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Yorkie left in car dies from 130 degree temps

Posted at 9:24 PM, Jul 19, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-19 21:24:09-04

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WTVR)--Monday, a 24-year old Raleigh woman left a Yorkie dog in the car for hours while she attended a Newport News orientation.

A man saw the Yorkshire terrier struggling and called police.

When animal control officers arrived the temperature in the car was 130 degrees.

Michael Merchant said at the same time Julie Elisma returned to the car, turned on the air conditioner and told him the dog wasn't hers.

“She was just walking, like nothing had happened. She didn't really care," Merchant said. "It was the oddest thing to see, somebody not caring like that.”

Merchant and other people grabbed the crate and tried to cool the dog down with water.

Animal control took the dog away, and Merchant said he later learned the dog didn't make it and died of heat stroke.

Eisma now faces felony animal cruelty charges for leaving a dog in a hot car for hours.

Here are some safety tips if you're transporting a baby or dog during these hot days.

  • Make a habit of looking inside the front and back of your car before you walk away
  • Write yourself a reminder note
  • Put your purse or briefcase in the backseat, to make you check there before you leave the car.
  • Or put a stuffed toy in the child's car seat or pet carrier and move it to the passenger seat when your child or dog is with you.