# Stranger in store threatened to call cops because of my dog **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 21, 2018, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311 "2018-07-21T02:11:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/21 "2018-07-21T16:58:19Z")
I work in a store, and if anyone makes a scene, the aisle workers and at least one store manager are supposed to drop everything and go there. I cannot believe a store would let such a thing happen. We have had the store manager make an announcement telling the owner of a car go out and check on their dog. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/22 "2018-07-21T17:21:26Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > I tell them ‘Call the cops, the number is 911’ I’d rather talk to the cops than the crazy person. This I did. She had apparently run out of steam and was stomping her way to the door repeating loudly “I’m gonna call the cops [lather, rinse, repeat].” “You do that. Have a ball.” Not the best retort, but my brain was melting. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/23 "2018-07-21T17:27:55Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I work in a store, and if anyone makes a scene, the aisle workers and at least one store manager are supposed to drop everything and go there. I cannot believe a store would let such a thing happen. > > We have had the store manager make an announcement telling the owner of a car go out and check on their dog. Exactly. The only time I ever was worried about a dog in a car, I called the store and asked the service desk to make an announcement. When no one came out to the car, I then called the police. It was 90 degrees, black car, black interior, facing into the sun, and a small dog jumping around, barking and panting. I stayed with the officer until the people returned and let the officer handle it. If looks could kill, though … The staff turnover rate at the store is high; I doubt there is any managerial training at all. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/24 "2018-07-21T17:32:15Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > You could have called the cops about a crazy lady harassing you in a store. I considered that, but the odds of a cop showing up in a reasonable amount of time is unlikely. It’s a big township and only a couple-three cops. Besides, by then I really wanted just to get to my car and dog. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/25 "2018-07-21T17:36:31Z")
Like I stated above, two of the aisle workers and the manager will go immediately to any scene. I also teach all the cashiers a trick shown to me by a police officer: If you go to a scene and stare at the person making it, they will usually calm down. We’re located a block from the fire house, and if there’s a police announcement to come to our store, the fire fighters are there in about two minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/26 "2018-07-21T17:45:35Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Ooh. My anxiety would’ve went to the moon. I’d rather not talk to peeps in a store. I am not there for a nice chat. And don’t you dare question my pet ownership. Saying that, you shouldn’t really ever leave a dog in a car in the summer. But you know your dog and how long you were gonna be. Be careful though. Next time scream at the top of your lungs and run out:) She’s my 10th dog. We had just finished a nice walk, she wasn’t panting, so I just plunked her in the car and drive about 3 miles to the store for milk. She really was fine. ---
**Author:** ![Corry\_El](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@Corry\_El](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corry_El)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/27 "2018-07-21T17:48:39Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > The fact that the dog was reportedly panting in the car is what I find worrisome. > > None of us (including the interloper) have any way of knowing if the dog was fine or was in real danger. But it was alarming enough to an outsider who was present. > > I’m leaning towards NOT leaving your dog in a hot car in hot summer weather, and not crying about it when a stranger lets you know how alarming the situation appears. Me too. Subject to possibly feeling differently if I was actually there (how hot was the car, how unreasonable in demeanor was the interloper, etc) but generally agree. People don’t like criticism from strangers, I don’t either. But getting together and all agreeing it’s the advice givers who are (almost) always out of line doesn’t reflect reality very well IME. Most times when somebody (interloper) speaks up it’s because somebody else (the person who takes offense at criticism by strangers) really is acting unwisely or unreasonably. Good link above quantifying how cracking windows doesn’t help much. Portable battery powered AC’s I guess would help but I’ve never seen one. We were also fortunate though our dogs (more recent lately passed away) were OK at home by themselves. And we’re a couple/family so when the dog did come to the store by car (like when traveling with her) one of us would wait with her in or outside the car depending on weather while the others were in the store. We actually never felt comfortable leaving her alone in public anyway, super sweet dog to people but extremely hostile to other dogs (breaking a window to go after them was not entirely beyond the realm of possibility), also a potential target of theft (big beautiful ‘pit bull’). ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/28 "2018-07-21T18:00:19Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Well what was the temperature outside? And was the car in the sun? > > Is your dog NEVER home alone? > > If you don’t feel you’re putting the dog’s life in danger by leaving her in the car and leaving her home is not an option (or say, doing your errands when she’s not with you) perhaps you could make a sign for your window(s) that says “I can’t stay home alone - I need to come with to feel safe! My owner is on his way right back. Thank you for your concern.” She is left alone at home when necessary. I come home to pee puddles, scrunched up area rugs, and a frantic dog, panting, barking (hoarsely), and shaking. If I have her tethered in the yard while I’m outside, if I move just a bit too far away or around the corner of the house, the freaking begins. I do have a sign for the window. Didn’t use it yesterday since I was buying just milk. And the day was cloudy, and the car was facing north. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/29 "2018-07-21T18:04:03Z")
Yelling at someone in a store doesn’t help a dog in a car. It is an indication of mental instability. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/30 "2018-07-21T18:10:17Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Good post. I think the OP should talk to the vet and a trainer about a better solution for the dog’s anxiety. I have spoken with two vets, one of whom has been taking care of my dogs since the mid '80s. I have tried a variety of vet-recommended calming meds and supplements. Forget the crate. The local trainer, highly recommended, is someone I wouldn’t let poop scoop. The only option left to me at this time is a Ph.D. dog psychologist. She has her office/kennel just down the road from where I spent a goodly number of years in an abusive marriage and nothing on this earth will get me to make that drive ever again. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/31 "2018-07-21T18:13:12Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Yelling at someone in a store doesn’t help a dog in a car. It is an indication of mental instability. I consider it a total failure on my part that I responded to her at all. I know better. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/32 "2018-07-21T18:15:37Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Maybe you could get some of those window grates like K9 cops have on the back glass of the vehicle. I’ve been looking at temperature alarms that connect to a smart phone, but wasn’t aware of these grates. I’ll check on them. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/33 "2018-07-21T18:24:25Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > I’m just curious. You say she freaks if you so much as leave the room and are out of sight, but she does not freak if you leave her in the car and are out of sight? > > I am a long term volunteer with my local animal shelter. I am friends with our Chief Animal Control officer. The sheer number of calls they get regarding dogs in cars that result in dead or dying dogs makes me predisposed to view people who leave their dogs in their car during the summer months unfavorably. > > I think the woman who approached you behaved very badly. She should have gone about it in a different way, but I understand her concern. What she should have done is called animal control and reported a dog in distress if she felt your dog was in distress. The fact that there isn’t a law doesn’t mean it is Ok to leave your dog in a car under any circumstances. I miss-typed. She freaks anywhere she can’t see me. If she sees me go into a store or the Post Office, she freaks but only on the side of the car where she can see the door of the store. We don’t have animal control. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/34 "2018-07-21T18:34:14Z")
Did you leave the car running with the air on? If so, then I really don’t see the deal. If not, well then you probably should have left the car running with the air on. A dog panting does not mean that it is in distress, certainly not in heat distress. There are signs that that is the case, but just because it has its tongue hanging out and breathing fast doesn’t mean that it is hot. That is the same reaction that it would generally give if some stranger came up to the windows of the car and caused it to become nervous and anxious. That said, I had an encounter a couple years ago at a gas station. I had run in to get my receipt (because the pump wouldn’t print one), and while I was in there, a woman yelled at me for leaving my dog in the car. Now, a few things. First, it was evening, with the sun near the horizon. Second, it was September, and a high of maybe 75 that day. And third, my roommate, a perfectly healthy and able bodied adult, was also in the car. People just like an excuse to get up in other people’s business. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/35 "2018-07-21T18:42:27Z")
