In a recent story in the Altoona Mirror, we learned an English bulldog succumbed to heatstroke after she was left in an individual’s vehicle for an extended period of time.

Before taking your beloved pet with you, please consider the following scenarios that may occur:

1. You meet someone while out and lose track of time while conversing with that person.

2. You receive a call from your workplace.

3. You receive a call from a family member or friend.

4. You yourself have a medical emergency.

Any of these four or any number of similar occurrences can easily cause you to lose track of time resulting in a tragedy.

If your pet cannot accompany you to your destination, please leave them home. It’s the right thing to do and it might save your dog’s life.

Pam Sepp, Hollidaysburg

Central Pennsylvania Humane Society volunteer