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 Posted
7/22/2010 6:06:00 AM
Imagine being trapped inside a metal box on a hot day. No air coming in, no water anywhere, no way of cooling off? As the heat continues to build you struggle. But the more you struggle the hotter you get. Doesn't sound pretty does it? Unfortunately it happens way to often in parking lots across Canada when some people leave the animals, even children in locked cars on a hot day! Argh! Why? Idiots!
Yesterday I helped a woman who had spotted two small dogs locked in a van with the windows opened only a crack. Long story short, the Fire Department was called and the dogs owner was found. When I spoke with her, she said she had only been gone 20 minutes. In fact it was almost an hour...so I reminded her how hot a vehicle can become in such a short time. The Edmonton Humane Society says on a warm day, a vehicle acts like an oven, trapping the heat inside. In fact, the inside temperature of a vehicle can soar to 39ºC (100ºF) in as little as ten minutes, and to 49ºC (120ºF) within thirty minutes. This can happen even if the windows are slightly rolled down or if the vehicle is parked in the shade.
Animals do not sweat the same way as humans. With nothing but overheated air to breathe, a dog can only last a short time before suffering severe brain damage or even death. If possible, leave your pet at home. Or, if it is necessary to travel with an animal, travel with a passenger so you do not need to leave your pet in the car with the windows rolled up. For more details and an info sheet you can print and leave on a car you can go to
http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=59
I will be the first to admit I used to ALWAYS have my dogs with me. But knowing what is best for them, I keep them home on hot days. They are my boys, my babies and I'd hate anything to happen to them.
Keep your pets safe. Keep them home on hot days. I
JLN.
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J'lyn Nye
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This exact thing has happened to me with both Dogs and Children. Every time the reaction of the guilty is pretty much the same and what's worse is they try to downplay the situation either by saying they were only gone a few minutes or by arguing that it's not that hot or it isn't that unhealthy. I agree we need stronger penalties and more awareness for any type of neglect to animals. I have also taken sooo many animals in distress to the pound or the after hours Vet Clinic that I feel guilty now everytime I do it, but I have to keep reminding myself that they are better off then sufferring. However, the pets are always the ones that pay the price and rarley the Owners who should be charged with a crime. I would like to say THANK YOU for taking the time to care as so often people just walk on by.
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Posted By
Chris Shivak
On
8/12/2010 1:31:33 PM
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It makes me so mad every year hearing yet another news story about an animal - or CHILD - left in a car! Even if you're only running in 'for a minute', anything can happen to delay you're back to the car right away. No life is worth the chance, especially one dependent on you for it's very existence.
Thank you, J'lyn and everyone who has had the courage to step in and help. We need stronger penalties for those who torture helpless creatures in such a thoughtless manner.
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Posted By
Christina
On
7/23/2010 2:47:55 PM
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Morning J'Lyn - Idiots is a mild word for people that do this to their beloved pets. Yes, although you want your dogs/pets with you always it's best to put them first and leave them at home or with someone who can pet-sit for you.
Thanks for being such a caring person and have a wonderful day!
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Posted By
Sally Hemmings
On
7/22/2010 7:55:12 AM
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