the luggage you might want to transport. Moreover, the boot should be low enough to the ground that the dog can easily jump in and out without banging their legs on the lip.

Suspension

Cars which rattle around the moment they encounter the slightest bump are going to be stressful for your passengers – and especially for your dog, who might not be accustomed to sudden unexplained vibrations. For this reason, opting for something with decent suspension is often worthwhile.

How can I adapt an existing car?

Even if you’re travelling in a vehicle you already own, there are a few choice additions you can make to make travel safer for your dog. According to rule 57 of the highway code, dogs travelling in cars should be ‘suitably restrained’, in order that they not be flying loose around the passenger compartment in the event of a collision or sudden stop, and so that they can’t distract the person driving. This might mean installing a fixed cage in the rear of the vehicle.

You might suppose that your dog is well-trained enough that they won’t react poorly to such an event, but since there’s no way of knowing this in advance, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

One thing that your dog is likely to introduce into the boot of your car is mud, and lots of it. Go for a long walk through the countryside, and you may well end up with a dog that’s covered in mud – especially if yours is the sort of dog who loves nothing better than to splash through every mud-puddle that life throws at it. If you’d like to avoid muddy pawprints covering the inside of your nice new boot, then invest in a boot protector. These devices are often custom-made to fit the contours of a specific vehicle. When you get how, you can simply take them out of the car, wash them, and then replace them.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.