Check Out IKEA’s Solution to Dogs Left in Hot Cars
It’s widely understood just how dangerous it is to leave your dog unattended in your car, even in mildly warm weather. As it has been demonstrated time and again—even by Arizona Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu—temperatures can grow well past 100 degrees in a matter of minutes and send dogs into heat exhaustion. Hundreds of dogs die each year from this tragic event, and hundreds, dare I say thousands, more probably go unreported.
And after reading and hearing too many stories about the deaths of dogs in this easily avoided situation, I have been in higher spirits to report on or read encouraging stories like that of the No K9 Left Behind program in Twinsburg, Ohio, and the dropped charges against the veteran who rescued a dog from a Mustang. The latest story I stumbled across is from a couple years ago, but it is definitely something to smile over.
Reportedly, an IKEA in Cologne, Germany, has created a “barking lot” for dogs. In front of the stores, there are Astroturf beds with a pole to tie a leash. Dogs can lie down here while their guardians shop inside. The beds even feature water bowls for the pooches so they can stay hydrated. These beds encourage shoppers to leave their dogs here, rather than locked inside their cars—though, I have to wonder, why the heck are they bringing their dogs on a trip to IKEA anyway?
Regardless, I think it’s an adorable solution, and one I can definitely get behind. It sure beats the alternative!
Timothy Moore takes his leadership inspiration from Michael Scott, his writing inspiration from Mark Twain, and his dancing inspiration from every drunk white guy at a wedding. When Tim is not writing about cars and money, he’s working on his novel or reading someone else’s, geeking out over strategy board games, hiking with his pooch, or channeling his inner Linda Belcher over beers with his friends. See more articles by Timothy.