Caring for pets in hot weather

Kudos to Central Point for protecting dogs from scorching pavement. I hope the Times will also share information about the dangers dogs face when they are left in cars or outside during extreme heat.

Dogs rely on panting to expel body heat. As the temperature around them rises, shedding heat becomes more difficult. When the ambient temperature is around 100 degrees, it becomes impossible. Their internal temperature increases until they succumb to heatstroke.

On a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 99 degrees in 20 minutes. On a 90-degree day, it can hit 109 degrees in 10 minutes. Parking in the shade and opening the windows makes virtually no difference. Report dogs left in cars to authorities immediately and have the owner paged at the closest businesses. If they are slow to respond and the animal shows any signs of heatstroke — heavy panting, heavy salivation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, urinating blood, collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness — remove them from the vehicle, get them into shade or preferably air conditioning, offer water to drink, wet them with tepid (not cold) water and wait for police.

Many municipalities ban or restrict chaining and penning during extreme weather. If a dog is left outside for extended periods or without basic necessities, speak to the owner or alert authorities. If a dog appears to be in distress, follow the same steps and ensure that they are taken to a veterinarian.

Michelle Reynolds, The PETA Foundation / Norfolk, Virginia

Jackson County government and priorities

Are we surprised? The Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the county administrator say we need a new jail. They also say we need a new animal shelter. Yet, what they do is spend taxpayer dollars on a grandiose infrastructure project. Why, we ask? Funds that would address a pressing community need, a fully funded new animal shelter, are instead diverted to a personal project that boosts the ego or reputation of the commissioners and county administration.

Why is it so many people distrust their government? Because taxpayers feel their taxes are not being used effectively to improve their quality of life. The commissioners are neglecting critical needs with long-term consequences affecting public safety and animal welfare. These ego-driven projects are extravagant and costly, often exceeding initial budget estimates. The proposed jail and animal shelter increased costs are good examples. Now, watch what happens with the cost for this Pandemic Response Center, that no one asked for, and be prepared to pay more, again.

The commissioners and county administration consistently prioritize large projects over community needs. Taxpayers must demand greater accountability and transparency in spending decisions. Large projects are sometimes necessary for economic growth or strategic development, but that is not the case here. Jackson County does not need a Pandemic Response Center. It needs leadership that can intelligently strike a balance between these ego-driven projects and meeting the fundamental needs of our community.

John Littleton / Medford