Heat kills: Girl Scout project aimed at protecting pets

By Chrystal Smith (USAG Wiesbaden)June 3, 2009

Heat kills: Girl Scout project aimed at protecting pets
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - "If you love your dog, you should leave it at home when you go shopping."

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That's the advice one Girl Scout gave Wiesbaden community members during the summer campaign kickoff themed "Heat Kills."

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"When you leave a dog in a car, it's like putting him in a hot oven," said Sophie Parker, member of Wiesbaden Girl Scout Troop 609, who is championing the community awareness campaign to obtain the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

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Research shows that on a seemingly cool day, the sun can raise the temperature inside the car from 70 to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

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"Water and cracking windows do not help. It's just hotter in there than you think," said Parker, who said the idea to boost the community's consciousness came about after spotting a distressed dog that had been left alone in a car in the commissary parking lot on a very hot day.

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"We waited about 20 minutes to see if the owner would return," said Parker, who said she found from researching that within only 10 minutes temperatures can rise nearly 20 degrees.

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Though owners may intend to only leave animals unattended for a very short time, the action could result in penalties for animal cruelty or neglect and fines or imprisonment.

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"People love their animals; they just don't realize that it's so bad for them," said Julie Parker, Sophie's mother. "We realize they are not trying to be cruel, but bringing them along only to leave them in the car is worse than leaving them at home."

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Sophie and two fellow Girl Scouts kicked off the campaign May 16 by handing out flyers outside the Hainerberg Post Exchange. The campaign will run through the summer to coincide with the annual 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety campaign. It will feature radio and television spots scheduled to run randomly on American Forces Network.

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And while Parker realizes the campaign's efforts may not reach everyone, she is hopeful nonetheless.

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"Maybe there will be fewer dogs left in cars. Maybe it will save one dog," said Sophie.

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The Wiesbaden Veterinary Clinic offers the following tips for taking care of dogs in the summer:

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Keep your pet leashed; ensure pets get plenty of water; use sunscreen on pets at risk of being sunburned; keep pets groomed to avoid complications that could arise from tangled or matted fur; bring pets inside on hot days; do not overexert pets, especially on high temperature days; ensure adequate shade is provided for animals kept outside; do not allow pets to drink from puddles which might have dangerous fluids such as antifreeze.

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Visit the Wiesbaden Veterinary Clinic to learn more tips for taking care of animals. The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8-11:45 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Thursday from 1-4 p.m.

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