# 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:** 4
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/61 "2018-07-22T12:23:23Z")
nm ---
**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 22, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/62 "2018-07-22T15:46:02Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > 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. Characterization as ‘angrily rant’ IME tends to follow from the principle of people not liking to be criticized. Like I said, I wasn’t there and I specifically said I might reconsider if I had been. As to ‘virtue signaling’ I didn’t say anything about that, though you’re entitled of course to add other points starting with a response to mine. But this seems going even further into speculation: really cares about dogs, pretending to care about dogs, how could we possibly know which? Whereas it’s not a good idea to leave dogs alone in cars, generally. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/63 "2018-07-22T18:11:12Z")
What a great way to help a rescue. You are a gem. Getting this one to just SIT dammit, was a red letter day. She’s sleeping on my lap as I type. Cuteness overload. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/64 "2018-07-22T18:30:42Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > 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. I haven’t rejected crate training. All my previous dogs were crated from day one. What I’ve rejected is the airline approved rigid crates, which all my puppies grew up in and which my 7 pounder regards as an Iron Maiden. I am investigating more open crates, like the fold up one I had for one dog. But as I’m moving closer to $3,000 in vet bills on this 7 pounder, and that’s not including the premium dog food to keep her innards happy, canned because she has so few teeth, that purchase will have to wait. She does have a safety car seat, as well as a safety car harness which is separate from the seat. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/65 "2018-07-22T18:43:39Z")
> [@Corry\_El](#): > > Characterization as ‘angrily rant’ IME tends to follow from the principle of people not liking to be criticized. > > Like I said, I wasn’t there and I specifically said I might reconsider if I had been. If you have grown up in an alcoholic home, been taught by neurotic nuns, married into a Gaslight environment, you know what angrily rant is and you can sense it the minute you look into the other person’s eyes. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/66 "2018-07-22T18:55:27Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > 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. lol, yeah, if there’s an adult in the car looking comfortable, it’s pretty weird to worry that the dog is in heat distress. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/67 "2018-07-22T19:10:47Z")
> [@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 agree. Leave your dog at home, not in the car. Yes, she freaks out, but by taking her everywhere you have turned into a enabler. The dog will learn to calm down when you leave. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/68 "2018-07-22T19:18:01Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > It’s understandable. You were assaulted in a public setting, it’s not the kind of thing people are normally prepared for. “Assaulted”? Man we sure have spread out the definitions of some words, havent we. The “assaulter” was merely concerned about the OP dog, a very real and reasonable concern. And yes, in many jurisdictions there are now laws allowing that concerned person to break the car window and rescue that dog. 100% perfectly legal. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/69 "2018-07-22T19:20:46Z")
> [@j666](#): > > 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. Really? You want the police called off a patrol,stopping felonies (or eating donuts, who knows) just to have them come out for this call? They will lecture the dog owner about the dog in the car, then leave. The person who called will not be arrested or even lectured, very likely. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/70 "2018-07-22T19:25:18Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > 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. Maybe there was no current law about leaving pets in cars, but i have no doubt there was a law about animal abuse. "Animal abuse’ is very open ended. Calculating exactly how hot the car will be is one thing, but a really excited little dog having stress issues is another. \*\*Dont leave your dog in your car. \*\*See how simple that is? ---
**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, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/71 "2018-07-22T21:08:54Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Maybe there was no current law about leaving pets in cars, but i have no doubt there was a law about animal abuse. > > "Animal abuse’ is very open ended. > > Calculating exactly how hot the car will be is one thing, but a really excited little dog having stress issues is another. “Animal abuse” is not so very open ended. Where would you get the idea that it is? It does not include all that you as an individual have decided that you disapprove of. People _have_ been charged with animal cruelty for leaving dogs in hot cars, like for hours [on a 97 degree](https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2018/06/22/harold-krages-charged-animal-cruelty-after-dog-left-car-outside-sebastian-bar-97-degree-day-dies/725552002/) day, maybe even [hours on an 80 degree day](https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/05/26/2-dogs-locked-in-hot-car/), hours while going to a movie let in the sun [in Texas](https://www.animallaw.info/case/lopez-v-state) on a “very hot, sunny, dry day” … but it does require something that actually put an animal at risk. FWIW [here’s the ASPCA information page](https://www.aspca.org/news/download-and-share-our-hot-weather-infographic-prevent-pets-suffering-hot-cars)on the subject. Going into a store and threatening the dog’s owner is not the action they’d advise if you come upon a dog in a hot car that you believe is suffering. Some states do have Good Samaritan laws allowing breaking a window if one believes a rescue is needed … but most