when a dog's sense of smell is telling us something

Penny has been refusing to get into the car for the last few months. I've tried giving her treats, urging her into the car, getting in before her and having someone bring her to the car - all to no avail. She just doesn't like the car any more.

I've had lots of suggestions as to what the problem might be - she suddenly hates the car harness; the beeps from the overhead gantries on the tollway are hurting her ears: too many long trips; you name it, we've thought of everything.

But have we? What about her sense of smell?

I took the car to the auto mechanic today to complain about the petrol smell in the interior and he said, 'Well, just don't light up a cigarette while you're driving.'

I said, 'Why not?'

'Because the car will probably explode.'

Wow!! the car's sitting up there so he can fix the leak in the petrol tank.

I wonder if Penny will be happier to travel in it in the future?