Dog Abuse

Dog Dies After 3 Hours in Parked Car with Air Conditioner Running

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A Nebraska family learned the hard way that when the summer sun is beating down on a parked car, even leaving the air conditioner on doesn’t always provide a safe place for pets.

by WKRC

A German Shepherd died inside a parked SUV while her owners enjoyed lunch and drinks just steps away inside Omaha, Nebraska restaurant DJ’s Dugout.

Before parking the SUV and going inside the restaurant, the out-of-town visitors placed their German shepherd inside a plastic travel kennel in the rear of the vehicle and turned on the air conditioning to keep her cool.

Sadly, despite being left to cool the vehicle, the air conditioner did not provide enough air flow or ventilation during the couple’s three hour lunch. The kennel was placed next to a rear window and the vehicle was parked in full sun.

At about 3:00pm, the couple went outside to leave and discovered the dog soaking wet in her kennel and not breathing. The man rushed inside the restaurant begging for water and ice for the dog and a server, who is also a nurse, began chest compressions hoping to revive the dog.

According to the National Weather Service, outside temperatures were about 87-degrees, with a heat index of 90.

What’s especially disappointing, Evelyn Birkel, their server told the Omaha World-Herald, is that DJ’s Dugout offers a dog-friendly patio for guests traveling with their pets.

“If people want to bring their dogs to our patio, they are welcome to do so, so that we can avoid situations like this,” she said. “We’ve brought bowls of water out for dogs, we are more than happy to do that.”

Responders were unable to revive the dog and she died as a result of heat exhaustion. The couple were not ticketed or charged because, Nebraska Humane Society officials said, they had taken precautions they thought were appropriate for the dog’s safety.

“They were emotionally distraught enough as it was. The animal control officer didn’t feel like a citation would serve a purpose,” Mark Langan of the Nebraska Humane Society said.

Please remember, in extreme heat, even a running air conditioner does not provide adequate cooling and ventilation over an extended period of time. If you can’t take your dog inside with you, leave them at home.

116 Comments

116 Comments

  1. Avatar Of Df

    DF

    Jul 30, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    Last week, I was waiting inside a new car with a friend while two other people went in a store to buy some articles. Of course, we have let the A/C on while waiting for them. But, what we have realized after a certain time is that, when the car is not moving, THE A/C DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK! “Regular” air came out, which was useless with the hot temperature. So, NEVER RELY ON A/C IF CAR IS NOT MOVING. Death trap.

  2. Avatar Of Me

    Me

    Jul 22, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    This is just wrong on every level. These owners should have been charged!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Do they not read the news, do they not have facebook???????. If they planned on going for a three hour lunch, then perhaps they should have left the dog at home. If that was not an option then there are plenty of drive thrus for lunch. I do not feel for the owners at all, but RIP to their dog for sure, such a in humane way to go, I hope they cannot live with themselves forever, and I hope they are never allowed to own another animal in their life time!!!!!!!

    • Avatar Of Bryan J

      Bryan J

      Jul 22, 2019 at 11:30 pm

      Agreed. Fuck these people. Uncaring, selfish morons.

  3. Avatar Of Lorelei

    Lorelei

    Jul 21, 2019 at 7:05 pm

    How really stupid and uncaring. They should be in jail. They should never have another pet, they are too dumb. I travel with mine some and use drive-throughs or don’t eat. It is really very simple to take care of a dog properly. He comes first. Period. The car could have shut off. Too many things can go wrong.

  4. Avatar Of Susan

    susan

    Jul 19, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    Here’s a thought, stop bringing your dogs everywhere you go. It’s getting ridiculous.

  5. Avatar Of Rox

    Rox

    Jul 19, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR. Not for any reason. Not for any amount of time. If you love your dog then leave it at home!

    • Avatar Of Trish Robinson

      Trish robinson

      Jul 20, 2019 at 10:57 am

      Assholes!!! Couldn’t even go check on during those 3 hrs?? Left car in full sun??? Left in plastic cage???? No citation/punishment????????? There’s NO END to stupidity!!!!!!

      • Avatar Of Michelle Janetis

        Michelle Janetis

        Jul 20, 2019 at 11:35 pm

        Exactly what I was thinking. You can’t fix STUPID.

    • Avatar Of Barb

      Barb

      Jul 21, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      Leave pets at home to be safe! You’re not with them anyway when you leave them in a car. So tired of assanine people!

