dogs left in a hot car

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

A week ago Friday I went to the grocery for a quick run, I had to take Daisy home first as it was on our way home from work.

When I came out a short time later there was a new vehicle parked next to mine with 2 Pits or what resembled Pits inside.

First let me say it was not as hot as it had been, probably about 79 out compared to the 90's we have had as of late. However, it was hot. Those poor babies were okay at that time but I decided to wait it out so I could be sure the owner was out quickly...5 minutes, then 10 minute and then 15 minutes went by, I had cracked my window as much as they had their (one) window cracked, about 1/2" to gauge just how hot it was in there. Let me tell you, I was getting pretty warm, still the dogs still appeared fine. I waited 20 minutes and then called the police, they said they would be right there so I left. Frankly I left because I was ready to kick some butt and I didn't want to make a scene.

I called the station 30 minutes later and was told the officer did not have to break the window as the owner came out as he was standing near the car. It was a woman who was old enough to know better is what I was told.  I hope that scared the stupid person into never doing it again.

This morning I found this in my email - a good resource. I am going to print some flyers and start hanging them on cars with dogs inside. It doesn't happen a lot but it happens enough.

http://www.care2.com/causes/what-to-do-when-you-see-a-dog-in-a-hot-...

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER FELLOW DOODLE AND DOG LOVERS!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There actually have been studies done on how hot it gets inside a car even with the windows cracked: http://www.mydogiscool.com/x_car_study.php

Brachiocephalic dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and related breeds are even more at risk from heat than dogs with longer muzzles.

I'm glad you called the police, maybe seeing the policeman at her car will make this dumb woman realize that this was the wrong thing to do.

 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I printed the flyer from the website and will have them in my car the next time. It really upset me until I knew the dogs were okay.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I swear I would take a hammer and Bust the window open! I can't even talk about how people in my neighborhood are leaving their dogs outside all day in 108 degree weather. I physically feel I'll thinking about it.

Great job calling the police!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I thought about it Jen, but with my luck I would be the one hauled away in handcuffs. I feel you!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

i was at the chiropractors last week and saw a dog in a car outside the office. It turned out it belonged to a woman at the chiropractors. the car was in part shade, but it was still a warm day. Plus, at my chiropractors, they are often running late so you can be there for an hour sometimes. I saw a man go to the window and give the dog some food. I mentioned it to the lady who didnt seem bothered, but it did spark a conversation between us and the receptionist about food allergies and how dangerous that can be. She was keeping an eye on her dog, and it wasnt too hot, but i still didnt like it

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I swear, this is one area where I can't "mind my own business" I feel kids and pets are our responsibility!

[Anna and Achilles]

That makes me so mad!

[F, Calla & Luca]

BTW, I took the dogs to a park today. I had a bottle of water with me and the trick with using a poop bag for them to drink from worked like a charm.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Glad it worked for you, it's all I use  when we are out walking or hiking, one less thing to carry.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes. true enough. Luca immediately got the hang of it, Calla needed lessons but she's the one known for her looks : )

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I just posted this in another discussion.

My FB discussion with Capt. of the NJ SPCA

Saturday

• First I would like to thank you for all you do for the animals. Now my question is "What can an ordinary citizen do if we see a dog in a car in obvious distress?"  I am asking this if there are no police or other authorities available. (When I have called the police in these situations they have responded quickly.)

• 

  Saturday

  NJ SPCA

  • No easy answer as every situation is different.  If the animal is in distress it needs to be removed but only if you are prepared to restrain it after removal.  Capt

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

I have kept an eye on dogs that have been left in cars and have given water to one little one when the car doors weren't locked and kept checking until the owners showed up.  I've also had security track down an owner when they didn't show up after a period of time. Our temps don't get to the extremes that they do elsewhere but for the last few days it's been 80 plus degrees and it gets pretty darned hot in a car, I can't imagine what it would be like with the temps at 100.