Story by Chris Wilson
This is a reminder of how quickly things can change and how something as simple as a kennel can make all the difference in an accident.
I was driving with my kids near the Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge when it happened. We had just gotten through a snowstorm, and while the roads were mostly clear, there were still some rough patches with snow. I was slowing down for a sharp 90-degree corner, and I was talking to the kids in the backseat about fossils and dinosaur bones. We were going to pull off at the lookout point to check it out, but I decided against it when I saw the road was still too rough. That’s when I noticed something in the distance.
I saw headlights drifting toward my lane. The other driver was coming in way too fast. There was nothing I could do. His truck hit mine head-on—or, well, mostly head-on. It was more like a quarter-panel impact, but it felt like a punch to the gut. The sound of the crash was deafening, and before I knew it, airbags were deployed, and there was smoke everywhere.
I didn’t know what was happening. I wasn’t knocked out, but I remember that feeling when you hit hard enough to knock the wind out of you. My kids were shaken, and it was chaos. My 15-year-old son jumped into action, getting the younger kids out of the truck and checking on the other driver. It was amazing to see him stay calm and act quickly. Meanwhile, I was trying to get out of the truck, but my door was jammed. I kicked and kicked until I had to crawl out through the back. My focus was on my kids, but I was also thinking about the dog.
Moses, my dog, was in his G1™ Kennel in the truck. I checked on him when I could. He was shaken up, but he was fine. He was wagging his tail, walking around, and seemed okay. If Moses had been in the backseat or the bed of the truck, there’s no way he’d have come out of that crash unscathed. I’m convinced the only reason he wasn’t hurt was because he was safely tucked away in that kennel.
Now, I’ve had that kennel for years. It was one of the first ones I bought, and I still remember the day I reached out to GUNNER when they were just starting out. I’ve used it for multiple dogs over the years, and it’s been through some tough times—probably more than it was designed for. It’s still going strong though, and I’m thankful for that every time I use it.
Before I even left in the ambulance, I checked on Moses again. He was fine—no blood, no broken bones. He was just a little rattled and wagging his tail, saying, “That hurt, but I’m alright.” Who knows what would've happened if I hadn’t had him in that kennel.
That’s the thing—people don’t always think about what happens to the dog during an accident. They’re focused on the people, understandably so. But that kennel? It really made a difference. If Moses had been riding in the backseat or the bed of the truck, there’s a good chance he’d have been badly injured or worse.
The kennel wasn’t just about keeping him safe during the crash, though. It’s been with me through everything. I’ve had it through two dogs, one of whom, Shiner, was an incredible hunting dog. I lost him to cancer, but I’ll never forget how much he loved that kennel, how it kept him safe during our hunts and travels. Moses has been just as impressive. He’s a great dog, and I’m lucky he wasn’t hurt. He’s got a lot of potential, and I’m glad he was in that kennel during the crash.
Over the years, I’ve used a lot of products, some of which I’ve gotten as sponsorships or discounts. But when it comes to the kennel, I’ve always trusted it. I know this kennel does its job, and I’ve seen it firsthand.
The crash was scary, and it could’ve been so much worse. I’m grateful that my family came out of it okay, and that Moses, too, was unharmed. If you’re wondering if I think the kennel saved his life, I absolutely do. Without it, there’s no way he would’ve walked away from that crash as unscathed as he did.
If you’re hesitating about investing in a quality kennel, let my experience serve as a reminder. This wasn’t a mere coincidence; it was a life-threatening accident, and that kennel was crucial in ensuring safety.
If you’re considering getting a kennel, trust me when I say that the peace of mind it gives you is priceless. It’s not just about a product—it’s about the safety of the things you love most.
Stay safe out there.