  6. Avatar Of Joe Blow

    joe blow

    Jul 19, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    dumb fucking idiots…too many idiots owning a dog when they should have been swallowed by their mom to begin with…hope they fucking suffer horribly when they die. fucking idiots. I hope these idiots don’t have any kids..fucking up the human race.

    • Avatar Of Bonnie

      Bonnie

      Aug 9, 2019 at 9:06 pm

      Totally needless vulgarity and violent retribution thoughts. While I agree they are 100% guilty, your comment is also needless hate. We have too much of that.

  7. Avatar Of Kathleen

    Kathleen

    Jul 19, 2019 at 10:32 am

    I do agree that a fine IS in order. Confined and in the way back in full sun without one check in….Ding, ding…..They did not do enough, sorry…

  8. Avatar Of Diane

    Diane

    Jul 18, 2019 at 8:06 pm

    They do not deserve a dog, imbeciles. No excuses. None. Fine them.

  9. Avatar Of Vickie

    Vickie

    Jul 18, 2019 at 8:14 am

    Who in the hell does a 3 hour lunch with their dog in the car – even with AC?!? Nobody went to bring the dog a drink, let her stretch her legs, or just check on her? In a plastic kennel, parked in full sun. These idiots killed their dog in a horrible way. I feel for that poor dog – crap way to die The humans…I’d like to slap them silly. They don’t deserve a pet.

    • Avatar Of Trish Robinson

      Trish robinson

      Jul 20, 2019 at 11:00 am

      Amen!

    • Avatar Of Michelle Janetis

      Michelle Janetis

      Jul 20, 2019 at 11:40 pm

      Completely Agree 100%
      We live in Florida. A friend of my fiance, left his French Bulldog on his balcony in Miami Beach an entire afternoon in 90 degree heat. Needless to say, he returned home to find his dog deceased. He didn’t get a fine either but lost a lot of his friends over it. People must receive a fine or jail time or hopefully BOTH when it’s warranted.

    • Avatar Of Christine Decker

      Christine Decker

      Jul 22, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      Why take your dog somewhere and leave them in the car? LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME!!!! They should have been left in a plastic kennel in the back of the car for 3 hrs in full sun and see what it feels like. Shouldn’t be allowed another pet ever!

  10. Avatar Of B Powell

    B Powell

    Jul 17, 2019 at 8:42 pm

    A three hour lunch, really? And you don’t check on your dog even once? Enough said!

  11. Avatar Of Karen Ragsdale

    Karen Ragsdale

    Jul 17, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    Just shows no matter how much we spread the word, people just don’t get it. Especially inside a kennel. How very sad for this dog.

  12. Avatar Of Joe

    Joe

    Jul 17, 2019 at 2:53 pm

    What complete morons. And yes, they should of been charged. They left the dog in a car in a crate on a hot day. The AC will not function properly without air moving across the evaporator. Hope they don’t have any kids.

  13. Avatar Of Nellie

    Nellie

    Jul 17, 2019 at 1:03 pm

    They absolutely should be charged. They were negligent. They didn’t make a mistake, they purposely left the dog in the vehicle without checking whatsoever for 3 hours. They chose not to sit outside with their dog – because it was too warm perhaps? OMG, so sad. I hope they have nightmares about this. I have sympathy in situations where people have done things not knowingly and caused death but to intentionally leave him in a kennel in a car is criminal! Also, why are they not being charged for running a vehicle for 3 hours! We are not allowed to keep our vehicle idling for 5 minutes picking kids up from school!

    • Avatar Of Marina

      Marina

      Jul 17, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Agree with you 100%…

    • Avatar Of An’drea

      An’drea

      Jul 17, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      What the Hell, If they left there poor dog in the car
      They were totally Stupid ass people. They need
      To be given severe punishment! No damn excuses please!!!

    • Avatar Of Minfi

      Minfi

      Jul 18, 2019 at 9:56 pm

      Right, I thought the same? Idk the laws in Nebraska, but in OH if your car is running without you in it you get a ticket!!!
      German Shepard’s get very overheated quickly, this was in the back of a SUV, what made them think that a running,parked SUV with the air on was ok to leave a large dog with heavy coat in for 3 hours? No shade, no water, shoot my dog don’t stay in our air conditioning house with out water!!!! I have a Shepard, and if own one you know how hot they get!!!! I am sure they are heartbroken, and I am sorry this happened to them but come on it does not take a genius to know not to leave your dog or children in the hot car!!!!

