July 20th, 2011. As I sit at Rosie O’Grady’s working via their Wi-Fi because Ferndale (where I live) has lost power, I started thinking about all the animals and pets who have to endure the summer heat and have no shelter…this is making me quite sad.
Earlier when we first lost power, I filled up the kiddy pool and laid in it with my clothes on as to not alert the children next door; shut my eyes for about 30 minutes. 3″ of water so even had I fallen asleep, I was in no real danger 
Charlie my dog insisted on being out with me and conducted his usual run along the side of the fence to bark at the passerbys, when I finally got up to figure out my next steps in the season of no power, I noticed he was panting very heavily and although he had fresh water, he seemed like he was in distress. Thankfully after a few minutes he cooled down.
It’s not that I’m not concerned about people in extreme temps, especially seniors and those without shelter, I just have a strong concern when it comes to dogs who are left outside for extended amounts of time, and rightfully so…and don’t get me started on people who leave their pups in a hot car – yikkes!
July 21st, 2011. Just got back from the Fido Does Ferndale event and despite the 200 degree weather (hardy har) a lot of people and pooches showed up. I felt it was my duty though, to remind patrons that they should enjoy the event, but head on home quickly as many of the pups were obviously overheated.
Alas, tonight I will enjoy my air conditioned room in my bed instead of the floor (yeah, last night was pretty sucky – power finally came on around 4AM) while many people in Ferndale still do not have their power back on…what did people do before A/C, ice and other creature comforts of the 21st century?
So to wrap up this edition of the PCAP Blog, just a friendly reminder to keep your pets out of the heat for extended amounts of time…watch dog paws on asphalt as this is a sure fire (no pun) way to obtain 2nd degree burns and always…always, have water for them if they are out side for a while, a long while or after being out so they can rehydrate.
