Just joined the club

Hi evrybody!
I just got a Prius last week- my first new car. I swore I'd keep my old rides running until we stopped making cars that run on gas, but my daily driver's engine died and I'm finding it hard to get the energy to put another engine in with gas prices what they are. So the Prius seemed the best choice for my needs, while offsetting some of those blue clouds I've spewed out over the years. I like the Prius a lot and hopes it runs until cars are powered by air or something.
As long as I'm introducing myself, I do have a few questions to throw out there:
I'm a musician, so I'll be throwing gear in the back with the seats down a lot, so I was hoping for a recommendation on a sturdy cargo mat that covers the folded down seats as well. Ideas? Bumper cover that covers best?
Also, my dog will be riding in the front sometimes (because of the stuff in the back--see previous question), so I want to know how to turn the airbag off. I already turned off the seatbelt alarm (pretty cool--I felt like I was entering a cheat code on a video game), so I know there's gotta be a way.
Lastly, with the dog in the ride, what would be my best choice on seat covers? I've already seen some of the threads, but am uncertain what would work best for a 90lb muddy dog.
I love this car and want it to last like my other 30+ year old vehicles, but being a dog trainer by day, and musician by night, I know I need to take some steps as soon as possible to save my car from myself.
Thanks!

 

Yeah, photochop is the only way that organ's gonna fit. I figured if I did it rough enough, nobody would think I was trying to pass the photo off as real.
I have some Wet Okole covers in another ride and they've held up pretty good--one claw hole from when I had to stop short. Wasn't sure if there was a better choice with dog wear and tear in mind.
Thanks for the replies. The dog's over 80lbs, so the sensor needs to be overridden, tricked out, pulled out, or something...maybe I'm overreacting to all the horror stories I hear about dogs getting killed in a low mph collision because the airbag blasted them.

 

I'm more concerned about accidental deployment at a low speed situation. You'll have to forgive me, this is my first car that's newer than 1975 and I generally distrust safety features that have warning labels saying that they can kill you.

 

Thanks, Bill. I'll check out your bumper ideas.

 

I like your way of thinking, Doc, or should I say Bones? The same idea had occurred to me (minus the piano hinge). I did notice in the owner's manual that it warns that the airbag might not go off if the seat is in full recline touching the backseat, which also gives him more room. If I pull it all the way forward, take the headrest off, and lean the top back it evens out with the backseat pretty good or tucks beneath the rear headrest if the back is down. I think I'll try that for now.
Nice shuttlecraft, by the way. I cheked out your link.