      • Avatar Of Jaybee

        Jaybee

        Jul 19, 2019 at 1:43 am

        Yes.I have a GSD,too. Their coats are for cold climates to start with. I’m sorry the baby died such a wretched death and the people weren’t charged! The restaurant has animal services,for goodness sake!

  14. Avatar Of Judy Snell

    Judy Snell

    Jul 16, 2019 at 8:07 pm

    Shame on the officer for not even given the citation! They were stuffing their fat faces while he was in the hot car and they offer dog friendly patios. Ignorance.

    • Avatar Of Judy

      Judy

      Jul 17, 2019 at 11:06 pm

      People leave your pets at home!!! They should of been charged that poor dog suffered horribly locked in a crate in a vehicle in full sun…..there is just no excuse for that….

    • Avatar Of Linda Louise E. Schmidthuber

      LINDA LOUISE E. SCHMIDTHUBER

      Jul 18, 2019 at 10:35 pm

      Judy Snell – I agree with you 100%! That was clearly animal abuse and neglect!! They couldn’t even leave their 3-hour f’ing lunch to go check on the dog — at least once every half hour!!!! May there be a special place in Hell for these so-called pet owners.

  15. Avatar Of Brenda

    Brenda

    Jul 16, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    I’m sad this happened. I don’t understand how they never checked on the dog nor brought out cool water in 3 hours. I can’t imagine a car sitting with the engine going for 3 hours and not checking on it either. I can see that they might think the ac was ample but damn bet I would have checked back to see if it was icy cold sitting in one place within 30 minutes and every 20 or 30 minutes after that if I had a car running unattended even within view. Even if it was a plant I would brought it ice/water out!
    Now that we know that ventilation was not adequate, I can only wonder if Tesla’s cooling system that people can activate if the get out the car, which people think is okay to leave their pet or love one inside is going to create numerous of deaths of pets and fragile humans due to lack of ventilation?

    • Avatar Of Kathy

      Kathy

      Jul 20, 2019 at 10:55 am

      I did not get the jump seat in the back of the car because the ventilation is not good. Knowing this, when the dog is with me I always put the seat down and cover the part of the crate that is in the sun if I can’t park in the shade. Our dog has severe anxiety and would rather ride in the car all day than be home. I’m confident that this method is safer for our dog than him eating door frames when left at home.

      • Avatar Of Lashell

        LaShell

        Jul 22, 2019 at 11:57 am

        Agreed, this is a tragic mistake and I can only imagine what the owners are going through. Yes, they should have gone out every hour to check on their baby and should have let him roam free in the SUV with sun guards on the windows and a bowl of water available to him. All these hurtful comments will do no good, and are uncalled for 🙁

  16. Avatar Of Emilyc

    EmilyC

    Jul 16, 2019 at 4:15 pm

    It is very simple, if there are not accommodations for your dog then leave your dog at home. Get a pet sitter. For God’s sake if you cannot be responsible enough to watch your dog just as you would a toddler then leave them at home!!!!

  17. Avatar Of Dogonstupidhumans

    Dogonstupidhumans

    Jul 16, 2019 at 11:35 am

    Absolutely horrible!!

    • Avatar Of Josh Daniels

      Josh Daniels

      Jul 16, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      I would never have done what they did, I wonder if dog might have survived had the dog been loose in back seat minus the crate with AC on? I would not trust air conditioning to stay working. I would fear the car stalling, engine difficulties AC break down whatever. Whats with the 3 hour meal?

    • Avatar Of Cindy Bonner

      Cindy Bonner

      Jul 17, 2019 at 12:46 pm

      I hope that every single day of their miserable lives that they think about how their dog suffered and died!

  18. Avatar Of Deborah

    Deborah

    Jul 15, 2019 at 10:25 pm

    A 3 hour lunch and the idiot owners did NOT check on their “beloved” family member/dog. YES, they should have been charged!

    Full sun
    Next to window
    Plastic kennel
    3 Hours
    Not once checking on the dog…..
    THEY WERE IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS and the poor dog died a slow horrible death.

    I feel sorry for the dog..
    NOT the owners.

    • Avatar Of Erika Pfahl

      Erika Pfahl

      Jul 16, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      müssen eine große Strafe bekommen, der arme Hund,mir kommen die Tränen was sind das für Menschen

      • Avatar Of Michelle Janetis

        Michelle Janetis

        Jul 21, 2019 at 1:28 am

        Ganz genau!!!

