Four Legs and Four Wheels in One Column by Two People

By: E&P Staff The "Pet Connection" columnists are talking autos.

With SUV sales declining as gas prices hover near $4, pet lovers are looking for alternative cars and crossovers to transport their companion animals. So "Pet Connection" writers Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori profiled several options -- ranking them by fuel economy, price, and size.

Their top five choices (in no particular order) are the Subaru Forester, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Saturn Vue crossover, and Dodge Grand Caravan. All are priced under $25,000 and have gas mileage near or above 25 highway miles per gallon.

Other requirements that the Universal Press Syndicate columnists looked for were rear-hatch entry for animals, seats that can fold down flat, and relatively roomy cargo areas.