DEAR ABBY: Your column about pets being left in hot cars reminded me of a steamy day last summer.
My car was low on gas, so I pulled into a self-serve station that had no other customers at the time. As I filled my tank with gas, an attendant came over to admonish me for not having lowered the car's windows for my dog's comfort. I tried to explain that the air conditioner had been left on, and that for the few minutes it would take to fill the tank with gas, the dog would be much more comfortable with the windows up.
Unconvinced, the attendant said, "A dog can die with the windows up, you know."
Agreeing with the message, if not the circumstances, I smiled, nodded and drove off in my still-cool car. But I was a bit bemused that the attendant showed absolutely no concern for my two CHILDREN who were also in the car with my dog. -- L.F. IN MISSION VIEJO, CALIF.