Hot dogs

Dear Editor:Kudos to the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority for acting quickly to rescue 18 dogs from a hot van on June 3. (www.TheDowneyPatriot.com, 6/3/10) The temperature in the van had climbed to 100 degrees and the dogs were panting and panicking. These dogs are lucky to be alive - countless dogs die every year after being left inside cars while their owners shop or run errands. People need to know the facts: hot cars are death traps for dogs. Even if it is a seemingly pleasant 72 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 116 degrees within an hour, even with windows cracked. Dogs can withstand a high body temperature for only a short time before they experience brain and nerve damage, heart problems and even death. When the weather is warm, please leave your dogs at home. The My Dog is Cool Campaign operated by United Animal Nations lets people know that leaving a dog in a car for even "just a few minutes" may be too long. For more information, visit www.MyDogIsCool.com. If you see a dog in a potentially dangerous situation in a hot car, please call your local animal control agency, police department or 911 immediately. - Alexis Raymond, Communications Director, United Animal Nations

********** Published: June 11, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 8