Does anyone understand why people don't just shut off their engines, lock their cars and take the keys with them? It isn't like it is a difficult thing to do, or ever has been. I was always taught that it was a horrible waste of gas, if nothing else.

This is total speculation on

By ZachAndTired on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 9:39am.

This is total speculation on my part, but I'm guessing she probably left the car running so the A/C would be on for the dog. In most scenarios, I'm with you on not idling though.

Really hope this person gets her dog (and her car, but especially her dog) back.

People are anxious about their dogs in hot cars.

By anon on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 12:34pm.

There are a number of admonishments making the rounds about what death traps cars can be for dogs and kids left sealed in them in summer.

This clip is arguably a favorite on the subject. https://youtu.be/-bkVs5xMNfM

There's a VERY simple solution

By anon on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 9:04am.

for that. Don't leave the dog in the car. And if you're going somewhere where the dog isn't welcome, then just leave the dog at home.

It's sometimes necessary

By KarenK on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 4:08pm.

It's sometimes necessary when one absolutely must transport a pet but must also leave them unattended for "five minutes" in warmer months. As wasteful as this is of gasoline, it is downright cruel to take chances when it comes to baking a living animal in a hot car. I've noticed that many folks with dogs assume they need not lock their running cars, but clearly it's best for a pet owner to carry two keys so they can lock their doors. Many people are reluctant to copy expensive modern ignition keys, but forget that a cheap door-only copy can usually be made without the expensive circuitry. This can be very handy for anyone to keep in their wallet in case of a lock-out, too!