Just curious those folks that leave the A/C on, doesn't the key have to be in the car? What if the car is stolen with the dog in it?
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Just curious those folks that leave the A/C on, doesn't the key have to be in the car? What if the car is stolen with the dog in it?
I agree 100%.Quote:
As Kay said, here in Florida we never leave a dog in the car due to the heat factor. Our news people are constantly warning us of the dangers. Dogs can't sweat like humans so their body temperature rises very quickly. They can die in a short time. Heat builds in their bodies because it has no where to go. The dog literally cooks and needless to say, this is completely inhumane and unnecessary. Depending on where you live, the climate may be considerably cooler and the dog would be safer in the car than dogs living here. I personally would be afraid someone would harm the dog when I wasn't there to supervise. Remember, we have some very sick people among us. You never know what might happen. Perhaps Cagney is content to stay in the car rather than being at home but I live with the philosophy that my girls are usually better off in the familiar surroundings of their house. It's climate controlled, comfortable, and most importantly, completely safe. Just my opinion.
Fenway gets left in the car with the windows down about 1/4 of the way. He doesn't get left in the car when it's hot out (like, June, July, August and sometimes September). And, I will leave him in the car only if I can see him from where I'm going (may it be the corner store, bank or restaurant). We had a woman who left her Schnauzer in the car and somebody stole the car AND the dog. The dog was found in Mass. safe and sound. She was lucky her dog was found. Fenway stays home on hot days and hangs out by the A/C.
Sandy Frost, I'm so glad that dog was okay. You're a life saver!
I agree, there are really no absolutes on this subject. Cagneydog: I don't know where you live and I'm certainly not a climate expert on different parts of the country. I was just giving the info I know and hear about every day here in Florida. There are many ways to address this issue but most importantly, we all have our pet's best interest at heart at all times. I'm quite sure that you love Cagney very much and you know what's best for him. I don't think anyone is trying to bash you here. Everyone is merely stating their opinion. I can definitely see that different parts of the country would handle this situation in different ways. We're just a diversified group, offering our thoughts in the matter. Please don't let this upset you anymore. I don't like to see anyone upset on this board. We all try to be friends here but there will always be different views on most anything. That's what makes the world interesting:)
Yes, the key has to be in there. I carry a spare key so I can lock the doors and leave the A/C on with them in there. Carrying 2 keys also can save you if you lock your keys in the car. People can steal cars even with the keys not in there so really, key or no key, if someone wants the car bad enough they will take it.Quote:
Originally posted by caseysmom
Just curious those folks that leave the A/C on, doesn't the key have to be in the car? What if the car is stolen with the dog in it?
caseysmom writes:
I have an extra set of keys and lock the car. I'm thinking between breaking the window, setting off the alarm and Oz or Gull letting loose their sonic boom barks, the chances are good, with that much attention focused on the car, the robber will give up.Quote:
Just curious those folks that leave the A/C on, doesn't the key have to be in the car? What if the car is stolen with the dog in it?
Actually I'm assuming with a dog the size of Oz or Gull in the car in the first place, most robbers are going to look for an easier target. They've no way of knowing, if they're friendly or not.
Par...
I didn't closely read every last post and reply in this thread, but it seems to me that some are jumping to conclusions with Cagneydog's situation. I'm sure she would never leave her boy in a hot car while she went in somewhere. I also agree with Par about it depending on the situation. I say this because I was one of those "evil" people who used to take Cody everywhere with me and he'd stay in the car when I ran into the store for something etc. ;) This was only in the fall and winter, and never in the summer. The doors were locked and windows up with a crack left open for a bit of fresh air even if it was quite cold out (cold didn't bother him, he had quite a coat). He absolutely loved going with me whether he got to come out of the car with me or not. I would leave him for up to 20 minutes or so (of course I never took him if it was to be a LONG absence), and he'd doze off and sleep or watch people walking to and from their cars.
I didn't take Willie because he didn't enjoy it. I don't take the T's unless they are coming out with me because I know they'd be anxious to get left. But Cody was a different dog, different personality, and I knew him enough to know he really loved going even if he got left for short periods of time.
Goodness I don't see why this thread needed to turn into an argument.
Nebo has been left alone in a car. :eek: :eek: :eek:
Now if you all want to think I'm a horrible doggy mom, go ahead, because I know I'm not. ;)
When he's been on our vacations in the summer at the national parks and such where he couldn't go on the trails we had to leave him in the car. But it was very hot so I would never ever let him stay alone in a hot car...one person (we'd take turns) would stay in the car with him, windows down, AC on if it got really hot, etc.
In the winter (trust me it gets very cold here) I take him with me occasionally if I'm going to only be in the store for a couple of minutes (gas station, post office) and I park where I can see him from inside of the store (post office here has big windows you can look through the entire time you're in line). He does not get anxious or upset in the car, he just lays down and goes to sleep. My friend and I once ate lunch in a restaurant on our way to the dog park...left Cisco and Nebo in the car. But we had a big bowl of water for them and we sat where we could look out and check on them. Sydney and Reggie bark their fool heads off (which is why I rarely take them) if left in the car I don't think anyone would want to come near the car to steal it with them in it (not to mention I have an old ugly car anyway!)
