Here’s my pet peeve: Leave your dog behind
Let me first begin by clarifying that I am no radical animal-rights activist. My husband hunts and my best gloves are lined with rabbit fur, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for critters of all kinds.
Our gradual accumulation of four homeless guinea pigs and two shelter mutts has made me question whether to put a sign on our door reading, “Brewster’s Home for Wayward Pets.” So it is from this balance in perspective that I observe dog owners who drag their canine companions to prerace festivities at the track haulers.
I assume that many of these fans and their four-legged friends are camping at or near the track. I get that. Any time we take the RV we always bring the dogs – that’s one of the perks of camping. I even understand the desire to take your dogs while you’re out enjoying the day. Mine come with me to drop the kids off at school and get coffee.
I don’t even mind seeing the little furry guys milling about the track in the cool hours of the morning. My big gripe is pet owners dragging their pups around when the sun is peaking, the temps are like an oven and the asphalt is blazing hot.
I believe most NASCAR fans are responsible pet owners, but rarely have I been to the track and not seen at least a few idiots who think their pooches need to be with them to shop for souvenirs. It will be 95 degrees and some fan will be deciding between the short sleeve and sleeveless Kasey Kahne shirt while their dog is walking in uncomfortable circles. That’s because it’s scorching, man. Get your dog on the grass and off the asphalt.
Once I noticed a fan drenched in sweat sitting in the edge of the shade of a hospitality tent. She guzzled water in her tank top while her very furry dog was half in the sun and half in the shade, panting away. The dog was wearing a driver bandana around his neck. This lady was half naked getting hydrated but put clothing on her furry dog sitting in the sun. Give me a break!
We all love our animals. But I’m thinking the hottest time on race day is not the best time to introduce your canine to NASCAR nation. I suppose this is one of my “pet peeves.”
As a rule, if the temps are really uncomfortable for humans, leave the dog back at the camper in the shade with a bowl of water. He’ll be happy to guard the cooler and your autographed Dale Earnhardt flag.
