Woman smashes window to save dog from hot car, owner thanks her

[Katie1]

I was wondering how hot my van was windows closed! When we pay bills I sit in the van 2 windows open no ac cause its never worked since I purchsed the van 3 yrs ago. Anyway it 140+ in my van!! Temp was 105 heat index!

[NM posts]

I've been following the NJ SPCA facebook posts - they make this issue a top priority and send officers to malls, etc., to look for dogs in cars. They've happily reported not finding any for the last couple of days. I wish all states had a Capt. Yocum, he's a real hero to dogs. He's been very involved with the case of Patrick the pit bull, who was emaciated and thrown in a garbage chute in a very dangerous NJ housing project. (Patrick is living with his vet now and doing wonderfully though there is a custody battle).

There was recently a story in my local paper discouraging people from smashing a window to save a dog. I don't really like the police chief's answer that included mention of jail time:

MyReporter.com If I smash someone’s car window to rescue a dog on a hot day, what is the penalty?

[Glitch]

I live where summer heat is not an issue. It is currently 45°F outside, and will only reach 80°F on rare occasions. Nevertheless, if I am going someplace where I know I will not be in my vehicle for more than 20 minutes, I do not take my dogs.

My biggest concern regarding one of my dogs is the cold during the winter. He is a Boerboel and not suited for cold climate. He does not stay outside, or in the car, for more than 10 to 15 minutes in sub-zero temperatures.