I'm absolutely paranoid about my dog, he is my baby and I wouldn't want anything to happen to him, so no I would never leave him alone in a car on a hot day (I HATE it when I see people do that!), alone for a long period of time where I couldn't see to check on him (I know people who have left their dogs in cars for an entire movie, I would never do that), but I think it's *ok* for *some* situations like I said above.
No I don't know what Cagneydog's idea of "not too hot" is and I agree it can get extremely hot (many degrees higher than the temp outside) in a car but I think there are nicer ways to make a post.
wow this has turned into quite the interesting topic. I'm just not quite sure why there's this automatic assumption that Dog alone in car = Dog alone in car in blazing hot sun... Or... Dog left alone in house = safety and Dog left alone in car = tragedy.
It's not beyond the realm of possibility that the A/C in your house could break or the heater could malfunction or somebody could break in while you're out, or somebody could toss something poisonous in your back yard.
Par...
As someone who works for a living, my dogs are home alone a lot longer then 1 hour during the day. I also live in an extremely hot part of the country. If the A/C broke, there'd be no guarantee that they'd survive until I got home.
Par...
I have two car keys.Quote:
Originally posted by caseysmom
Just curious those folks that leave the A/C on, doesn't the key have to be in the car? What if the car is stolen with the dog in it?
Wow, I came in at a bad time...I'll put my two cents in anyway. I think it depends on climate and how long you are going to be. I've left Roscoe in the car on a few occasions while I ran into the gas station to get a coffee, but I can pretty much see him the whole time. I do think it's bad to leave the window down the whole way, my neighbor told me her dog jumped out the window at a store and ran away :(
Frankie and Jillian have stayed alone in the car before for up to 30 minutes but usually its only 10 or less. and only when the weathers been 63 to 75, with the windows rolled down.
don't think the little argument with cagney dog is correct. she said she only does it when its not hot. just like me, but since nobody can be an individual here:
nooo don't leave the dog in the car at any time for any reason!
I wonder when Sandy Frost posted this thread, she thought she'd receive all of these unique responses?
;)
No, the key doesn't have to be in. I will bring Maggy with me to run errands, but I have a remote starter.Quote:
Originally posted by caseysmom
Just curious those folks that leave the A/C on, doesn't the key have to be in the car? What if the car is stolen with the dog in it?
What I do, is I turn the AC on, turn off the car. Then as soon as I close the door, I use the remote starter to leave the car running. The doors are locked, AC going. I have 15 minutes to get in, do what I have to do before the car automatically shuts off. No one can take off with my car because if you touch the brake pedal without the key in the ignition, the engine cuts off. That point is moot however as I'm more worried about someone stealing Maggy than my car. The car can be replaced. That being said, I will only run errands, not full out shopping.
my dogs stay in the care all the time as long as its not to hot, we just crack the windows, when there are flyball tournys you pretty much have to eat out, guess what? the dogs cant stay at the hotel! the windows are cracked and 12-13 dogs are left in vans while we go in a restraunt to eat, windows are cracked and we always park in the shade no matter how far that is from the restraunt, its not that horrable lol and yes as a young child I have been left in the care alone, all the time actually, I still do, I love staying in the car and waiting always have.
I would just think that a running car would be really tempting to a car thief.
A running car with dogs in there who may not be too friendly. Thief might want to think twice about this car thieving venture. :)Quote:
Originally posted by caseysmom
I would just think that a running car would be really tempting to a car thief.
Maybe other dogs but not mine!
:D Would they let the thief take the car if say the theif gave them treats? :DQuote:
Originally posted by caseysmom
Maybe other dogs but not mine!
I personally have never had a problem leaving the car running with the dogs in there and will continue to do so. My windows are tinted so it is a little hard to see in there, for all anyone else knows there might be a person in there with the dogs. Each situation most certainly has its own circumstances which must be taken into account. If I ever once felt it was unsafe for me to leave the dogs in there, believe me I wouldn't.
I leave my dog(s) in my vehicles sometimes. Of course I only do it if I know I will only be a few minutes even if there is a line or they are busy or whatever, like a gas station or the like.
I also have tinted windows so that helps with the heat from the sun.
I also have a/c.
And an awesome alarm. I can have the car running with the a/c with no keys in it. And yes I have an automatic start that only keeps the car running for 10 minutes but my alarm also allows me to double click it, which the car will stay running with the air on for as long as I'd like. Even though I have a/c I still don't leave them in the car when its really hot out, just for any reason it quits on me.
If for any reason I feel even with the precautions I take it is still unsafe then I will not do it.
I figure you take chances at EVERYTHING you do. You never know when anything can happen. Why live your life in a shell? Enjoy it, live it up.
