Comments on: Romney: Dog 'enjoyed' riding on car roof

By: dave

dave — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:30:10 +0000

I don't think cruelty was at all an issue here. Many comments here seem to be politically motivated or based on emotion, not logic. Since the dog was shielded from the wind, he would just be in breezy conditions. I've been in these conditions... ridden in the back of a truck, in a convertible, in a car with the windows down and on a motorcycle, it's not that bad. The dog has a fur coat so it may have actually felt good to be in the breeze depending on the temperature. I've seen dogs in the back of trucks, their tail is wagging. Ever see a dog in a car with the windows down? His head is usually sticking out the window with his tongue flapping in the wind. I think people who think too much with emotion get hung up on the phrase "dog strapped to the top of a car" and don't think about the actual conditions. The brown liquid was probably a result of something he ate or diarrhea, not from stressful conditions. Romney said "He scrambled up there every time we went on trips," Dogs love to be with people and the dog was glad just to be going wherever the family was going. Dogs hate being left alone. If you were going to ding Romney for anything, it would be a possible safety issue if the dog carrier wasn't strapped securely. The only cruelty I could possibly see is the dog being in a dog crate, dogs love to be out in the open running around not in a crate. Since this was just for temporary travel, I don't think it's that bad. If the dog could choose, I'm sure he would have ridden inside the car... with the windows down.

By: nancyh

nancyh — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:45:02 +0000

I was disgusted by this story. If you kids wanted to ride on the roof rack would you let them. He claims that his dog loved to ride up there. If you don't have room in the car for the dog you leave him at home and hire a pet sitter. I watched many of my neighbor's pets growing up. Yes even 20 years ago most people were responsible pet owners. It doesn't surprise me that he supports torture tactics; he tortures his own family pet.

By: Matt, Cincinnati, OH

Matt, Cincinnati, OH — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:20:29 +0000

Vote for a man that has no scruples about strapping his own dog to the roof of his car for 12 hours on a family vacation??? Ooh yes please!!! So much for "compassionate conservativism"! ...I'm sure the dog had it coming.

By: Bob Walsh, Wakefield, MASS

Bob Walsh, Wakefield, MASS — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:14:23 +0000

I hear Michael Vick endorsed Romney

By: d sanders ft mccoy fl

d sanders ft mccoy fl — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:47:53 +0000

Why all the anger at PETA? Hello...did anyone even hear the actual story line? Romney strapped his pet to the roof of his car for 12 hours!!!
The way a person will treat an animal says a lot about the kind of person that they are. Murders usually started out abusing animals.
My pets are family members and I would never treat a family member this way!

By: doglover, WA

doglover, WA — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:44:51 +0000

The dog pooped in his crate. That should indicate that the dog could maybe be a little uncomfortable. But rather than think even for a second that there might be a problem, Mitt and sons probably had a good hearty laugh as they hosed it down like a prisoner. Ah, the great American vacation. Remember the time old Seamus was so scared out of his mind that he crapped on the roof? Good times. Good times.

By: Ramie, Colorado Springs, CO

Ramie, Colorado Springs, CO — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:38:35 +0000

IT WAS 24 YEARS AGO! Learn to count Shawnie before you comment! The dog was also loosing control over his bowels, which clearly states he was not in a comfortable situation. Plus it was a 12 hour trip! All of you people make me sick thinking anything like this is acceptable!

By: MissouriMule

MissouriMule — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 08:25:39 +0000

That's no way to treat a dog. Sure, my dog loves to smoke, but do I let him? Heck no, it isn't good for him and frankly I do not care one bit for the smell on his coat. A side note: can you imagine the constant 'roar' from the wind at highway speed from a ventilated pet carrier in the slipstream? "Hereeeeeeeeee doggy! Heeeeeeeeeere buddy!" dog: "huh? you say somethin'?"

By: Jason, L.A., CA

Jason, L.A., CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:40:24 +0000

People are blaming this on PETA – they did not bring this up, Romney did, as he was bragging about his ability to problem solve. Boy, I'm sure impressed! He is a bigger idiot than I thought . . .

