Now that I am in my 60s, driving is sometimes no longer a joy.

I remember the times when I couldn’t wait to get in the hottest car in the market and put my rubber to the metal.

But, life happens, people die and a pandemic kept me homebound during which time a lot changed in my attitude towards driving.

The joy is when I can test drive a car…and it doesn’t have to be the latest model — just a vehicle that has proven credibility, is easy to handle and allows me to travel by my lonesome with Lexie, my Mini Schnuazer.

Test on the way

I remember in 2022 when the Veloz was first introduced to the market as a separate model from the Avanza, the unit was described as a member of the MPV segment as a pseudo-SUVs. 

At the time, the Toyota Veloz was a stroke of genius of sorts as it was an upgrade of the Avanza — more tech features was what  it had going for it. 

I got Lexie ready for the ride by telling her that we had to sleep a bit early because we would leave at the break of dawn to visit our little house in Cavite. She seemed to understand. 

A drive in silence

As we left our home at 4 a.m. I made sure that Lexie was strapped into the seatbelt and that she was comfortable in the seat behind me. 

The Veloz started on a dime and the drive towards SLEX smooth and easy.

As I drove I told Lexie about an article that lifestyle editor Dinah Ventura had sent me about a groundbreaking program in France, which aims to reduce future animal mistreatment by teaching respect and empathy from age five. 

France has become a pioneer in animal welfare education by incorporating pet care and respect for animals into its national school curriculum — a program that began in September 2024 and hopes to serve as a model for other nations.

The innovative approach, mandated by the Law of 30 November 2021 on Combating Animal Abuse, requires all primary, middle and high school students to receive education on respecting pets as sentient beings capable of feelings and deserving of compassion.