When I was perusing the pet products at a hardware store on a fairly warm day, I encountered a woman shopping with her dog. We discussed her pooch’s unusual appearance (Australian Shepherd mixed with Border Collie!) and I learned her name was Sophie (the dog, not the woman).
As her mom showed off Sophie’s tricks, proving she’s super-smart as well as beautiful, I commented on the fact that she brought Sophie into the store rather than leave her in a hot car. She knew she risked the ire of the other shoppers but she said, “She’s my baby; I wouldn’t leave a real baby in the car either!”
Good point.
My brother is so devoted to Biggs, his Miniature Australian Shepherd, that if he has to leave him in the car on even a slightly warm day, he leaves the AC running. Of course this means the engine is running as well. He’s risking a carjacking as well as a dognapping. Such are the choices of a devoted dog daddy!
When I was a dog’s mama, I learned where the shadiest parking places were at each store where I shop. I was careful to leave the windows open only enough for air and not a burglar’s hands… my brother once had his gorgeous Siberian Husky stolen out of his car. (Hence the decision to keep the car windows up and the AC on for his current pooch!)
I also went to extremes by training myself to shop very, very quickly whenever my dog was in the car, and saved quite a bit of money that way! Tip #1: Always have a shopping list. Tip #2: Keep a running shopping list on your phone, one for each store you shop at. Tip #3: Organize your list by following the store’s layout, and always start at the same aisle. Ready, set, shop!
What are your tips for keeping your dog safe in a car this summer? If you take your animals into establishments that are usually off-limits for pets, would you comment below, please?