March 28, 2024

Weekend event brings awareness to pet safety

You may be unaware that if you leave your pet in the car when it’s 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside the car – even with the windows cracked – can rise to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes.

Dog Gone Rescue Director Janel McLain’s love for dogs and desire to spread awareness about keeping them safe in the heat led her to plan a brand new event. The Hot Doggie Wash, coupled with the My Dog is Cool campaign, will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McKinley Park near the bandshell.

Volunteers will give dog washes for $15, and the first 50 dogs will receive free bandanas. Attendees can get a hot dog and chips for $3, and there will be bumper stickers and frisbees for $2. All proceeds will go toward the rescue.

“I’m excited to see all the different dogs and raise awareness about the issue,” McLain said. “My hope is that people will stop leaving their dogs in the car, especially on hot days.”

Hot Doggie Wash

It will be the first dog wash held in the community, and McLain said if there’s a good turnout, she will make it an annual event. There will be four dogs washed at a time, each in its own kiddie pool.

Supplies have been purchased by the rescue with help from local companies. Walmart donated $50 for supplies and Pampered Puppies gave a half-gallon of dog shampoo and conditioner. Fareway donated bottled water for the dog owners.

My Dog is Cool campaign

McLain will launch the My Dog Is Cool Campaign to spread the word that leaving a dog in a hot car for even a few minutes may be too long. The average body temperature of a dog ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of about 107 or 108 degrees for only a short time before they experience brain and nerve damage, heart problems or even death. More facts and preventative information will be provided in flyers distributed Saturday.

“We live in a small area, and sometimes you think, ‘I’ll just run in real quick to grab this,’ but you run into people you know and end up taking longer than 10 or 15 minutes,” McLain said. “You obviously wouldn’t leave your child in the car, so you shouldn’t leave your dog in the car either.”

Part of the campaign will be the opportunity for dog owners to take “The Pledge” to never leave their dog in the car. Those who do so will receive a certificate and have their picture taken and uploaded to the My Dog Is Cool website and Facebook page. Pledge photos may be purchased for $1.

The event will also be "a great way to network" with fellow dog lovers, according to Dog Gone Rescue Assistant Director Victoria Brammer. She hopes to have a table with business cards so people know where to take their dogs for grooming, doggie daycare and other needs. For more information, visit www.MyDogsCool.com.