Do NOT leave your pet in a parked car on a warm, sunny day like this driver did!

Photo taken by Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein (4/6/2015) of dog in parked car

With warmer temperatures descending on the east coast the past few days,  people are enjoying the weather after waking up from their winter hibernation.  Many are enjoying the sun rays after a long winter finally abates.

Yesterday, southeastern Pennsylvania saw temperatures in the 70’s! This is certainly welcoming by me.  The sun was shining brightly and it was a gorgeous day to enjoy outside (unless you suffer from miserable allergies)

It was also a day when I viewed a familiar sight.  A dog was left in a vehicle as his owner went into a store.  I see no harm in doing this if only for a few minutes.  My gut instincts told me this wasn’t going to be the case.  I had just pulled into my space as the man left his Explorer.

I decided to sit in my car and watch the dog to make sure he was okay.  A few minutes passed and the dog was panting. Both front windows were only slightly cracked as seen in the picture.

A few minutes turned into seven minutes.  Can you see the dog in the back seat where there was more shade?  I watched him as he was panting heavier. I became concerned for him.

Same dog after 10 minutes in Explorer after he moved to the back seat where there is more shade. He is panting heavier.

Did you know the temperature in your car can rise almost 20 degrees in 10 minutes?  In 20 minutes it can rise up to 30 degrees.  If the outside temp is 70 degrees, the car will be 89 degrees in 10 minutes.

At the 10 minute interval, the dog was panting heavier.  I waited for his owner.  I knew exactly where he was.  Before I ascended into the store to speak to him, I thought I should get his license plate number.  As I did this, a rugged-looking man exited the door and stared in my direction.

This was nearing the 15 minute mark!

I had a feeling he was the man for whom this dog was waiting.  He slowly walked toward us. He wasn’t in a hurry, that’s for sure, as he strolled ever-so-slowly over to his vehicle. He got into his Explorer and sat in it without turning on the engine to cool it down.

I stayed in my car while he and his dog were still there which was at least over five minutes.  I finally heard his engine start but he still didn’t back out of his spot. I then heard him utter a few words. Were they for me?  I thought I heard him say, “What are you doing?” I can’t be sure.  By the time I had a chance to turn toward him and reply, he left.  I don’t think he sincerely wanted an answer but I do think he was puzzled and upset as to why I would be interested in his license plate number.

Had I spoken to him, I was going to calmly inform of the dangers of keeping a pet in a locked car with the windows slightly cracked on a warm, sunny day.

Each year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion after being left in a parked car according to the AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association. Your car can quickly become a death trap even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you. Cracking the windows makes no difference according to AVMA.

Even though yesterday was by no means a hot day, the temperature was sufficient to cause serious harm or death to this innocent dog.

I honestly don’t believe this man meant any harm to his dog.  I believe he isn’t informed of the consequences of his actions and sadly there will be deadly consequences for too many dogs this year.

Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues.