Please Don’t Kill Us
I've noticed a disturbing trend since the weather has warmed — dogs in hot cars. Sometimes the owners leave the windows up, and other times they lower the glass a few inches. Either way, it bothers me.
Last week, my husband and I were in a restaurant parking lot and heard a yip, yip several feet away. A small schnauzer jumped inside an SUV, pouncing at the window. It was nearly 80 degrees outside, and the sun blazed down on the gray Nissan. We searched, hoping to locate the party who abandoned this poor canine but didn't see anyone.
Inside the air-conditioned restaurant, people loaded their plates at the buffet. No one but us cared about the pooch. We told the proprietor. At first, she asked her patrons if they drove that make of the vehicle. But after a couple of inquiries, she stopped. I guess she probably thought it might be bad for business to pester her customers.
“I can't enjoy my meal knowing there's an animal left unattended in the car,” I said to my husband. Understanding and also having concerns, he placed a call to the police's non-emergency number. They agreed to send an officer for a wellness check.
Since I have more than my share of empathy, it was hard for me to wait. If only I could release the dog. But the scenarios danced through my head. The Nissan was probably locked. What if the dog bit me? Or worse, what if it ran into the traffic and got hit? What if the police arrested me for breaking and entering someone's vehicle?
A few minutes later, the officer arrived. He hovered in the parking lot until two ladies approached the SUV. He said something to them, and they drove away. Hopefully, they will think twice before leaving their pet in the sweltering heat again.
Every year, thousands of animals die from the unbearable heat in hot cars. They are vulnerable to the rising temperatures because they can't cool themselves off like we do. Imagine having to pant instead of sweat. That's why we need to protect our furry friends. If it's a 100 degrees outdoors and 15 minutes passes, the temperature in a car will reach 140 degrees. That’s not compatible with life.
At my house, we make sure that we provide plenty of shade and water for the dogs when they're outside during late spring, summer and early fall.. I prefer to keep the animals indoors if the temperature rises above 72 degrees, and I don't leave them in the yard unattended. If I'm uncomfortable, they're uncomfortable. It's too easy to go inside and forget them.
If this post influences even one person to think twice before locking their pet in a car on a warm day, it was worth my time and effort. Let’s all stay safe and have a wonderful summer.
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