states do not (11 apparently do) and most require law enforcement be called first. Again, temperature starting at 70 and a few minutes of a stop? Not animal cruelty. But a person walking by does not know how long the dog has been there alone and an anxious dog panting looks awfully like a dog in distress. They are also unlikely to check the weather app to see what the current temperature is. Well meaning people _will_ call the police when they see the op’s dog in the car panting anxiously. If it was warm out I would. The op really needs to figure out some other solutions. IMHO. ---
**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, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/72 "2018-07-22T21:31:45Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Really? You want the police called off a patrol,stopping felonies (or eating donuts, who knows) just to have them come out for this call? They will lecture the dog owner about the dog in the car, then leave. The person who called will not be arrested or even lectured, very likely. No, I want people to use their eyes and their brains, and telling someone to go ahead and call the police has always resulted in the person re-evaluating the situation, in my experience. I used to try to explain, she’s fine, she’s just a drooler, the windows are open/the AC is on, she’s not barking because she’s in distress she barking because you approached the car, to absolutely no avail. If people want to believe the worst of you, they will, with any excuse they can come up with. So now I say, Go ahead. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/73 "2018-07-22T21:56:17Z")
> [@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. Without passing judgment on the OP, I completely agree. My dog stays home, unless I have to take him someplace such as the vet, where his presence is not only desirable, but necessary. He’s devoted to me, but he’s such a chill dog, that when I leave the house, he looks at me as if to say, “It’s all right, Boss. You go ahead, I’ll take care of the place while you’re gone.” ---
**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 22, 2018, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/74 "2018-07-22T22:00:58Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > “Assaulted”? Man we sure have spread out the definitions of some words, havent we. The “assaulter” was merely concerned about the OP dog, a very real and reasonable concern. And yes, in many jurisdictions there are now laws allowing that concerned person to break the car window and rescue that dog. 100% perfectly legal. Yelling at strangers in a store is not 100% legal nor does it do anything to help a dog, and it is an assault. And if you break a window to rescue a dog you better damn well know that dog is in danger because it’s not illegal to leave a dog in a car. The law wasn’t made to allow someone’s superior attitude to be used to destroy people’s property. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/75 "2018-07-22T22:21:08Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I agree. Leave your dog at home, not in the car. > > Yes, she freaks out, but by taking her everywhere you have turned into a enabler. The dog will learn to calm down when you leave. Seeing as I’ve had her for about a year and a half, and her behavior hasn’t changed a bit, I guess she’s just a slow learner? ---
**Author:** ![edwardcoast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cab0a1/32.png) [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/76 "2018-07-23T03:24:04Z")
Don’t leave the dog alone in the car. Because you could be delayed, someone could take your car, you could become ill in the store they don’t know you left a dog in the car alone. instead bring your dog into the store with you, and if someone complains tell them to call the cops, because it is too hot to leave your dog in the car. So often I would bring our dog with us into stores, public library, etc. I would stop at the front and say, “Is it OK, he’s good and I will be quick” and most of the time I could just bring him in. They allow dogs in the store as Guide Dogs, so I don’t see how you bringing your dog in as any difference. But I would ask first. If that doesn’t work, then make other plans, don’t leave the dog in the car alone. You posted to get an opinion, this is mine. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/77 "2018-07-23T03:29:39Z")
You could get him a therapy dog permit and take him anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/78 "2018-07-23T03:42:13Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I think that’s a good idea. It’s the appropriate way to deal with crazy people in the modern world. Especially if they’re black and doing nefarious things like delivering newspapers, grilling out in public parks, or wearing socks in a pool. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/79 "2018-07-23T03:46:28Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > You could get him a therapy dog permit and take him anywhere. Please don’t do that – there are way too many people abusing this, and it’s really screwing up those who have legit therapy animals. (I’d love to be able to take my cat everywhere, but I know it wouldn’t be fair) ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311/80 "2018-07-23T03:49:32Z")
> [@edwardcoast](#): > > Don’t leave the dog alone in the car. Because you could be delayed, someone could take your car, you could become ill in the store they don’t know you left a dog in the car alone. instead bring your dog into the store with you, and if someone complains tell them to call the cops, because it is too hot to leave your dog in the car. So often I would bring our dog with us into stores, public library, etc. I would stop at the front and say, “Is it OK, he’s good and I will be quick” and most of the time I could just bring him in. They allow dogs in the store as Guide Dogs, so I don’t see how you bringing your dog in as any difference. But I would ask first. If that doesn’t work, then make other plans, don’t leave the dog in the car alone. > > You posted to get an opinion, this is mine. 🙂 And it is a reasonable and well thought out opinion. Thank you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-in-store-threatened-to-call-cops-because-of-my-dog/818311.md?page=5)