Greg Haehl here (yes this is my last name. Pronounced Hale) In September of 2020 I quit my job with no prospects just to try to start over with my career. I was trail running a lot and had a 2020 Toyota Tacoma.
My dog Mollie (pictured here) loved coming with me. Even now if two metals clank together she jumps up and thinks we are grabbing a leash.
As fun loving as she is, she is too stupid to stay in the back of a truck. She is also too stupid to avoid scratching up the interiors of my favorite trucks.
I just started thinking about what would keep her from jumping out but would also let her run side-to-side. Dogs have a need to sniff the air as they travel. This lets them categorize all the scents so they can find their way back on their own.
I thought to myself, "Self, what if I had a zipline-style cable from one side to the other right near the cab, and a short tether that could slide back and forth on it. That way Mollie could run side-to-side, check out all the people walking, even go to the center window and check in on me if she wanted.
I began buying parts and pieces, trying clasps, ropes, carabiners, crimps, and a bunch of other things. Some of the old leftover pieces are pretty humorous.
The design really refined itself as I used it, gave versions to friends, and got feedback.
Now we have the Mutt Bros Zipline & Tether.
Almost everything used is marine grade stainless steel, real climbing rope, and reusable clamps. It installs in seconds and can be removed just as easily. The strength of all the parts far exceed the tension that a dog can apply to it. My original prototype is now installed in my 3rd truck and over 5 years old.