'If You Love Them, Leave Them At Home'

Mary Kelly of the Groton Animal Foundation told Patch all about the foundation’s Too Hot For Spot campaign last month. The goal of the campaign is to provide public education and awareness about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars during the summer months.

“I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten into arguments with people that are adamant that they can leave animals in cars on days like this with the windows rolled down. They think it’s okay. And I say, ‘it’s not okay,’” she said last month. “The statistics are there: it may be 82 outside but in that car it’s extremely, extremely hot. We have to make people aware.”

Well now GAF has begun that campaign with signage that sends the message in no uncertain terms.

“Heat Kills! If you love them, leave them at home.” 

“Unfortunately, there are people that still leave their dogs in cars and in that heat (last week,) we had that happen in the Stop & Shop parking lot and at the Shack in Groton,” she said. “People, as much as we try and make them aware, they still think it’s okay. It’s unbelievable.”

Kelly said the banner, which is now at the Groton Shopping Center, will next appear over Fort Hill Road and then at Groton City Hall. She said they also have 100 posters at Groton businesses: “Most have been very welcoming,” she said. 

GAF board member Leslie Olding designed and created the banner.