Let me bounce this off you guys.  Button started doing something about a year ago.  Every time we go to the vet's or for boarding or for an ice cream cone, we don't bother putting the crate in the van and just hold her until we get there.  For her first 3 years, we crated her in the van for all long trips.  She has always travelled on long trips beautifully.  No stress or panic attacks in the car at all. 

Well, the retirement community where my Mom lives doesn't allow people to bring dogs on the premises anymore, so she never gets to go on really long trips like she used to.  Lately, every trip is a short one and Button is definitely getting into panic attack mode in my lap.  Last night we went out to look at neighborhood Christmas lights and she was groaning piteously intermittently with stress panting.  Just can't figure out what gives.  Zipper was just sitting on my lap wondering what the heck was wrong with Button?!?!

The next ride, I'm gonna put her crate in the van and see if she's better.  Maybe she fears the car if not in her crate?  I dunno.  Can't figure it out at all.  Any thoughts?