    • Avatar Of Lauren

      Lauren

      Jul 16, 2019 at 3:36 pm

      Very well said! Deborah! I agree completely!

    • Avatar Of Gina Divito

      Gina DiVito

      Jul 16, 2019 at 4:29 pm

      AMEN, poor poor dog.

    • Avatar Of Angela Jones

      Angela Jones

      Jul 16, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      I hope they meet the same fate their dog did! Ignorant lazy slobs didn’t even check on her. They were too busy stuffing their selfish faces!! They could have used the restaraunts dog patio! I would have ticketed them if I were law enforcement!!

    • Avatar Of Nanette M Valencia

      Nanette M Valencia

      Jul 16, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      Absolutely! It’s not like they went in for just a little while. Three hours was incredibly negligent and stupid.

      Did no one hear this poor dog? Or did they just not care? They deserved to be cited for causing this amount of suffering resulting in death

    • Avatar Of Julie

      Julie

      Jul 16, 2019 at 9:50 pm

      totally agree! Poor dog. He could not even help himself.

    • Avatar Of Dr. Sammi Flynn

      Dr. Sammi Flynn

      Jul 16, 2019 at 10:04 pm

      Absolutely charge these people, I don’t care how distraught they were. Had it been a child, you would have let them walk? This animal died a horrible death because of their irresponsible behavior.

    • Avatar Of Dottie

      Dottie

      Jul 18, 2019 at 2:29 am

      I feel exactly the same way! Leave your animals at home with a pet sitter.
      That is where my animals stay when I have to be away or on vacation!
      STOP deaths in cars!!!

  19. Avatar Of Jill

    Jill

    Jul 20, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    What a lot of flamers here! What right have you all to judge someone who made a mistake that cost them dearly? If any one of you haven’t sinned (made a mistake) I’d be hard pressed to believe it. Even just ONE small sin will get you judged in kind tenfold for lacking in compassion for someone who suffered a loss! shame on you all. Self righteous a**holes!

    • Avatar Of Ron

      Ron

      Aug 6, 2018 at 10:42 pm

      Bill get a life. There has been so much discussion about not leaving a animal in your car. These people should be arrested and locked up in a cell at 99 degrees. You are missing some brain cells to post your shit!!!!

    • Avatar Of Anad

      Anad

      Jul 15, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      Leaving a dog in a car is NOT a SIN! Its STUPIP!!! These people should not have kids or dogs since they are unable to think with common sense!!!

    • Avatar Of Ashley

      Ashley

      Jul 15, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      You’re as dumb as they are. You’d be stupid enough to do about like they did. Do animals a favor, don’t get one!!!
      Ass-wipe!

    • Avatar Of Deborah

      Deborah

      Jul 15, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      A 3 hour lunch and the idiot owners did NOT check on their “beloved” family member/dog. YES, they should have been charged!

      Full sun
      Next to window
      Plastic kennel
      3 Hours
      Not once checking on the dog…..
      THEY WERE IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS and the poor dog died a slow horrible death.

      I feel sorry for the dog..
      NOT the owners

    • Avatar Of Abby

      Abby

      Jul 16, 2019 at 1:23 am

      Tell you what, Jill, YOU go sit in a car, IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT, for three hours or more, even WITH the a/c on, and we’ll see what kind of condition you’re in at the end of it, okay?

      They were idiots and they should have been charged. Oh, they’re too upset? Imagine how that dog felt. Dying like that is a slow and horrible process.

    • Avatar Of Emilyc

      EmilyC

      Jul 16, 2019 at 4:08 pm

      So for three hours, they never even checked on a dog they left in a running car (so they say) and you think the outrage here is not justified. I hope to God you do not own a dog or even have a kid. There are consequences for “mistakes” as you call this. This was pure neglect and animal abuse. You are expected to have a certain level of functionality as a human being or you should be locked up somewhere. These people need to be locked up and pay a huge fine.

    • Avatar Of Patrick

      Patrick

      Jul 16, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      Your an idiot if you think it is okay to take a 3 hour lunch with your dog in a running car. How selfish could you be.

