#Letters: Animal lover defends car companion
Each situation needs to be assessed individually to determine whether it is healthy for a dog" - Dagmar Muhlbauer Roets
Sheffield resident Dagmar Muhlbauer Roets writes:
As an animal lover, I don’t agree with this blanket statement (‘Leaving animals in cars a big no-no’, Letters, March 15).
My one dog (who is a rescue) goes absolutely everywhere with me as she suffers from severe separation anxiety which we have tried to correct with the help of an animal behaviourist.
If I leave her at home, she goes absolutely frantic and works herself up into a state of anxiety.
This has resulted in complaints from our neighbours, and in addition is a very traumatic experience for her.
In discussion with the behaviourist, we decided to see how she enjoys going with me on errands, and the end result was that she absolutely loves it.
She gets so excited to come with me, she bounces with joy from the time she realises we are going out. She hangs her head out the window as we drive and literally smiles with joy.
If the shop allows dogs, she comes in with me, but if not, I have a bed made up for her on the back seat of the car, I leave windows cracked open and park her in the underground section with a treat, and quickly shoot into the shop to buy my groceries (as this is the only place she can’t really go inside).
When I get back to the car, she is usually fast asleep, showing no signs of distress and is just happy to see I am back for our next adventure. She has not had to experience the trauma of separation anxiety of being left at home and feeling abandoned. These trips usually involve a pit stop at a restaurant where she dines with me or enjoys a free run on the beach.
My dogs are my absolute life, and I would never do anything to harm them. Taking her with and leaving her in the car is a conscious choice to alleviate stress for her.
I 100% agree that dogs should not be left in a car in the sun with no ventilation for extended periods of time. This is cruel and harmful to the mental and physical health of the dog.
Each situation needs to be assessed individually to determine whether it is unhealthy for the dog.
You cannot make a blanket statement that this should be banned in all instances and security must take photos of vehicles with dogs left in the vehicle.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
