heat

How do you enjoy the summer weather (finally!!) in Vancouver? I am still on the mend so I have really enjoyed being warm, not shivery, touring all the growing vegetation in my garden and soaking up a few rays (with sunscreen of course). Sun comes out and it's really easy to forget it was ever raining. TV weather people are forgiven (because it's all their faults, after all), Hawaii shirts are on display, and all of Vancouver's hottest patios are making money again.

So what is with these silly people leaving babies and dogs in cars and SUVs??? Is the sun emitting "Let's Forget the Living Creatures in the Heat" rays? Are we so sun-deprived that people have gotten out of the habit of looking after their puppies and little ones? Yeah, it's way easier to not drag out the stroller, especially when the kid is sleeping. And if ya come upon a hot locked car with a sweaty, screaming child or a panting pouch, ya call the police, right? Well, think again... yesterday, an RCMP officer left a 10 month old police dog in training in a police SUV in the heat on Vancouver Island! That will really help to build trust in the RCMP. Great role-modeling there, officer!

Luckily some good Samaritans passed by in all these cases, and like yesterday, saved the pup (and babes). I really liked the "portable tent-tarp and hosing down the SUV" idea. Quick thinking and brilliant. So, folks, lets all enjoy our burst of summer for as long as it lasts, but keep your thinking caps on at the same time. Maybe a boat ride you've paid big money for isn't worth a dead dog. Don't drink and drive or boat or leave the baby in the car. Watch the toddlers in the inflatable pools. Wear sunscreen. No regrets. Think. Sweat. Enjoy.