Each year as the weather warms up, I worry how many poor little dogs or cats may succumb to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
In less than 10 minutes the temperature in a vehicle, even in the shade or with windows partly open, can kill your pet.
So, please if you truly love your pet leave it home on any warm days. No matter how much the pet likes to be with you or you with it, is it worth coming out to your vehicle to find a terribly sick or dead animal?
Recently a horrific incident and total display of ignorance and negligence occurred that witnessed six loving family members left in the rear of a dog walker’s truck die. Then, rather than show compassion and sensitivity, the individual claimed the dogs were stolen.
Can you imagine the sadness if it was your dog? And yet some still leave their dogs and cats in hot vehicles.
The other incongruous behaviour of some guardians when approached about their animal being in a hot vehicle is to personally attack the person questioning their irresponsible behaviour, from swearing to threats. A recent incident at a local parking lot Monday, witnessed a woman finally returning to her vehicle, where a frantic barking poodle, obviously in distress, was inside.
Venturing into the store, the clerk announced over the PA but no response. The clerk was requested to call the RCMP but responded that it wasn’t their job to call the police. Waiting outside, the owner finally arrived and rather than be gracious and caring or concerned that someone was trying to educate her and care about the distressed dog, the guardian angrily attacked saying, “You are off the wall and crazy,” but as the door was opened a rush of hot air was felt.
The dog was now safe, until the next time this ignorant guardian decides to play Russian roulette with her little dog, who sadly is dependent upon guardians to be caring and protect them, not putting shopping above the dog’s well-being.
George F. Evens
Mission