Mine have never stayed in the car alone.Someone stays in the car with them,with the a/c on.I refuse to leave them alone.I'll only leave them if were filling up the gas tank or something like that.
Its illegal here to leave your dog in the car in the summer.It get's so hot here,and many animals have died from people leaving their dogs in the car. You have your dog taken away if its left in the car,and if someone complains about it.
Sounds like a great law to me! :)Quote:
Originally posted by sammy101
You have your dog taken away if its left in the car,and if someone complains about it.
I think that you could leave a dog in the car for around 10min if it isn't that hot out. When we take our dogs one person stays in the car so that they still have the air condition on but we know that the car won't get stolen. IMO if it is 100+ outside then it could be 130+ in the car. I don't think that a dog would be comfortable in the car for 5min in that heat. If it is cold outside (I mean 40 or less) then the dog should be able to stay in the car for around 30min if they are a medium size dog like a Retriever or husky. If they are small like a toy dog or something then they shouldn't be left in the car for more than 10min. Dogs have a different heat control system in their body so it might feel comfortable to us but it could be blazing to them. I just think that the dog should be left alone for more than 15min in any case. Just my opinion.
Once I saw a dog in the front seat of the car but they owner had left the AC on while they went inside to eat at a Fast food resteraunt. I think that seemed kinda nice and a little funny to see a dog in the front seat looking like it is driving. Well I hope I covered everything here.
I tried not to start an arguement but please forgive me if I did. I am still a kid who doesn't like to be proven wrong.
Monica
Well said!
I should add that I don't leave her in the car with any weather. I'm in Chicago (obviously) so I'm not going to leave her when it's 100+ and humid as all heck, nor am I going to leave her when it's -20. As rare as it may seem, I do tell her "no." (sometimes :o )
I never leave Gonzo in the car, if I'm going somewhere where he can't come in, I make sure to bring along a friend so they can sit outside with him or in the car with the AC on :) Gonzo would also freak out and cry the whole time if I left him in my car.
I've been scared about leaving my pup anywhere public ever since a dog was stolen from a car with it's windows down in a nearby parking lot. The dog was never found. It's SO easy for anyone to do that if the windows are 1/2 way down and the dog is fairly small... to me, it just isn't worth it. I equate leaving a dog in a car alone to leaving a toddler in a car alone. Can you do it? yes. Is it dangerous? yes.
Leaving a dog in a car with windows up, AC on, doors completely locked and alarm on in a public parking lot is fine to me. I'm REALLY happy when I see dogs hanging out in cars with the AC blasting while their humans run inside of a store. But when people let their dogs suffer in a hot car, windows down or NOT, it isn't fun for the dogs, its deadly. Trust me, I've sat in a car when it was 80* with the windows ALL the way down, and I could not stand it after a while ~ thats me, with a much more advanced cooling system than any dog and a t-shirt and the ability to get out of the hot car. Last week, me and my sister went to this restaurant after church, and there was a truck out front with 2 Pit Bulls in the BURNING hot old metal pick-up bed with no shade, and 3 dogs in the cab!!! Seriously. The cab had it's windows cracked, and the dogs inside were barking constantly, as were the 2 in the pick-up. We went inside and told them to urgently page the people who owned the truck and the dogs, because they were in danger of dying. We were soooo pissed. We waited outside for the owner, and totally told him off >_<... "I'm just going to have a nice long sunday brunch while my dogs die of heat stroke!"
Yeah i think it is too!:) I believe the SPCA takes them,and adopts them out.Quote:
Originally posted by PJ's Mom
Sounds like a great law to me! :)
I remember a lady in Galveston left her German Shepherd puppy,in mid-summer(HOT!),with the windows cracked.She was inside eating her lunch:rolleyes: Someone complained about the puppy and she got it taken away from her.I'm pretty sure you get fined too.I think there should be a law like that everywhere.And that includes dogs in the back of a pickup.
Thanks:) I think that they should make a law so that it is illegal to leave a dog unattended in a car no matter what the weather is. I know that dogs like to go for cars rides but some not all people just take them when the owner goes inside to eat lunch and leaves her poor pooch out in the car with only the windows cracked. Those are the people who should be punished:) My opinion
I have and will leave Finn alone in the car on occassion. He loves being in the car. If I have to run errands, I'd rather take him with me than leave him alone at home. I figure it's no different than leaving your dog outside with fresh water and shade. I don't consider myself a bad pet owner for doing so, either. I park in the shade, leave the windows all down enough so that he can almost stick his head out. I think the most I've left him is fifteen or twenty minutes, if there's shade. And, he always has fresh water in the car. That's why I don't see much difference in that and leaving a dog outside for half an hour or an hour. I treat my dog well and love him more than I love most people, but, I don't see the problem with leaving them in the car for a short period of time. I've sat in my car with the ac off on really hot days with him, just reading a book or something...and, we've both been fine. If the dog is barking and screaming, or looks like he's not handling it well, I see it as a problem. Finn just stretches out in the backseat until I come outside.