Dog Returned to Owner

There was a story on this morning's news about a young man who was reunited with his 5 month old Rottie puppy who got loose after a car accident yesterday.  Glad for them, that they got the dog back, but it probably would not have happened if the dog had been in a crate. 

I sent the following email to the TV Station:

Your article today about the Rottweiler puppy who was reunited with his owner prompts the email.  

I would like to see community service messages about dogs riding loose in vehicles.  While in a severe accident it is possible for a crate to come open, it is still a much safer way to travel with any pet.  A pet becomes a live projectile on impact, not only increasing the chance of death or injury to the pet, but also to the vehicle occupants.  The pet has a definite probability of escape, and either never being returned to the owner, or death by being hit by another vehicle on the road. There was even an instance where a large dog, who was protecting his trapped owner when the first respoders arrived, was shot by police.  No pet lover wants to see these things happen, yet many think it is 'cruel' to put their dogs in a crate.  

Along the same line, people do not consider that all of the things that hit their windshields, while driving, will also hit their dog in face/head/neck when allowing their dog their dogs to ride with their head sticking out of a window.  The reason 'but they like it' - until their dog is injured or killed.  

And on a final note:  WARMER TEMPERATURES.  I have already seen dogs left in cars.  People think that leaving a dog in a car on a 70 degree day, in the sun, with the windows cracked is sufficient.  The temperatures can rise dramatically, in a short period of time, in a closed vehicle.  I call the police, and everyone should.  I would like to see every business, every city, and every public parking lot have signs warning of the dangers of this behavior, as well as stating that they call police.  

Let's save some lives. 

Sincerely, 

Darlene Scheiris