I need to make this sign for my car; heat wave is coming.

[Croney]

I'll never forget coming out of Whole Foods and finding an irate woman waiting for the police by my car, with my little terrier wagging her tail in cool comfort as she watched from inside.

[Marcus IM]

1. You leave your car running while you shop?

Many reasons not to do that. For the dog's safety too.

[brewens]

2. Also, you never know if you'd have some emergency and not be able to get back to your car.

I know the odds are really long and I wouldn't freak out and call the cops over a dog but would over a baby.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

6. I used to do it with my dog but never for more than an in and out.

Because an engine can quit and air conditioner can break.

There was a case a few years ago where a cop left his k9 in a car for 4 hours while he went and did a side job. The ac quit and the dog died.

But a worse case scenario isn’t going to kill a dog if you are in and out. Still would never do it without the air running - I used to pre cool the truck for the dog.

[Croney]

10. Yep, it's only for quick trips, and you're thinking of all that

while you're in the store.

[Croney]

3. I'm not going to leave a dog in a hot car.

You lock the doors and take the keys, you go grab your milk and bread, you come back. Pretty common where I live.

[Marcus IM]

4. I understand the mechanics of keys. TY

Leaving an unattended car running is against the law in many places.

For safety (your dog and other people's).

For GHG emission reduction.

[Croney]

7. Well I'm still going to be doing it so I like the sign idea.

Whatever floats your boat. 🙂

[Marcus IM]

9. GHG will have us floating or sinking.

So, you just don't care. Got it

Thanks for your consideration regarding floating and safety.

[Stardust Mirror]

19. I got a ticket for leaving the car running, locked, no animals inside

parked directly outside deli, just ran in to pick up sandwich. Was having car battery problem, often wouldn't start. Turns out alternator needed to be replaced. Now get this: to replace the alternator the TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. 2005 Ford Escape. Nice design there, Ford Motor Company.. To replace the alternator. Have to remove transmission. To replace alternator.

[Attilatheblond]

12. There are a LOT of 'service Chihuahuas' and other assorted questionable 'service' breeds in homemade vests here

We are on the border with Mexico and it is HOT here. A lot of elderly people bring their 'service dogs' shopping with them Most merchants turn a blind eye unless the dogs get really disruptive. Bless 'em all for the forbearance that keeps doggos safe here where it is so hot.

The tiny 'service dogs' get carried across hot parking lot pavements. Some ride in shopping carts inside stores. I am sure they are helping owners remember what all they need to buy.

[Jilly_in_VA]

14. Don't be laughing so hard

The last service dog I met was a small terrier (not sure of breed but she was longhaired, black and tan) weighing about 16 lbs., who was a diabetic alert dog. She was a delightful, well-behaved little canine, who was forced to undergo patdown and x-ray by TSA just like we all were but came out of it in somewhat better spirits than the rest of us did.

[Attilatheblond]

15. Yep. There are heart alert dogs, and seizure alert dogs, but they all have 'official' vests

the lil home made vests we see here, often with safety pinned-on service dog patches, are always creative and amusing. And I really feel for the ones who are so nervous they can't stop shaking.

Around here, there have been some K9 drug sniffers working for law enforcement who are SO good at their jobs that the Cartels have put bounties on their heads. Those heroes get moved around a lot to stay ahead of the bad guys while still making busts.

And I LOVE the dogs who patiently sit with reluctant readers in schools and libraries, helping kids get over their own nervousness about reading. Love and acceptance in furry packages do wonders for kids. Thinking of working with my big St Bernard cross to get certified for such laid back work.

There are rescue horses who help wounded veterans, especially amputees. Riding makes the veterans build and hold core muscle strength and gives them a 'taller view' than what they have from a wheel chair, which I have read can do wonders for depression. Horses are great for helping depressed teens too. PTSD therapy horses, donkeys, mules, and dogs are more than earning their keep and special places in heaven.

And gotta cheer programs that teach prisoners how to care for and train various service dogs and horses. Win-Win-Win. Teaching the prisoners valuable job skills, giving them reasons to think beyond themselves, self esteem building. And it gets many dogs out of shelters while lowering costs to train and provide valuable service dogs for people whose lives are enriched for having them.

Be assured, my giggles at service Chihuahuas is not dissing the value of our fur brethren, believe me, I get it. Fur guys are better than a lot of people.

[Jilly_in_VA]

17. This little dog did have an official vest

and was patient, well trained, and well-behaved. Nonetheless, she was forced to have her owner remove her vest and go through x-ray and be patted down, just like all of us.

Chihuahuas, being pretty much one-person dogs, would make excellent "alert" dogs, whether specifically trained for it or not. They are can be annoying to the rest of us, but they're very attuned to the person they choose.

I once was owned by a cat who might have made a fine "alert" animal. I've spoken before about how, if one of us was sick or hurt, he would curl up by whatever was bothering the person and purr his little heart out. He often knew when someone in the family was sick before they did.

[Marcus IM]

16. In Florida - where things are crazy - people have service Iguanas. Not kidding. n/t

[TexasBushwhacker]

18. They may be "emotional support" iguanas

But they ARE NOT service animals.

[Sneederbunk]

5. A useful sign whether or not you have a/c.

[Croney]

8. But not too good for the dog. Lol

[Think. Again.]

11. Please don't leave unattended animals anywhere.

...asking for millions of furry friends.

[Croney]

13. Sorry, my millions of furry friends like to wait in the AC rather than

always be left at home. 🙂

It's not either-or. This window sign is for when a dog is waiting in a car in hot weather. It's not about the "shoulds" and "should nots." It's a nice solution. Have a good one!

[Skittles]

20. sorry, no

do NOT leave unattended - ever