Mitt Romney ties dog to roof of car for 12 hour road trip

[yavenay]

And this is what is running for president?

Mitt Romney Admits Family Dog Rode on the Roof of His Car for 12-Hour Trip | Petside

[rubymoon2072]

wow thats a joke!

[JMuedog]

I think someone needs to strap him in a crate to the top of their car so he can see how it feels... wow

[yavenay]

All I can say is that's scary especially since he is running for president. It speaks volumes about his character.

[sophias mommy]

Originally Posted by JMuedog

I think someone needs to strap him in a crate to the top of their car so he can see how it feels... wow

[EarthAngel]

Totally agree with you Jenni!

[Britster]

I think it's messed up, for sure, but this happened in 1983!! Just another example of people making a huge deal out of something that happened years ago. We can dig up all kinds of skeletons from everyone's closets. The title kind of misinterprets the fact that the dog was in a CRATE, it's not like he was hanging from his collar on a roof top. Do I think it's a wise decision? No... I would never do it. But there is lots of things I wouldn't do with my dog that others still find completely acceptable. I am not sure it classifies him as an animal abuser. The dog was probably safer in a crate on top of the car than being loose inside the car during an accident, just sayin' (which is probably how 90% of American's dogs ride in the car). Again, I still do not think it's right. But I think this is going to be one of those things made into a huge deal from many many years ago and I am sure his family dogs have not rode on the rooftops since.

[gracielove]

The dog was in an air tight kennel on the roof of the car. I would not advise it but apparently the dog did not mind. I think I would prefer a dog to ride in a secure metal kennel than loose in the back of a pick up truck as I see many dogs around here being toted around.

This was in 1983. I don't think it was a good idea. Romney is not my favorite, but to me it's a non issue.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by gracielove

The dog was in an air tight kennel on the roof of the car. I would not advise it but apparently the dog did not mind. I think I would prefer a dog to ride in a secure metal kennel than loose in the back of a pick up truck as I see many dogs around here being toted around.

This was in 1983. I don't think it was a good idea. Romney is not my favorite, but to me it's a non issue.

I agree

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by gracielove

The dog was in an air tight kennel on the roof of the car. I would not advise it but apparently the dog did not mind. I think I would prefer a dog to ride in a secure metal kennel than loose in the back of a pick up truck as I see many dogs around here being toted around.

This was in 1983. I don't think it was a good idea. Romney is not my favorite, but to me it's a non issue.

Seeing dogs loose in the back of a pickup makes me crazy, but I have to admit, I drove around in a convertible with my Airedale unrestrained in the passenger seat. I am guilty too. We only did this to go to the vet and the groomer, never a cross-country trip.

I don't like when dogs are transported in cargo holds of airplanes, but I didn't think about it much years ago.

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by Britster

I think it's messed up, for sure, but this happened in 1983!! Just another example of people making a huge deal out of something that happened years ago. We can dig up all kinds of skeletons from everyone's closets. The title kind of misinterprets the fact that the dog was in a CRATE, it's not like he was hanging from his collar on a roof top. Do I think it's a wise decision? No... I would never do it. But there is lots of things I wouldn't do with my dog that others still find completely acceptable. I am not sure it classifies him as an animal abuser. The dog was probably safer in a crate on top of the car than being loose inside the car during an accident, just sayin' (which is probably how 90% of American's dogs ride in the car). Again, I still do not think it's right. But I think this is going to be one of those things made into a huge deal from many many years ago and I am sure his family dogs have not rode on the rooftops since.

You know you are right about the safety issue. People who love their dogs let them ride unrestrained in their cars causing them to become a projectile if they have to slam on their brakes or have an accident. That is an issue with me. It is against the law to let our kids ride unrestrained in a car and yet people let their beloved pets do it. I used to be a paramedic. I have seen way too many results of unrestrained motor vehicle victims, both human and animal.

[Nancy1999]

I can't believe this and I can't believe he is defending his choice and saying it was an "air tight kennel" how did the dog breathe? He should admit that this was a stupid thing to do. It just tells me he has bad judgement and he won't own up to it, but will give excuses for his behavior.

[Wylie's Mom]

I read about this last week. I read that the dog was so terrified, it pooed itself , all over the kennel .

Also, it was reported first as a crate/kennel...which means all that 70mph wind was coming at the dog. After that, Romney's PR released a statement saying it was "airtight". Hmmm...if it was airtight, I'm pretty sure the dog would've suffocated.

I can't fathom isolating a dog in a cage on the top of a car, going 70mph - no matter what. And, imo, even though this was years ago -- it still speaks volumes about someone's character/values. I think the PR statement released afterward sends the wrong message as well. It's justifying something that in many peoples' minds, is not justifiable...no matter the circumstances, no matter the type of kennel.

[JMuedog]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I can't believe this and I can't believe he is defending his choice and saying it was an "air tight kennel" how did the dog breathe? He should admit that this was a stupid thing to do. It just tells me he has bad judgement and he won't own up to it, but will give excuses for his behavior.

I'm thinking the exact same thing. Times were different, but can you imagine and air tight kennel in the sun? Being in a dark, hot kennel strapped to the roof of a car for 12 hours! I hope they had potty breaks

[Nancy1999]

My husband was in the service and we had to do lots of temporary duty tours and that meant stuff on the roof of the car. We had a special rack made for the car to secure things better, but I can't tell you how much stuff we lost, it's just not aerodynamic, and the wind pushes things and makes it loose. I just can't imagine putting a dog up there and for 12 hours? Then he says the dog would prefer it up there compared to being with his five kids for 12 hours, what’s that saying?