First post here! I went to try to register my new build the other day and while I was waiting for the inspection a lady asked me: What is that? A hard shelled sleeping bag? I almost fell over laughing.
We've heard the "dog trailer" remark more than once too. The funny thing is that when people stop by with their dogs, the dogs seem quite interested and want to look in and even get in.
I can remember back in the late 50s-60's my parents say people carried their dogs in them. So it has been around for a long time. My dad when he can't find the correct word for it calls it my "little house". He is 88 now.