# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/41 "2018-07-21T19:22:59Z")
We had a case just outside of Boston where someone posted a photo to social media of a car (with license plate) and a dog inside on a hot day to publicly shame the owner. Police were called to investigate. They found a dog in a Tesla with the climate control set to 72 degrees, monitored by the Tesla phone app, and a note on the display screen saying all this. The dog never showed any signs of distress, and was having a fine time. ---
**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, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/42 "2018-07-21T19:23:25Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > It sounds like we are talking about dogs that need a comfort dog. Is that even possible? > > I carry a small handheld tool in my car that is specifically designed to be swung through automobile glass safely and quickly. It’s only about 7 inches long and sits in the pocket of my door. If I would have come up on an infant in a car seat or any animal stuck in a car that was clearly showing signs of distress the very last thing I would do is going to the store and try to find the owner or the parent. > > I would simply put the tool through the window, remove the child or the animal and then call the police. Not only did this adult sound like she was out of line and somewhat unstable but she did things in the wrong order if she truly perceived danger to another living thing. > > I have carried this device since I was an emergency medical technician. Even though I am retired now I would have exactly zero compunction against using it. I have such a tool, and if no help were available I’d use it. Part of the proposed dog law would limit the amount of monetary damages the rescuer could be charged with. I have considered a second dog, but my two rescues have been very high maintenance. Haven’t ruled it out, though. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/43 "2018-07-21T19:52:45Z")
I have called the cops for dogs in cars twice in the last two years. I no longer bother with trying to find the owner. One strike, you’re out. ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/44 "2018-07-21T20:19:40Z")
> [@Whatever4](#): > > 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. I’m sure you’re doing fantastic keeping the pup happy. Good for you for taking in rescues! ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/45 "2018-07-21T20:27:41Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > A bit of a hijack on my part, but I find “dog people” very annoying. I define them as dog owners who are _really really_ into their dogs, and treat them better than people. Here’s what I find interesting about them: > > 1. If you are (also) a dog owner, they hate you. Because no matter how well you treat your dog, it’s not good enough for them; you are feeding your dog the wrong food, you are taking it to the wrong vet, you’re not training it correctly, you are not treating it right, you’re not spending enough time with it, etc. > > 2. If you are _not_ a dog owner, they think you do not have a dog because _you hate dogs_. “What’s wrong? You don’t like dogs?” is the look they give you. I echo this sentiment. I used to work at a rescue place and a dog ‘day care’ for years. They are the most judgemental and pathetic lonely people I’ve ever met. Constantly out to anthropomorphize the creatures and forget the animal is supposed to adapt to the human, not the other way around. ---
**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, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/46 "2018-07-21T22:36:38Z")
> [@anomalous1](#): > > I echo this sentiment. > > I used to work at a rescue place and a dog ‘day care’ for years. They are the most judgemental and pathetic lonely people I’ve ever met. Constantly out to anthropomorphize the creatures and forget the animal is supposed to adapt to the human, not the other way around. Those aren’t dig people, they’re just nuts. I’m looking for a dog now, there aren’t many at the shelters around here because they’re all in communication across the country now and dogs are getting adopted quickly. Just a few years ago the shelters were all full because these nuts wouldn’t approve anyone to adopt. Now they’re just throwing up lists if dogs available around the country on their websites but they don’t do any follow up to see if the dogs are still available. I checked on one, got routed through Connecticut and then Alabama and then found out they didn’t have possession of the dog down there anyway. I’ll just wait until someone tells me a dog needs a home like I’ve always done before. ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/47 "2018-07-21T22:51:10Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > A bit of a hijack on my part, but I find “dog people” very annoying. I define them as dog owners who are _really really_ into their dogs, and treat them better than people. . . . Gee, I can’t imagine why. ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/48 "2018-07-21T23:10:53Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Those aren’t dig people, they’re just nuts. I’m looking for a dog now, there aren’t many at the shelters around here because they’re all in communication across the country now and dogs are getting adopted quickly. Just a few years ago the shelters were all full because these nuts wouldn’t approve anyone to adopt. Now they’re just throwing up lists if dogs available around the country on their websites but they don’t do any follow up to see if the dogs are still available. I checked on one, got routed through Connecticut and then Alabama and then found out they didn’t have possession of the dog down there anyway. I’ll just wait until someone tells me a dog needs a home like I’ve always done before. Agreed, I am basing it on limited experience and its unfair for me to judge all dog owners. Just those almost cultist types are whom I am speaking of. . I also agree with you about the shelters and the nuts not approving people to adopt. I was at Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago one time and I was refused a dog because I did not have very recent vet records (shots were still good) despite having dogs all my life and my related work experience (at the time very recent as well). The same visit, I see two men checking out a pitbull and couldn’t help but notice one having an MLD Tattoo (That’s Maniac Latin Disciples, a large gang in Chicago) on his forearm along with the pitchfork and playboy bunny (gang ‘nation’ affiliation tags here). I go outside and while I’m sitting in my car I see them walk out, one man with the dog and another with paperwork. Obvious is obvious Gang Member, Pit Bull, Dog Fighting? Did they not put that one together? I suppose vet records not older than 1 year make it okay. I agree, they are nuts. ---
**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, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/49 "2018-07-21T23:16:56Z")
True. I tried for several years to get a rescue Scotty. Not many available and it would have been easier to donate a kidney than to meet the rescue standards. ---
**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, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/50 "2018-07-21T23:21:58Z")
Oh, I did some checking on yesterday’s weather. Most of the day was in the 60’s. There was a spike in late afternoon up to 70’s, then back into the 60’s after an hour or so. I was out during the cloudy time. ---
**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, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/51 "2018-07-21T23:28:10Z")
> [@anomalous1](#): > > Agreed, I am basing it on limited experience and its unfair for me to judge all dog owners. Just those almost cultist types are whom I am speaking of. > > . I also agree with you about the shelters and the nuts not approving people to adopt. I was at Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago one time and I was refused a dog because I did not have very recent vet records (shots were still good) despite having dogs all my life and my related work experience (at the time very recent as well). The same visit, I see two men checking out a pitbull and couldn’t help but notice one having an MLD Tattoo (That’s Maniac Latin Disciples, a large gang in Chicago) on his forearm along with the pitchfork and playboy bunny (gang ‘nation’ affiliation tags here). I go outside and while I’m sitting in my car I see them walk out, one man with the dog and another with paperwork. Obvious is obvious Gang Member, Pit Bull, Dog Fighting? Did they not put that one together? I suppose vet records not older than 1 year make it okay. > > I agree, they are nuts. That’s unnerving. I think some shelters are just desperate to get rid of big dogs in general and especially those with some bully in them. You just know, in the Fall, some of them are going into a pack for hunting bear. Owners don’t care if they survive or not. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2018, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/52 "2018-07-21T23:38:39Z")
> [@Whatever4](#): > > 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. I’m sorry you don’t have better resources. I just got a rescue myself, who had been removed from people who neglected her, and then was at the shelter for months (they thought she had a great personality, and she was very young, so she didn’t get put down). She got VERY attached to me VERY fast, and cannot be left alone in the apartment, or she freaks too-- scratched up the door the first time I tried leaving her, and shat all over the floor. Anyway, now I crate her with something to chew when I have to leave, and the vet gave me Prozac and trazodone for her, and I immediately began looking for trainers. I found a great one, who is so wonderful with her, you’d swear they had practiced beforehand. I can’t believe how great this trainer is. We’ve already stopped the trazodone, and the Prozac seems to be helping a lot. We go on lots of long walks and hikes, so she gets tons of exercise, and when I’m there, she’s always right next to me, unless she’s on my lap. At first she used to bark like she was being tortured, for a long time when I left her, and I was sure she was going to get herself kicked out for noise, but fortunately, the people across the hall understand about rescues, the people upstairs have an illegal Pit Bull (illegal by building rules), so they don’t want the landlord sniffing around, the apartment adjacent is empty, and the other side is the laundry room. The people across the hall tell me that when I leave she fusses for less than two minutes now. We are training four times a day for fifteen minutes each time. She can sit, lie down, stay at ten paces, sit-stay at the door until I open it and tell her to go, heel on leash, and shake. Learned it all in just two weeks. And she is completely housebroken; wasn’t when I got her. So I have high hopes for my rescue. But I really am lucky to have a great vet and a great trainer. I’m sorry you don’t have anyone to help you. I don’t know what I would have done without people to help me with my current dog. And she’s really a great dog. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/53 "2018-07-22T02:46:36Z")