    • Avatar Of Rachel

      Rachel

      Jul 16, 2019 at 6:20 pm

      hey lady how about we put you in a dog kennel and leave you in there for 3 hours and see if you can breathe get the hell off the post speaking of asshole

    • Avatar Of Judy Snell

      Judy Snell

      Jul 16, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      There has been so much about leaving dogs in hot cars. It isn’t just a sin, it is MURDER. They sat inside in the AIR CONDITIONED restaurant while their dog was in a HOT kennel regardless if that AC was on and their dog suffered horribly.

    • Avatar Of Aj

      aj

      Jul 20, 2019 at 11:41 am

      you have totally misused Scripture….that is a sin in itself …..and I have a feeling ,if they are that self-centered and careless…they are not suffering..to them it’s an “oh well”..we messed up

    • Avatar Of Lashell

      LaShell

      Jul 22, 2019 at 12:05 pm

      I agree Jill. This was a tragic mistake that the owners will have to live with for the rest of their lives. I’m sure they loved their baby very much and were just devastated. People are so quick to judge. God forbid they find themselves being treated the same way one day.

  20. Avatar Of Jm

    JM

    Jul 20, 2018 at 1:18 am

    Humans are assholes…how important was your friggin lunch? Pull your heads out of your asses and start caring for the animals you chose to bring into your family! They aren’t disposable objects…Jesus, why does this even need to be said???

    • Avatar Of Ashley

      Ashley

      Jul 15, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      Why didn’t they mention their names in the article? They should be outed for what they did too that poor dog.

  21. Avatar Of Lisa

    Lisa

    Jul 18, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Animal creuity they caused the dogs death by neglect.

  22. Avatar Of Brenda B.

    Brenda B.

    Jul 17, 2018 at 10:15 am

    That is a nightmare. Really, a three hour lunch? Did they check on their dog? Even with air conditioning, any car can stall. There is just no excuse good enough after a pet dies, suffering all the time before.

    • Avatar Of Natasha

      Natasha

      Jul 16, 2019 at 7:49 pm

      There’s no way they left the AC on for 3 hours! Even if they did, the car would over heat on that instance and it would shut off! Murder is murder and neglect is neglect regardless of its species! If this was a child; they would have been arrested and charged! Why wasn’t this digs important enough? I would never do this to my dig, never not even for one minute!

  23. Avatar Of Jbaratta

    jbaratta

    Jul 17, 2018 at 2:31 am

    its abuse. they are liars. no body leaves their air conditioner on that long!!! and animal control bought this. than he or she should be charged with a death of a domestic pet and all of them should do some serious time!

    This horrific and its a slow painful death should be some sort of education. Irresponsible and careless owners fon’t give a hoot about education. IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR. some dumb f ,than another, and another. I like to look this couple straight in the face and than grab them with my bare hands. THIS DOG SUFFERED A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH!! they just got away with murder.

    ya know usually my comments are less than 5 words at most but THIS HITS HONE!!!

    • Avatar Of Robert

      Robert

      Jul 17, 2018 at 3:42 pm

      “its abuse. they are liars. no body leaves their air conditioner on that long!!!” Why wouldn’t someone who wanted to keep their dog cool leave on the AC for that long?

    • Avatar Of Jack Mehoff

      Jack Mehoff

      Jul 18, 2018 at 9:19 am

      Relax Francis. It’s just a dog. It’s not a person.

      • Avatar Of Jm

        JM

        Jul 20, 2018 at 1:14 am

        Fuck you for that stupid comment. This dogs life was just as important as any humans…anyone who thinks otherwise is a special asshole lacking compassion.

        • Avatar Of Shivneel Singh

          Shivneel Singh

          Jul 17, 2019 at 1:56 am

          I rather a human die than a dog, there’s too many people anyway. It’s just another person.

      • Avatar Of Jg

        Jg

        Jul 28, 2018 at 5:09 pm

        Relax Jack! You obviously have no compassion! Wanna sit in my car for 3 hours in the heat?

      • Avatar Of John

        john

        Jul 15, 2019 at 10:54 pm

        Look at the jackass’s name. He’s just here to rile you all up.
        He clearly is an a-hole.

      • Avatar Of Sue Drybread

        sue drybread

        Jul 16, 2019 at 12:13 am

        yes it is a dog and it has a right to live the right way. you are a heartless person.

      • Avatar Of Veronica Lariviere

        Veronica Lariviere

        Jul 16, 2019 at 3:32 pm

        Shut up you asshole. You are a jerk.