By: Paul, Boston, Massachusetts

Paul, Boston, Massachusetts — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:44:56 +0000

Official Romney photo shows dog enjoying being strapped for 12 hours on the roof and having diarrhea.

By: RENEE CANTON MICHIGAN

RENEE CANTON MICHIGAN — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 21:06:41 +0000

PUTTING A DOG ON TOP OF A CAR IN A CARRIER IS NOT NORMAL. MITT ROMNEY IS NOT THE KIND OF PERSON YOU WANT FOR PRESIDENT.

By: Maria Ortiz, Boston, MA

Maria Ortiz, Boston, MA — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:37:45 +0000

I'm from Massachusetts and have met Mr. Romney a couple of times. He is super nice and super cute. He can dog sit my dogs anytime.

P.S. i wish these people who are all about animal protection would feel the same for unborn children.... YOU BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Shawn Bodily, San Clemente CA

Shawn Bodily, San Clemente CA — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 02:53:25 +0000

That comment makes me like him more.

By: Dale Burden, Central City, Ky

Dale Burden, Central City, Ky — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 21:56:36 +0000

Anyone that would carry a pet on top of a car is stupid. Far to stupid to make choices for me. Don't judge him based on your dislike for PETA. Judge him on his lack of care for a family pet. A living creature that you claim to love should never be put in a situation that is more unsafe then you would pt yourself or a child in. They trust you to take care of them and are not smart enough to judge when WE put them in danger. Whether they like being on top of a car or not is not the point. The point is would you put your own child up there?

By: debra

debra — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:53:12 +0000

Makes me question his intellect, not that intellect is a requirement for u.s. presidency infact that would be a negative. What bothers me even more so is that fact that he shoots quail for game, now thats a sick state of mind & poor excuse for a human. I say we romney & cheney hunt.

By: Monica, Spokane WA

Monica, Spokane WA — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:05:51 +0000

I do not like PETA–they're a nutty organization–but in this case they're right. Packing a dog on top of the roof is ridiculous and dangerous. Who cares if it was the 80s? If he'd strapped one of his kids up there in the 80s would that be okay because " LOLZ, it wuz a long tim ago!!!"?

By: Chase Faldmo, Norway

Chase Faldmo, Norway — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:28:07 +0000

Not to be critical, but you people who criticize Romney are being inhumane. Why do you call him sick and attack him? Romney is probablly the nicest of the 2008 candidates. He is very professional and seems like a perfect candidate for 2008. The world needs a good American President like Romney.

By: Alex Foy, Ponca City, OK

Alex Foy, Ponca City, OK — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:29:17 +0000

Keep in mind that this was the 80s...my parents used to throw me and my little brother in the back of the covered pickup while driving on the highway so they could get some peace and quiet... If my parents (who are salt of the earth people by the way) can do that with their CHILDREN then surely Romney can do it with a dog...c'mon people, it's PETA for cryin' out loud.

By: Bill, Pittsburgh, PA

Bill, Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:28:32 +0000

People who would do this are gutless. Nothing wrong with PETA, you might find them extreme, but at least their motives are explicit and pure. Romney has no such noble intentions. He's wants the position to make money so he can marry more wives, you dopes. Oh, and since he's republican, he probably wants to recruit boys to be his "assistants."

By: Laura, Boston

Laura, Boston — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:02:14 +0000

I am disgusted. I don't care what PETA thinks. I don't care if the dog "liked it". I am just disgusted that such an inhumane individual is even possibly our president. This is just revolting. Obviously this man actually has no forethought, no conscience, and for having retold the story to a reporter, also lacks afterthought.

By: Steve Charlotte, NC

Steve Charlotte, NC — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:35:38 +0000

Well the guy has like 5 kids there was probably no room for the dog. and besides people have their dogs tranquilized and riding it luggage compartments of airplanes for transportation all the time and none of those people are under fire. This is just another pathetic example of the liberal media trying to get their hands on any dirt the can get on this guy. LETS FACE IT AMERICA he is pretty clean i think we got about all we can get.

