06/23/2015
Why would my family leave me to die in a hot vehicle? I only weigh 1 1/2 pounds and am a bit timid, because everything is bigger than me. I feel very blessed that a wonderful human family adopted me. I love being a part of a family where I am well-cared for and adored, but I have a sad story to tell you.
Yesterday, I was so excited to go for a ride to celebrate Father’s Day with my family. When we got to our destination, everyone got out of the truck except me. I was nudged back into the seat, and the door closed in my face. Since I’m so small, I couldn’t see anything but the tops of trees and the sun beaming in through the window. I barked and barked with all my might, but my family walked away. They made a mistake and left me inside the hot truck.
Thankfully, someone heard my cries and saw me in distress. The concerned stranger called 911. The Roswell police officer quickly arrived, and he rescued me from inside the hot truck . He scooped my worn out body and brought me inside his air conditioned police car to cool off. He even gave me fresh water to drink! My owner came out and told the officer that he had left me for about 30 minutes while my family went to eat lunch. He told the officer that he thought that I would be ok because he left the windows cracked, but I was not o.k. I was losing strength from the heat, and I was dehydrated – I felt like I was dying. I overheard the officer tell my owner that the temperature inside the truck was 115 degrees.
My owner was charged with cruelty to animals – a charge where he could face up to six month in jail if convicted. Hopefully, he will now leave me at home unless he's going to take me inside a cool building or to a fun doggie park. The Roswell Police, along with other media outlets, have told you not to leave animals in a hot car, but my owner didn't listen.
Please help me spread the word to your friends, families, neighbors...to anyone who will pay attention! The Roswell Police Department is committed to educating people on the health dangers of heat and encourages you to call 911 when you see a dog like me locked in a hot car! Because of concerned people like you, and the Roswell officer who showed up, I am here today to tell you my story. You can see that I'm feeling much better in the second picture after getting some water and cold air. Please don’t leave us animals in a hot car!
