When I got out of the car at the grocery store I had the feeling I was being watched. I looked over and, yes, I was being watched. Very carefully. The dog didn’t bark but kept a close eye on me, especially after I waved and said, “Hello!”
Dogs should never be left alone in parked cars during the day. I shouldn’t have to say that but I will anyway. I was on a college campus one spring and walked by a dog in a car with the windows rolled up. It wasn’t a hot day but that didn’t matter. The temperature inside a closed car can go up and a dog’s temperature with it. This was before cell phones so I ran into the nearest building, grabbed a phone, and called security. Then I went back outside. A guard showed up pretty quickly because it was a small campus and also I think they could tell I was about to start breaking windows. The car turned out to be unlocked and the guard held the dog until the owner got back. The owner got a citation, though I think the dog should have been taken away and given to someone smarter.
Anyway the dog in the grocery car parking lot seemed to be okay. It was night and cool and the car was running. I assume the heat was on, or maybe the air conditioning, and maybe the radio too so the dog had something to listen to. And could also sit up front and watch people come and go.
When our dogs travel with us they stay in kennels in the back. Some people think that’s sad but two or three full-size Dalmatians loose in a van doesn’t always make it easy to drive. They get excited when they get to go somewhere and bounce around and also get really demanding about what radio station they want to listen to.
I was in the store for only about ten minutes and when I came back out the dog was still there. I figured the car’s owner must not be too far behind and I was just glad the dog was still all right.
My digs are in a crate in the boot too, far safier for everyone being big dogs but I occasionally leave them in the car for quick errands but always checking the temperatures first????
Always checking the temperature first is a good idea. And I think leaving them in the car for a quick errand is fine. If nothing else they can act as an alarm system.
I’m glad the dog was okay. In Texas, temperatures can soar in a heartbeat and let me tell you, people will break windows when a pet or a child is locked inside a hot car! Thankfully, there are caring souls in the world. I’m glad you’re one of them. BTW, what kind of music do your dogs demand? I know it always gets tense in the car when Iggy and Buddy start fighting over classic rock versus country! Mona
Oh, so Buddy is a little bit country and Iggy is a little bit rock and roll? Tell me that’s the case–after all I assume Iggy is named after Iggy Pop. But mostly we listen to podcasts. When I’m putting their suppers together, though, I’ll often sing to the dogs. They like Camper Van Beethoven.
I was at a Walmart during college move-in this year and saw that an out of state minivan with local college decals had left a dog in the car. The police had already arrived and I saw that the dog was about to be rescued, so I kept walking. I did get to see the owners being cited as I left. My last dog loved to ride and was super calm. My current dog loves to ride, but wants to take over and drive. Now she only gets to come if we are both there to wrangle her.
I like how some dogs want to be up front so they can see where they’re going. Junko loves to go and will hop right up into the car. The other two have to be wrangled into their crates but will settle down once they’re in. But Teller loves to go to different places and see people so I always say he loves the destination but doesn’t like the journey.
I love the way you carefully watch, Chris, and I always want to listen to you.
Dogs make great copilots because of the way they watch out for us, and I think the same can be said of cats and also friends like you.
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