Jim, that is a perfect response to a controversial issue. It is a sad fact that you guys all willingly put your selves in dangerous situations everyday that open you up to extensive criticism while you are protecting the very people that are doing the criticising! It makes me sick...

My heart breaks for these dogs that died "in the line of duty" and the handlers that loved them, depended on them, and were protected by them. I hurt for them and their families.

I used to have a flyer that states the amount of time it takes for a car to heat up in the various seasons, even with the windows cracked. I put them on cars with dogs left in them. I haven't used any yet this season-Maybe they worked! I got the idea to make them from a vet I worked at in the late 80's. You can copy and paste this or make your own. I would insert dog pics.

Your Car is Not Cool Enough to Leave this dog.
Contrary to what most people believe, dogs overheat more quickly than humans do. They wear their fur coat all year long and they do not sweat. They cool their bodies by panting, or blowing out heat, which is much less effective than sweating. Even if you are comfortable, your dog may be too hot!
Even if the outside air temperature seems moderate, car temperatures will increase by nearly 20 degrees in the first ten minutes. After an hour, the inside temperature can be 40-50 degrees higher than the outside. The car literally becomes like an oven.

You could add any related facts you like. I like to keep it short and to the point and do a half page on bright paper. Keep them handy and use when the opportunity arises. Some people just aren't aware of the danger.

Tanith stated :

" Jim - that's a great answer.

Would you mind if I cross-posted it on another forum where people are trying to 'crucify' the handler and raise negative public opinion? "

Tanith , I just want to stress I am not defending this particular incident . I simply don't know enough about it from the article to defend or condemn the parties involved .

I don't mind if you cross post it but I think you should check with Ed or the Mods here first . They may have a policy against cross posting from this site .


On a side note , 6 of us K9 Units in my city did a demo the past 3 days at our Taste of Minnesota . It's been sunny , humid and in the 80's all 3 days . We had our marked K9 squads there all with dogs barking . With all of us standing within sight of our squads .

I personally got confronted by 6 people seperately complaining about our squad cars running and unattended . They were mad about us violating the state law . Explaining we had dogs inside and needed them running for the air conditioning didn't seem to matter . Just can't win sometimes no matter what we do .

Thank Jim, will message a mod now.

 Quote: Jim Nash

I personally got confronted by 6 people seperately complaining about our squad cars running and unattended . They were mad about us violating the state law . Explaining we had dogs inside and needed them running for the air conditioning didn't seem to matter . Just can't win sometimes no matter what we do .

We get that all the time as well. We do try to explain why the engine is running. If given the opportunity we explain about the heat alarms. Most people understand but on occasion you have that dingleberry that just has to pitch a fit. Morons.

DFrost

Not replying to Dave, just some additional points on leaving a dog in the car with the A/C running.

The undercoat can clog the A/C heat exchanger. Make certain it is periodically cleaned or it's filters are periodically cleaned. BTW, this goes for your computer too -- especially if you leave it sitting on the floor. Than fine, downy fur gets into everything.

Some of the newer cars will turn on the heater if the engine overheats. Like only firing alternate cylinders when overheated, it's something the engine control computer will do to attempt to save the engine. So, if you leave the A/C on and the engine overheats, the car interior can be quickly overheated.

Overheat alarms can fail too. They should be periodically tested.

I bring my girl almost everywhere I go. It's very fortunate that I live in a state where I can run the engine while I leave her behind in my vehicle. I drive a 2008 F350 diesel and feel quite safe leaving her in the cab (in her seatbelt in the backseat of the cab) but still don't stay away for long just in case the engine stop for some reason.

Jim,

Excellent post and I sincerely appreciate your input and perspective. Stay safe.

David stated :

" We get that all the time as well. We do try to explain why the engine is running. If given the opportunity we explain about the heat alarms. Most people understand but on occasion you have that dingleberry that just has to pitch a fit. Morons. "



Same here . Sometimes I'll show them the whole squad . Heat sensor , current temp. in squad , tinted windows , water bucket , yada yada and most change their tune but there are always a handful that just like to complain . We have 2 weeks straight coming up at our state fair in August and we will hear that dozens of times . Gets real old . " How come you can leave your car runnning ; why can you have window tint so dark ?! ". " Do you know your dog is inside that car ; it's hot out ?! "

Give me a break .