      • Avatar Of Starfire

        Starfire

        Jul 17, 2019 at 12:12 am

        Stupid a dog has everything a person has plus a big heart ❤️ not like you self centered idiot . Your kid is just a kid ! Hope you never have sny

      • Avatar Of J

        J

        Jul 17, 2019 at 3:36 am

        Jack Mehoff I can tell by your screen name you are a shit for brains!! Your just an idiot with no brains your not worth the air you breath. There is a special place in hell for idiots like you! What a stupid thing to say!

    • Avatar Of Ashley

      Ashley

      Jul 18, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Mines on 24/7 but I am in a semi … but I’ve sat in my car with the ac one for that long before … my point is people do leave the ac for that long that being said I don’t even leave my dogs alone in my semi without checking on them minimum every hour

      But they thought leaving the ac on would be enough not everyone realizes that if u aren’t right in front of the vents the airflow sux and still gets hot in the back of any vehicle

      • Avatar Of Raysgirl

        Raysgirl

        Jul 17, 2019 at 4:23 pm

        Is A/C in an SUV even intended to really cool the cargo area? Not checking the dog deserved a citation in my mind. I don’t want to hear they made a mistake. I did that once as a much younger person, but with my help and a angel standing by who helped, we saved my boy. His last car ride, other than the vet’s office. I had met an old friend and stopped to talk “for a minute.” I was horrified when I realized how long it had been and ran to my car to find it was just about too late. As I said, my boy came around and he was fine, but it never should have happened and I would have deserved to be charged. This happened before the internet and all the easy warnings we get. You cannot imagine what it feels like in that instant to realize what you have done to that being who loves you most in the whole world and trusts you above all others.

    • Avatar Of Karen

      Karen

      Jul 20, 2018 at 10:27 pm

      My sentiments exactly!

  24. Avatar Of Delailah

    Delailah

    Jul 16, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    What on earth were they thinking? i certainly cannot believe that they got away just like that. They are liable for their dogs death. It may be an accident but still stupidity should not save you from any legal apprehension. Cause if you are reaponsible and if you truly care about your furbaby, you will not leave them alone for more than an hour, especially in the car and in the cage wven if the aircon is on yet car is under the sun, i mean, did you just leave your head athome when you two left for a good food whatever?!?!

  25. Avatar Of Frank

    Frank

    Jul 16, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    why did this person leave the dog in the vehicle, was the damn thing running all three hours because it wont work like air conditioner if motor turned off only the air will circulate. motor has to be running to make cool or cold air

  26. Avatar Of Daisy Miller

    Daisy Miller

    Jul 14, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    Totally agree. I live where this happened and have had a hard time dealing with the fact that the owners clearly “got away with murder”

    • Avatar Of Kec

      KEC

      Jul 16, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      Park the car in shade, if possible, leave windows open just enough for airflow and make your visit to the rest room as quickly as possible. Maybe also leave a bowl of water before you use the rest room.

  27. Avatar Of Casey Cunningham

    casey cunningham

    Jul 13, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Question: What do people traveling solo on a road trip do when they need to use the bathroom? All the rest areas ban dogs in the building and even if you get off the highway, most establishments will not allow dogs in their buildings.

    • Avatar Of Keri

      Keri

      Jul 14, 2018 at 6:20 pm

      Rest stops

      • Avatar Of Linda

        Linda

        Jul 16, 2018 at 3:55 pm

        When is the last time you travelled out of state with a pet? Rest stops have signs specifically prohibiting dogs from going in the buildings. That being said, most rest stops will have at least some shade to park in and an average bathroom stop shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. The air conditioning should be adequate for that amount of time… However I do seriously wonder why lunch took 3 HOURS and they didn’t bother to check on the dog once during that time.

        • Avatar Of Shelley Mccrae

          Shelley McCrae

          Jul 21, 2018 at 1:07 am

          Exactly!

    • Avatar Of Keri

      Keri

      Jul 14, 2018 at 6:21 pm

      Rest stops

    • Avatar Of Lani

      Lani

      Jul 16, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      But 3 hours?? Come on and they didn’t even think to go check on the dog? I have dogs and would take them to the corner store and be in there 5 minutes. These owners were negligent in not checking on the dog, and to be honest, they should not have gone to lunch for 3 freaking hours with the dog in there especially a plastic crate! Let the dog sit in the front with the ac vent blowing directly on them who cares the fur will get on the seats! I don’t feel any remorse for these people, this is something they will live with for the rest of their lives, that was a selfish thing to do to the poor pup!

