A dog owner has shared a devastating story about her beloved pet's untimely death in a freak accident, serving as a cautionary tale for other animal lovers.
Kristin Minassian recounted the tragic incident that occurred over 15 years ago, which still haunts her to this day, according to Daily Mail Online.
The accident took place when Minassian and her husband were leaving a drive-thru. They had rolled down the back window to allow their Australian Shepherd, Aussie, to receive a treat from the drive-thru worker. Distracted by their own food order, the couple overlooked the potential danger as they drove away, resulting in Aussie jumping out of the open window.
Minassian explained that she had been holding Aussie's leash from the front seat, as the dog often enjoyed hanging her head out of the back seat window without incident. However, on this particular day, a momentary lapse in attention led to disastrous consequences.
Unable to maintain her grip on the leash, Minassian watched helplessly as Aussie fell onto the street. Despite their immediate efforts to rush the injured pet to a veterinarian, Aussie sadly did not survive.
The grieving owner admitted that even after more than a decade and a half, she still feels immense guilt and heartbreak over the incident. She described Aussie as a "fun-loving little girl who loved to play ball and swim in the lake and fetch sticks."
Minassian recently shared her story on Instagram after witnessing another dog hanging out of a car window. Her post aimed to warn other pet owners about the potential dangers of this common practice.
The response to her cautionary tale was overwhelming, with many users expressing gratitude for the eye-opening message. One commenter revealed, "Stop omg I feel like I was meant to see this, my dog is always hanging all the way out. Thank you for sharing."
Another user shared a similar tragic experience, writing, "This happened to me last year. My puppy was a one-year-old, I thought it was safe, the window was only cracked open, but it was enough for her to fit through."
In light of such incidents, the American Kennel Club has provided several recommendations for safely transporting dogs in vehicles. Their advice includes never allowing dogs to roam unrestrained in a car and, if containment is not possible, locking car windows and engaging child locks on doors.
The organization warns that dogs could accidentally or intentionally press buttons, potentially causing injury, especially if they spot another animal outside. There's also a risk of choking if a dog accidentally rolls up a window while enjoying the breeze.
For optimal safety, the Kennel Club suggests transporting animals in well-ventilated crates placed securely within the vehicle. This method helps ensure the pet's safety during travel and minimizes potential distractions for the driver.
Kristin Minassian's heartbreaking story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of pet safety in vehicles. The tragic loss of her beloved Aussie highlights the need for constant vigilance and proper restraints when traveling with pets. By sharing her experience, Minassian hopes to prevent similar accidents and protect other animals from harm. Her warning underscores the responsibility pet owners have to ensure their furry companions' safety at all times, especially during car rides.