> [@Whatever4](#): > > What to do in this situation? Say, “Please do. I’ll wait.” I have, and it’s wonderfully satisfying. If I have to take the dog anywhere on a sunny day, I leave the car running with the AC on, and signs in the window, and tell the greeter or person at the customer service desk that if any one complaints about my dog in my car, the AC is on, all of which takes less time to do than to read about. But my dog scares people to death, so I don’t worry about my car being stolen. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/54 "2018-07-22T03:03:59Z")
I have to say I’m completely stunned by some of the replies here. I thought people were generally more educated about not leaving pets or children alone in hot cars in the summer. But then I guess that’s why we hear so many stories on the news about kids and dogs dying in hot cars in the summer. One of the main problems is things often take longer than you think and while you plan to “just run in for a minute” then there’s a long line and the person in front of you has a bazzilion coupons and “oops, I forgot to get milk. Ohh that’s on sale, I should pick that up”. You run into a friend and get into a conversation and suddenly 5 minutes is 30 and your dog is in serious distress. The cavalier attitude in this thread is a head-shaker for me. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/55 "2018-07-22T03:37:50Z")
> [@Whatever4](#): > > 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. Why reject crate training? That’s standard procedure for guide dog puppies. Start your dog in the crate near you, where she can see you, and get her used to it and it will be a comfortable place for her. And easier to clean. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/56 "2018-07-22T03:55:06Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > … in hot cars in the summer. … I think erring on the side of caution is prudent. Cloudy when leaving the car does not mean it will stay cloudy and yes things can take longer. With the sun shining the car heats up faster than many would expect, windows cracked open or not. But starting temperature upper 60s, call it even 70, rate of rise maybe 4 degrees per five minutes according to the cited study and let’s add some and go with 6 degrees per 5 minutes. Plan on a five minute stop and it takes an unexpected 20? Can my dog handle a few minutes at 94 degrees? He has handled hotter for half hour walks this summer. Best practice is to avoid _ever_ doing it, no question in my mind, 20 can turn into 30, ambient temperature may be warmer at start than you thought, but the op was not, in this particular case, abusing or neglecting the dog. Leave my unattended car _running_? Sorry, no. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/57 "2018-07-22T04:08:13Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Leave my unattended car _running_? Sorry, no. I have a spare key in every vehicle. My dog spends a lot of time with me in my trucks. Standard practice if I have to go into a store is to leave them running and lock the doors. He’s a big dog, so i figure that’s a pretty good deterrent to someone breaking in. Most my vehicles are lettered. I get a couple calls a year with people concerned about my dog in a truck. Sometime I can hear the diesel idling when they leave said messages. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/58 "2018-07-22T04:19:54Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > The cavalier attitude in this thread is a head-shaker for me. I agree. And placing signs in the window doesn’t help the dog (or the child). ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/59 "2018-07-22T04:37:15Z")
> [@Corry\_El](#): > > 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. Advice is one thing. Criticism is another. Aggressive criticism is yet another. I would argue that the latter is usually unfounded, absent some immediate harm. Whether you agree with me on that or not, this specific situation seems to fit. The woman angrily ranted at the OP for a few minutes and threatened them with involving the cops over a law that doesn’t even currently exist. We also can tell that she did not think the dog was in immediate danger, given that she did nothing to try and get the dog out of the car, and wasted time ranting out the other person. We also know that the temperature was cool enough that even the 20 degree increase inside the car would not be enough to put the dog in significant danger. Had this woman simply and calmly warned her that it was a bad idea to get into the habit of leaving her dog in the car, then I could see her side. But to go up to a stranger and rant her out? I find it hard to see how she can be considered to be in the right. That said, it is not “virtue signaling,” and I’m tired of that term being misused. Who was she signaling her values to? She obviously is someone who is concerned about dogs who became too aggressive on the topic. Not someone pretending to care about dogs to signal to others that she is a good person. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/60 "2018-07-22T10:35:26Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > I have to say I’m completely stunned by some of the replies here. I thought people were generally more educated about not leaving pets or children alone in hot cars in the summer. But then I guess that’s why we hear so many stories on the news about kids and dogs dying in hot cars in the summer. > > One of the main problems is things often take longer than you think and while you plan to “just run in for a minute” then there’s a long line and the person in front of you has a bazzilion coupons and “oops, I forgot to get milk. Ohh that’s on sale, I should pick that up”. You run into a friend and get into a conversation and suddenly 5 minutes is 30 and your dog is in serious distress. > > The cavalier attitude in this thread is a head-shaker for me. Could not agree more. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311.md?page=4)