    • Avatar Of Annette

      Annette

      Jul 17, 2018 at 2:14 am

      I have used rest area bathrooms and taken my Rottweiler in with me on leash. If we/I stop for food I take her out for a walk/potty/water break then get the food to go.

  28. Avatar Of Casey Cunningham

    casey cunningham

    Jul 13, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    Question: What do people traveling solo on a road trip do when they need to use the bathroom? All the rest areas ban dogs in the building and even if you get off the highway, most establishments will not allow dogs in their buildings. !

  29. Avatar Of Patricia L Williams

    PATRICIA L WILLIAMS

    Jul 12, 2018 at 8:49 pm

    I am both sad and mad. However, this a great reminder for me and others that dogs (and other pets, children, elderly, and all beings) should not be left in the car, especially if it’s warm/hot, no matter what, even if you think, “I’ll only be in there for a minute.” I am guilty of doing that, but of course, with all windows rolled way down, in the shade, but now, I don’t think I will even do that. I’ll ask if I can bring the dog in, and if not, I’ll just not go. Life is fragile, and in certain conditions, death comes quick. We are not invincible, we all die eventually, but let’s not let anyone die like this.

  30. Avatar Of Jr

    jr

    Jul 12, 2018 at 7:43 am

    The couple ‘say’ the AC was on. Sure they did. A parked car with the engine running for 3 hours by itself. Not likely.

    • Avatar Of Linda

      Linda

      Jul 16, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      Honestly, in my vehicle, the AC works quite well when I’m driving… HOWEVER, I also know that when I stop and idle, it doesn’t work well at all. If a person doesn’t usually sit and idle inside their car, they may not know this. I do wonder why they are taking 3 hours for lunch and not checking on their dog at LEAST every hour… Preferably every 15-20 minutes. I have a temperature monitor for my vehicle that I use to check on the safety of my dogs if I’m not able to go check on them myself… And I travel in an RV. If I have to park for more than a few minutes, the generator is on and the overhead air is running. But I still check my temp monitor every few minutes just to be sure. rvpetsafety.com for more info on the temp monitor I use.

  31. Avatar Of Michele Wesselman

    Michele Wesselman

    Jul 11, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    I suspect it was just the fan running. Unless the car is actually running, it will only turn the fan on when on auxiliary, no cooling.

  32. Avatar Of Stacy

    Stacy

    Jul 11, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    The dog owners should face criminal charges and serve jail time. Who spends 3 hours eating lunch? If your dog is in the car get takeout.

    • Avatar Of Daisy

      Daisy

      Jul 14, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      Totally agree. I live where this happened and have had a hard time dealing with the fact that the owners clearly “got away with murder”

      • Avatar Of Danny

        Danny

        Jul 18, 2018 at 2:01 pm

        By definition, “murder” is the killing of another human being, so the couple did not “murder” their dog. You keep repeating and misusing the term throughout this comment section.

        • Avatar Of Jbaratta

          jbaratta

          Jul 19, 2018 at 11:26 pm

          so genius what do you call this than??? were you in the van with the dying dog???

  33. Avatar Of Sd

    Sd

    Jul 11, 2018 at 10:30 am

    I really feel for both the dog and the owners. I also would have thought that leaving the ac on would be enough, but having the dog in a kennel is like another mini car within the car, especially if the open side was facing a window. Hard way for them to learn this lesson. I agree with the compassion of the town not to cite them. They’re probably so very, very distraught.

    • Avatar Of J

      j

      Jul 17, 2018 at 8:06 pm

      wtf is wrong with you??? they should do serious jail time PERIOD!! don’t mess with people’s heads and make a comment like that but if you actually think this way man you are one messed up MF!!!!!!

      • Avatar Of Gtgt Ftrgt

        gtgt ftrgt

        Jul 18, 2018 at 9:23 am

        It’s not criminal. It’s just a dog!!

        • Avatar Of Woodley

          Woodley

          Jul 18, 2018 at 1:27 pm

          shut up, troll

        • Avatar Of Jbaratta

          jbaratta

          Jul 19, 2018 at 11:30 pm

          yeah you probably eat them anyways!!

