While at lunch with my DS today I saw a dog in a car

We went to Walmart last night and when we got out of the car...we could hear a dog barking. My daughter and hubby were like go ahead figure out where the dog was. Luckily in a car with someone else with a/c running.

I don't understand the mindset that your dog must go with you, period. I can see it on an occasional basis, or if you're absolutely not going to be leaving your car (like picking up kids from whatever, where you're just waiting in the parking lot for them to come out). Understand that I am a huge dog lover, have 2 of my own (down from 3 after putting down our Golden in May). I have had dogs nearly all my life and can't imagine living without a dog. But there are just some things that I see done with dogs that just make me shake my head in utter confusion.

Ok....I am guilty of doing this just this past weekend. I have a little mini dachshund who jumped into the car with me when I was going to run a couple of errands. None of my errands required me to get out of the car. However while I was out my ds called and asked me to pick him up something at Walgreens. (Hanging my head in shame---) I left my car on and ran in to grab what I needed. If it makes it any better I was nervous the entire time and ran in and ran out. Not something I would choose to do on a regular basis.

While I don't like to see dogs left in the car in this weather, sometimes it is unavoidable.  Before I get flamed for saying it, let me present the following scenario:

I am driving up to the cottage with my kids and my dogs.  I can't leave the dogs home because I will be gone for a few days, and they enjoy being at the cottage.  If one of my kids has to use the bathroom, what do I do?  I can't let the kids go into the rest area alone, and I can't bring the dogs in with me.  The only option is to let them wait in the car.

Some dogs like to go in the car.  One of mine jumps in while the car is in the garage and I'm bringing in the groceries.  In the case the OP presented, at least the a/c was on and perhaps the owner was only picking up a carry out.

Where I live, dogs go everywhere. The restaurant, grocery store, department store, the doctor - you name it. Dogs are more welcome than children! In my opinion, I would prefer the dog left in the car!

Maybe they were from out of town?

Aren't any of these people worried about their cars getting stolen? Obviously the key is in the ignition so your almost inviting someone to steal it. I live in a relatively crime free town and I read in our local Patch today that 4 cars were stolen in the last 10 days.

We did this last weekend while driving the 8 hour drive home from picking up dds from the in-laws and we wanted to stop for dinner. Dh doesn't like to eat and drive, and prefers to sit in the restaurant.

We started the van with the remote start. No keys in the ignition and the car turns off if you touch the gas or brake. The gear shifter is up pretty high on the dash and you have to push a button to move it from park. We were sitting where we could see the van and the running lights come on with the remote start so when it turned off, we re-started the van. The dog doesn't bark at people walking by and was curled up sleeping when we opened the doors. 

We took her with us because we spent the night and wanted to avoid kenneling her when we were going somewhere she is welcome. She doesn't go with us around town unless we are going to the vet, dog park, or kennel. She does go with us when we are going to my parents or the in-laws which both are a few hours away. You wouldn't know we are from out of town as we stay in the state.