As you know, I love dogs.  They have been in my life for as long as I can remember.  I volunteer with the SPCA as both an adoption counselor (bringing dogs and their families together) and a behavior foster (rehabilitating dogs for their future homes).  I also have two dogs of my own, Teddy that we adopted recently and Jerzee, my canine bestie.

Jerzee has seen me through so much.  My engagement, wedding, moving to Dallas, and she’s been by my side through every pregnancy loss.  When I used to work from home, one day a week we would go on errands.  Checking mail.  Picking up lunch.  And when I would arrive at the post office, I would leave her in the car for a quick in and out.

That’s right.  The dog lover would leave her dog in the car.

I didn’t realize the danger that this would be.  And the trips were usually under 5 minutes.  I never did it when it was triple digits outside.  And I usually parked in the shade.  But once I realized how dangerous this could be, I started doing these trips alone.  I never take my dog out with me unless I know I can take her into the store.

I have started to notice a lot of information being shared about this hot topic (pun definitely intended).  I recently saw this video about how hot it can get in your car.

If that doesn’t convince you, there is this great infographic from Global Tint UK Global Tint UK that really summarizes everything.  Even if you see a dog in a parked car and what to do.

I used to do this.  I know how fun it is to have your canine bestie riding shotgun as you run errands or take long commutes.  But the risk is not worth it to leave them in that car.  I know better now, so I do better now.  Please share with your friends, family and any other dog lovers you know!