This is really serious, and I'm not just barking at the moon or the daggone deer. It's been a long, hot summer, and my human has been very careful about where and when she takes me in the car. We are Batman and Robin — I love going wherever she goes, but it's too darn hot. That and the fact that she has this wonderful car that she says is old enough to vote, but it can't do the cool air thing. In fact, that car can be hot even when we're moving and she keeps the windows open to allow a good breeze. I only go with her when we end up someplace dog-friendly. While I don't mind at all to curl up and snooze in cool or cold weather while she shops or enjoys a meal with friends, hot weather is really hard on dogs – so I get why she leaves me at home. It's only for a few hours…

Did you know that some people leave dogs locked in their cars? What are they thinking? It's HOTTER in there than it is outside the car.

[Human clarification: Temperatures in the low 70s might be too warm for your dogs, especially if the sun is bright. Radiant heat can crank up the degrees and, even in full shade, your car can get hot enough to harm your dog's health and possibly result in its demise. Also, most people drive around with the auto's air conditioning cranked to the coolest setting, which means more work for engine and compressor, so it takes more time for your car to cool down. Leaving a dog in any vehicle, even with the windows open several inches, means your fur-baby will be surrounded by suffocating heat.]

Here's a basic golden rule about animal welfare: When it's hot, leave us dogs at home.

Here's what Middleburg Police Chief A. J. Panebianco posted on Facebook on June 19. http://bit.ly/2LN7TWm

It is that time of year again. It's hot. Always check your car... but especially on hot days to make sure you do not leave a child in the car. And it's too hot to leave your pets in the car. Each year we respond to multiple reports of pets left in cars on hot days. County-wide it averages out to be about 150 calls per year. So, it happens way too often.

You are NOT doing your pet a favor by bringing it with you to a store and then leaving it in the car. When traveling to Middleburg we tend to be very pet-friendly. Many stores and some restaurants allow dogs on a leash in their business.

As exampled by the picture of the police car with the thermometer… Even on cool days, such as 70 degrees, a car's internal temperature will jump to 90 degrees in 10 minutes and over 110 degrees within an hour. At 85 degrees, the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, continuing higher with more time. On 90 degree days, the car will quickly escalate to over 110 degrees. Cracking windows does not prevent a car from getting dangerously hot, even in cool temperatures.

Well, what can happen? Aside from injuring or killing your pet… § 3.2-6570. Cruelty to animals; can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.

One last bit of information: Have you ever been to the beach and stepped on the hot sand? Well, that can be what it's like for a dog on hot pavement. Remember…when it's hot….so is the pavement. When walking your pets….stay in the grass or other areas that provide cooler settings. When in doubt…feel the surface with your hand. If it is hot to the touch…. it's going to be too hot for your pet's feet.

General Q & As:

1. What do I do if I see a pet in a car?
Well, the quick easy answer is Call the Middleburg Police duty phone 540-216-9787 or the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at 703-777-1021. While in the county, call Loudoun County Animal Services at 703-777-0406 or Loudoun County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at 703-777-1021.

2. Can I break the window?
We would prefer you leave that to the professionals. VA Code, § 3.2-6504.1. Civil immunity; forcible entry of motor vehicle to remove unattended companion animal, grants civil immunity to police, fire, rescue, and animal control when a forced entry must occur. However, it does not grant you that same protection.

3. Can I prevent them from leaving prior to the police arriving?
No. That could be a crime as well. Get the tag number and allow us to deal with it.

4. What are signs that the animal is suffering from a heat related issue?
Heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, vomiting, fever (the normal range in dogs are 101-102 degrees, cats are 99.5-102.5 degrees), unsteadiness or a staggering gait, a deep red or purple tongue. Get them to a vet as quickly but safely as possible if they are showing any of these signs.

Remember: In hot weather, you will demonstrate more love for your pet when you leave them home in the air conditioning as opposed to bringing them with you.

That last sentence — please, just do it. Show you love your dogs by leaving them at home where they can be comfortable while they beat the heat. Also, we're heading into autumn, which can double as Indian Summer: cooler at night and very high day-time temperatures when the sun is high. Please be prepared and plan carefully for road trips with your best furry friends. Be safe and stay cool.