[PattyCakes]

Dogs LOVE to ride in golf carts. That's a fact. And I take my two fur babies with me whenever I'm going to get the mail, or just scooting around to get some air or clear my head. However, the one thing you NEVER do is leave your pet unattended in a golf cart at a public store. The reason I bring this up is I was at Publix at Mulberry Grove this morning around lunchtime, and I was in my cart. When I came out, a lady had parked her cart next to me, and inside it was an adorable white Bichon, or at least that's what it looked like. I waited for about 10 minutes, hoping she'd come out, but then I had to leave. There are dog fighting groups, particularly in the Summerfield/Belleview area, and dogs of that size are often used as bait dogs. The owners of these rings have said this to the authorities. Please, if you need to make a quick trip to Publix or Walgreens, or whatever, leave doggies at home where they'll be safe. At least they'll be there to greet you when you get home!

[lanabanana73]

Amen!

[kcrazorbackfan]

Great post! I totally agree with it. I don't know what I would do if I witnessed pets left alone on a cart; probably sit there, guard the pets and then admonish the owner. Leaving pets alone in a cart/car is a big no-no .

[plimit56]

Pets should never be left unattended at any time unless they are home in a locked house. I have heard this as well so keep them safe!

[jnieman]

I've seen people tie their dogs to a post in front of the store before and go in for some groceries. People can be idiots sometimes.

[Polar Bear]

I've never understood it either.

[tomwed]

I think you are preaching to the choir. If you want to make a difference, confront.

[dewilson58]

And then there is a post on ToTV..................Dog Lost.

Stupid.

[Taltarzac725]

Would like more information about these dog fighting groups? Where did you hear this?

People's sins against pets, each other, etc. never surprise me but I had not heard about there being dog fighting this close to the Villages?

I sometimes see dogs left in golf carts at the Southern Trace Shopping Center Publix but have just gone on my way. They were contained somehow and seemed OK.

[GeoGeo]

We have had friends say they have seen a dog that had jumped and was hanging by the leash. Also, saw a dog left in a car with the windows rolled up and it was not running. Are people senile who put their pets in these dangerous situations or just not thinking (wanted to use a harsher word)? And if anything is said to these people they don't appreciate your concern. They are very defensive. And probably do it again.

[village dreamer]

Originally Posted by jnieman

I've seen people tie their dogs to a post in front of the store before and go in for some groceries. People can be idiots sometimes.

and what happens when a small child runs up to hug that dog????

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by village dreamer

and what happens when a small child runs up to hug that dog????

I would have to fault the parent that allowed that child to do this - not the dog or the owner.

[NotGolfer]

Then there are those who don't leave their dogs on the cart or in the car but taken them in the store. These aren't the service dogs neither....you'll see dogs in grocery carts or store carts. I've seen the owners place their small dog on the check-out counter while they pay.

Along the safety lines...I've seen dogs held in the car/cart driver's laps...sometimes with a 2nd dog on the seat next to them (probably un-tethered.

Yup...we're preaching to the choir here but it's just a reminder or head's up to those that might happen to read this thread.