[masraum]

Originally Posted by john70t

Went to the dog park earlier. Dog ran and drank cold water.
It was hot today admittedly. About 90deg but it didn't feel like it.

After that I had to go across town to the box store for supplies. Drove with the a/c on high for about 30 minutes. He kept panting.
I stopped at the gas station, got an iced coffee and tried to give him ice about three times.
Dog didn't want any ice cubes.
I left a few cubes on the towel and went inside the store.
Dog was barking furiously as I left because he is a demanding pain in the rump sometimes.

Light-colored car.
All windows were left open. 1/4 in front and 1/3rd in back.
Sun was almost setting over the store. A truck partially shaded mine.
Breeze was blowing across the parking lot.
Conditions were the same as if dog were left outside under a tree.

I was inside about 20-25 min tops getting one item and waiting on cashiers.
Too long admittedly.

Went outside, and some 6'3 guy standing near my car started questioning me.
I thanked him for his concerns but he wouldn't take that for an answer and kept edging forward. I finally had to back him up a foot.
I went inside the car and there was no temperature difference to the outside. Zero.
I offered to show the guy but he declined.

K-9 unit shows up. The officer is ready to check store security cams and write me up a ticket. Or worse.
He was pleasant but firm and repeating. I totally agreed in principle.
He took my info and put me on 'the list'.

On the way home there was a bad accident on the freeway so I altered course.
Going through side streets, some three year old girl was wandering alone across a larger intersection while dad was 75 yards away.

This was a slight lapse of judgement, but I guess I'll have to leave the dog locked up at home from now on throughout the entire day.
Much more humane. And legal...

Based on your description (Sun down, car in shade, windows open), I think you were OK. I'm a huge dog person (well, maybe not quite as big as Baz, but pretty close. I check the streets and sidewalks when I take my dogs for a walk to make sure they aren't too hot. My dogs are inside dogs. My dogs are part of my family.