A Dog’s Farewell Letter

What goes around in dog’s heads when they’re left waiting in cars on hot days? Maybe something like in this story…

Dear masters,
Today was a great day by the lake. It was wonderful to be outside in the fresh air. The sun was shining, it was warm and I had a great deal of fun playing around with you and my friends. It was a shame we couldn’t stay longer.

As we left to go home, I jumped into the boot of the car, you took off my lead and cuddled and petted me before carefully closing the boot lid. That was the last time I was able to enjoy your cuddles.
On our way home you wanted to do a quick bit of shopping. I know I’m not allowed in these supermarkets and that’s why you said I should wait in the car. You promised me you would hurry and wouldn’t be gone long. Because the car was parked in the sun, you left the windows ajar. I saw you go into the supermarket and as I watched you with my big loyal eyes, I noticed the car getting ever warmer.

Within five minutes the temperature in the car had reached 100 degrees. I know you meant well, leaving the windows open, but not even a slight breeze passed through the car and it was getting hotter by the minute. I was feeling more and more uncomfortable and stared longingly at the entrance of the supermarket into which you had gone. “You’ll be back any minute to save me from this trap”, I thought to myself. After ten minutes it had reached 106 degrees in the car and I was panting my head off to somehow compensate the heat. You humans sweat when you’re warm. That’s how your bodies cool themselves down, so that you can withstand much higher temperatures. I couldn’t do that, as I am a dog. It was getting unbearably hot under my coat and I was starting to feel dizzy. I couldn’t look to the supermarket entrance anymore, hoping you would walk through that door at any moment. I had to lie down, because I could no longer stand or sit.

If only I had had the strength to bark or howl, maybe somebody would have heard and saved me from this trap.

After 25 minutes the temperature had reached almost 122 degrees. I was so distressed! Where have you been? What has taken you so long? If only I had had the strength to bark or howl, maybe somebody would have heard and saved me from this trap. But it was too late. I was lying in the boot of your car and eyes were getting heavy. Just a few minutes ago I had suffered a bad heatstroke. I was thinking back to the wonderful time and great moments we had shared. I knew, I would not wake up if fell asleep now. I hope you will miss me and think of me.

If you ever get another dog, please don’t ever leave him behind in the car. I know I was not the first, nor the last dog for this to happen to – therefore please warn other dog owners and tell them my story.
Thank you! I’ll now leave over the rainbow bridge and hope that one day we will see each other again. I will bounce toward you and lick your faces. But until then, you will have to live with the pain.

Until then, your ever faithful dog, companion and best friend.