By Nicole Fabian-Weber

From: The Stir

I’m the owner of a small dog — a Shih Tzu, if you must know. Do I take my gorgeous little boy with me when I do things like go to the grocery store or ride rides at my local Six Flags? No, I do not. Because he’s a living, breathing thing, not a leather wallet.

Shalanon Brooks is from a different school of thought, though. She took her Pomeranian “Malibu” with her everywhere she went, including the aforementioned Six Flags. But when she realized the strap of her Louis Vuitton dog carrying-case was broken, she decided to leave the poor little gal in the car while it baked in the hot Southern California sun. But wait! A kind park worker patrolling the parking lot spotted the overheated Malibu and broke into Shalanon’s car to give her cool air and water.

But then the worker lost Malibu.

According to Six Flags spokesperson Sue Carpenter, “Our security personnel and the Sheriff saw the dog, which they thought was dead. They broke into the car to get the dog out. We brought it over to the dog kennel, revived it, gave it some water, and cooled it down.”

There’s a protocol for this type of situation, because, see, people leaving dogs in cars is apparently a common occurrence at this particular Six Flags. The park’s policy is to break into the vehicle, rescue the animals, and leave a note on the windshield alerting the owner as to where their dog is waiting. Good policy, right? It is! Except for the fact that Malibu escaped. She ran out of her kennel while her water bowl was being refilled, and took off into the parking lot.

Do I feel bad for Shalanon? Of course I do. I would die if I ever lost my little fluff ball. But … do I think she’s a raging idiot? You bet! What kind of person brings a furry dog to an amusement park on a hot summer day? Or any day for that matter? And who, in their right mind, would ever consider leaving their pet in the car for the amount of time it takes to ride a couple of rollercoasters?

Pets aren’t toys, people! They’re alive, and they get hot and tired and dehydrated, just like you and me. Sure, it brings a smile to my face when I see a little pup sitting all wide-eyed in some lady’s carrying case while she shops for hours, but do I think they’re comfortable? No! Because they’re not! They’d rather be at home, sprawled out on the floor or licking the wall.

If you make the decision to buy a dog, please remember that you’re not the only person in the relationship. And, yes, I’m mainly talking to you, Shalanon. And may God help whomever your next doggy may be.

Check out Shalanon freaking out.

Do you take your pet with you everywhere?

Read more: The Stir

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