> [@Whatever4](#): > > I consider it a total failure on my part that I responded to her at all. I know better. It’s understandable. You were assaulted in a public setting, it’s not the kind of thing people are normally prepared for. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/36 "2018-07-21T18:47:34Z")
> [@LVBoPeep](#): > > So you never go anywhere at all without your dog? Dogs I know with severe anxiety will destroy the car they are left in. I’m not saying she’s in the right- I don’t know what the temperature was that day. I’ve been accosted myself (in 70 degree degree weather with working dogs in a secured crate in the back of my truck) but I’ve often also seen the opposite issue where people are insisting their dog can’t be separated them no matter how uncomfortable the dog is. If your dog was open mouthed panting in the car, it’s probably not a happy camper. 13 year old dogs esp- I have one thats 11 and extremely sound sensitive but I’m still sure she’s happier in the comfort of her home than in a hot car “with me”. Almost all my dogs do nothing but sleep after the age of 12 anyways… > > Again- I am very wary of do-gooders, especially if they are throwing their weight around but I’d need to know more to judge if she was truly in the complete wrong. On a hot day, when taking my dog for a potty break walk, I carry her from tree shade to tree shade so she won’t overheat, much to the amusement of my neighbors. I’m not about to leave her in danger. The expression in the woman’s eyes, body language, her rapid and non-interruptible speech AND the fact she came in the store looking for the owner of a white van with puppies in it and instead lectured me made me wonder if she was going to take it down a notch or escalate to the next confrontation level. ---
**Author:** ![excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e8c25b/32.png) [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/37 "2018-07-21T18:48:03Z")
About 15-20 years ago, I was driving home to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving. I was single and traveling with my dog, who sat on the bench seat of the 1964 Dodge sedan I was driving at the time. In a small town, I needed to stop at the WalMart to pick up some stuff, so I rolled the windows of the car down and started to go into the store, telling my dog to be good and that I would be right back. I was stopped by a lady similar to the one described in the OP, who felt the need to tell me how cruel I was, leaving the dog in the car like that. It was mid-morning in late November (although it was in Texas) with a temperature in the low 60’s. The windows weren’t cracked, they were down. I’d found out that people don’t like to try and steal stuff from cars that have a dog in them (this dog weighed about 70 Lbs) and the dog was the most expensive item in the car. Instead of trying to reason with her, I just said “The windows are down, he can leave if he wants to” and went into the store. Of course, when I came back, he was waiting for me on the seat as he typically would. He was glad to see me, but otherwise was unaffected by the whole thing. He was a great dog. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/38 "2018-07-21T18:49:03Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > It’s understandable. You were assaulted in a public setting, it’s not the kind of thing people are normally prepared for. thank you for that.😉 ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/39 "2018-07-21T19:01:52Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > The woman sounds like she behaved inappropriately. > > And [some information](http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/1/e109.full) so the op can make informed decisions regarding future choices, this out of the pediatric literature. > (Bolding mine.) > > Do with that information what you think is appropriate. I appreciate your taking the time to post that information. It certainly won’t end up on the bottom of a birdcage. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/40 "2018-07-21T19:12:17Z")
> [@anomalous1](#): > > You know what is best for yourself and your dog. I highly doubt you would leave your dog in a car that would reach 120+\*F > > If If someone does it again tell them to go \*\*\*\* themself and mind their own business. Those with attitudes like that need to be put in their place. It’s usually people pretending to be tough and need to prove a point to others to mask their own shortcomings. Get back in their face and watch them cower. They’ll learn to mind their own business and the world will be a better place. > > Just IMHO. > > P.S. I had a dog with separation anxiety… it makes you sad and at the same time warms your heart how much they need you. Good on you! She is my second rescue. About all the information available was elderly owner couldn’t care for her. Makes me wonder if she was found on the owner’s lap, unfed and unwatered, because the owner died? Or if owner was taken to hospital and no one realized there was a dog left behind? I so want to fix her so she never has to be that stressed again. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311.md?page=3)