Would you do this??!!
 

I love to take my dog with me everywhere I go. However, I am not going to leave her in a car while I go to a sit down restaurant. We went to Cheddars to eat. When I left I noticed a car beside my car. The window was cracked and there was a dog inside. I know that it usually takes me about an hour to eat at Cheddars. I could not believe that someone would leave their dog in the car for an hour while they were inside eating. I would have gone to a drive thru somewhere if Rosie was with me. Am I wrong here? Do you do this? Maybe I am overreacting but I just didn't feel it was right.

I would never do that. They have been stolen by smashing the windows and that does not account for the temperature variations. If I can't take her in, she stays home. You aren't overreacting at all.

I would personally never do it.

But I think it depends. Weather-wise, if it's hot at all, NO dog should EVER be left in the car. But I think a big dog who is in a car in cool weather is fine as long as it's not over an hour.

The other night we went out to dinner, and there was a dog hanging his head out the window and was probably about 60lbs or so, and big and furry. It was like 55 degrees outside so I know he was comfortable and just hangin' out, he was fine.

However with little dogs, and so many being stolen, etc. No! I wouldn't. Plus Jackson would probably bark the whole time. I know this because the only time I've left him in the car is when I'm dogsitting and their dog is aggressive so I leave Jackson in the car while I let them out in the yard and he barks almost the whole time, lol. I've also left him with I have to go into the gas station but I can see him through the window (and he can see me- so no barking) and I take like all of 60 seconds.

I would never leave my dog in the car alone. You're just asking for trouble if you do that. Sometimes when I go to the supermarket I'll see dogs crying alone in the car in the parking lot while their owners are shopping. I always stop and talk to the dogs to try to make them feel better.

I would never leave my dog in a car period. If they can't come in with me they can stay at home. It angers me to no end to see the stupidity of some people

It was about 80 to 85 degrees. It was not a large dog. It look like a scottie terrier. I am not sure. I think they were not being smart. My first thought was someone could easily take the dog. My best friend lost her dog right out of her yard. People don't care. Especially if it is a dog they could make money on. I am so glad that I am not overreacting. It took all I had not to leave a nasty note on the car.

I also have left Rosie to pay for my gas. And yes it is like 60 seconds and she can be seen. So I think that is ok. But not where I can't see her and for an hour. I think that is insane. This poor dog was barking like crazy too. I am sure the dog didn't like it at all.

:eek: I don't understand that! Leaving them in there while they are shopping? How long does that take? I have been in Wal mart before for 2 hours. That is just crazy!!!

I never leave chester in the car unless it is cool enough and I can actually see the car, I dont want my baby taken, when Im out on the road its fast food most of the time

Leaving them in the car for an entire sit-down dinner would be way too long I think. I used to take them with me when I ran errands; but we've moved to a larger town and I'm reluctant to leave them even for a minute. PLUS, I notice they are never that anxious when I say 'let's go for a ride', so maybe it wasn't all that enjoyable for them!

I do not think you are over-reacting at all. Just today I left my girls in the car while I ran into my classroom. I usually take them in but wanted to be in and out. I have an outside door to my room and parked right in front of it. This trip took of all 2-3 minutes, and I could see the car the entire time.

I would be a nervous wreck if I left them for more than that and could not see them. When we travel with the girls, we always do drive thru.

No way, not a child and not my dogs. They deserve better. I have even told the mgr at the grocery store. He put it out over the pa system. Described car and said "your dog appears to be overheating.". I had waited awhile and it was clear it was not a quick in and out. I was tempted to say something to the lady when she went out but decided she got the MSG, hopefully!

Good for you:thumbup:

Well I am glad that I am not the only one who feels this way. I just kept thinking, poor little baby. How could they go in and eat. And it was busy so I know it was at least an hour. Now that I know I am not overreacting I will be leaving a note next time. Maybe they need to know what others think about them leaving the dog in the car.

Of my three dogs back home, 2 of them love the car. I mean LOVE. You go in the front yard with them, they just want to sit in the car and WILL sit in the car happily for hours even with the option of being outside. For that reason, they really do come everywhere. They do Walmart and Costco trips. Tori has learned (somehow) to sit on the dash with her nose pressed on the window when she is waiting for you to come back to the car. Makes for some very dirty windows, let me tell you. She is literally the happiest in the car running errands, for whatever reason, I'll never know. Of course, this changes with the weather. They don't come out when it is 30*C, and they don't come out when it is -30*C. When it is nice out, they are truly happier to be running around in the car then they are at home.

That said, I don't think I'd ever bring them if I were going out to eat. If it were to happen, I don't think I'd feel bad, though.

Must remember, my opinion is because of my 2 females and their desire to be in the car. My 2 males are quite different. My Tucker doesn't like the car, but will tolerate it and sits silently in the back seat. My Cosmo hates the car and thinks he is going to die everytime he is in one. I would never ever ever bring either of these dogs for errands, and definately would never sit down for a meal.