        • Avatar Of Veronica Lariviere

          Veronica Lariviere

          Jul 16, 2019 at 3:35 pm

          Shut up you idiot. You just an ahole

        • Avatar Of Emilyc

          EmilyC

          Jul 16, 2019 at 4:12 pm

          Animal Cruelty is a felony you idiot. My dogs are as much if not more important than any human piece of shit like these people and people like them.

        • Avatar Of Madness

          madness

          Jul 17, 2019 at 4:18 pm

          Your ignorance is shining through

    • Avatar Of Madness

      madness

      Jul 17, 2019 at 4:16 pm

      You are STUPID. There is NO pity to be had for those miserable scumbags.
      Who cares about their “distress”? Mother F*ers KILLED A DOG!
      I want to see them locked in a plastic kennel, in the back of a car, in full sunlight, with the ac “running”.

      And they deserve exactly what will happen to them. You moron.

    • Avatar Of Lashell

      LaShell

      Jul 22, 2019 at 12:23 pm

      I agree Sd, I’m sure the owners were very distraught. Even though they thought their intentions were well, they should have taken more precautions and left the windows slightly a jar for circulations, put sun shades on the windows, left the dog free to move around in the SUV with a bowl of water available, and checked on him every 30 minutes to an hour. This was such a tragic mistake that they will have to live with the death of their baby for the rest of their lives. I’m sure they loved him dearly. People are so quick to judge and to be harsh and unfeeling with they’re comments. I feel so very sorry for this precious dog, but can’t allow myself to make his owners feel any worse than they already do 🙁

  34. Avatar Of Laura

    Laura

    Jul 11, 2018 at 1:26 am

    Sorry, I only feel sympathy for the poor pets put in this terrible situation. There is no reason for an animal to die bc it was left in a vehicle especially on a hot day, in a plastic kennel, with hardly any ventilation, and parked in the full sun The owners should have been ticketed. I hope they learned a lesson on how to care for a pet… Leave it home.

  35. Avatar Of Dan

    DAN

    Jul 10, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    Dogs don’t sweat, why was the dog “soaking wet” when they found her??

    • Avatar Of Brandy Arnold

      Brandy Arnold

      Jul 10, 2018 at 7:49 pm

      Reports didn’t specify, but it was likely excessive drool, urine, possibly vomit – all things that occur during heat exhaustion.

      • Avatar Of Valerie

        Valerie

        Jul 17, 2018 at 2:52 pm

        It was in a plastic crate. Just her breathing in a hot crate would cause the inside to become wet with condensation. Add to that, she probably vomited and urinated, probably drooled. My heart aches for what this poor dog went through.

    • Avatar Of Matt

      Matt

      Jul 11, 2018 at 8:11 pm

      I agree ,I thought the same thing !! how could it be soaking wet they don’t sweat ?

    • Avatar Of Mj Preston

      MJ Preston

      Jul 12, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      From panting

      • Avatar Of Kay

        Kay

        Jul 16, 2018 at 5:33 pm

        When a person or in this instance, an animal, passes away, all of their muscles that keeps “everything in” relaxes and allows bodily fluid to run out. It could’ve been urine or fluid from the stomach contents. I think when it gets to that point, it is not possible to resusitate – they have been passed for awhile.

    • Avatar Of Annette

      Annette

      Jul 17, 2018 at 2:22 am

      Dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet. When the dog started to overheat it began to drool, this drool is like water, then he collapsed in said drool and when he passed away his bladder emptied.

    • Avatar Of Danny

      Danny

      Jul 18, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      Dogs actually do sweat, not like humans but they sweat from a few areas nonetheless. And the person who wrote about condensation has no idea how condensation actually works.

    • Avatar Of Rock

      ROCK

      Apr 19, 2019 at 3:31 am

      Absolutely correct Dan. In fact, having the A/C running doesn’t do a damned thing for the pups because of this fact. Air conditioning is nothing more than a comfort feature for humans. We perspiration in order to cool down and cool air especially blowing at our sweaty arms legs and faces IS what makes us feel more comfortable but if we’ve been sweating for a while we have to replenish our bodies water and salt. Dogs PANT. A/C does absolutely nothing for them but they still must replenish the water they are losing the entire time. Had theirs not have been in a carrier they would’ve also returned to their vehicles carpeting all ripped up pretty much destroyed from their pups digging it up trying to get to the cool metal floor, trying to help save their it’s life. Until his brain has literally cooked inside of his skull and he has absolutely nothing left. Way way past heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Completely brain dead.

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