By: Amy, NJ

Amy, NJ — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:15:13 +0000

I don't like PETA, but it was horrible that he strapped his dog to the roof! Dogs aren't luggage. They are a member of the family, not objects. I doubt the dog liked it if he crapped everywhere during the ride. Romney should be in jail for animal cruelty. It's too dangerous for a dog to be on the roof; that's common sense! What if the cage slipped off? Romney's a terrible person.

By: JimStag

JimStag — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 16:43:13 +0000

Actually, I find the story at last somewhat interesting – since it provides some (admittedly negative) insight into the candidates values.

The litmus test: if there were a story about Romney's exceptional compassion demonstrated to an animal 20 years ago – would those who object to this story feel that it too was equally irrelevant?

I think not.

Given that the US finds itself in a defensive posture on the international diplomacy stage, and that we are perceived to embrace and evangelize a rather unbalanced, arbitrary and inhumane world view of human suffering through our strained foreign policy priorities – evidence of strained / damaged humanitarian values in a presidential candidate IS relevant to me.

By: K. Black

K. Black — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 14:44:06 +0000

Here are two points that have not been raised. What if the dog carrier fell off the top of the car and CAUSED A WRECK ? ( So not only would the dog be in jeopardy, so would the safety of people.)

Also, if the Romneys hadn't bred like rabbits and had 5 children, there would have been room in the car for a dog. There are too many people on this planet for anyone to have 5 kids. Have two-one each to replace you and your spouse. Anymore is egotistical and irresponsible.

By: S Whatley Bayou Vista, Texas

S Whatley Bayou Vista, Texas — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:27:23 +0000

Don't know much about this guy. I am not a PETA or do I support them. We as a society can be judged by the way we treat our animals and he should be judged by the same standard. Even though he putting on a front of a caring person all it is a front nothing else. I would not even vote for him even if he was running for Dog Catcher of a one dog town.

By: rvkennedy

rvkennedy — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 11:45:23 +0000

The big takeaway from this story: Mitt Romney is a major-league WEIRDO.

By: RS, Mililani, HI

RS, Mililani, HI — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 08:10:49 +0000

Listen, I'm a dog person and love animals in general. This was not cruel. Imagine wanting to take a beloved pet with you from say, LA to London. How would your pet travel? Probably in a cramped carrier in the luggage compartment of an airplane for over 12 hours...(yes, I'm sure there would be poop there too) What is the difference? Additionally, I'm sure the Romney Family stopped more than a few times on their trip. This wasn't cruel, the dog enjoyed it. And for those upset about poop, here's a newsflash... Dogs (and kids) poop; and not only when they are quote-unquote "scared." I think people are getting too worked up over nothing. Can we get back to real issues now?

By: Aaron E. Hinkley Houston, TX

Aaron E. Hinkley Houston, TX — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:35:51 +0000

I'm no great fan of PETA and I don't even like dogs. However, it does strike me as an incredibly cruel thing to do to a dog to put its carrier on the roof of the car and let it urinate and defecate all over itself. Whether that is a relevant political issue depends on what it may or may not reveal about Mitt Romney's character. However, at the very least it strikes me as an incredibly callous way to treat one of God's creatures. I wouldn't treat an animal I was going to eat that way let alone an animal that was supposedly a part of the family. In the end unfortunately it doesn't really surprise me that a politician could be so, at the very least, insensitive.

By: Margarret Gottlieb Arlington, VA

Margarret Gottlieb Arlington, VA — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 02:19:18 +0000

Mr. Rommey,

Don't forget to buy eyeglasses for your dogn next time!

YOU HAVE MY vOTE.

By: Enrique,Tallahassee,Fl

Enrique,Tallahassee,Fl — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:04:29 +0000

Wow, with all the millions of dollars, you treat your dogs like another stock to trade or company to make money from.

By: Bobby Corcoran

Bobby Corcoran — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:30:56 +0000

I would say Mitt really knows how to put a dog – mans best friend – in its place.

By: meuphys rasbene, worcester ma

meuphys rasbene, worcester ma — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:00:29 +0000

CMB, your stupid comment makes me ashamed to say that I am from the Worcester area. You don't have to be weak or a tree-hugger to love dogs and be suspicious of someone who does not treat them well.
And MW says (june 29, 12:35) "I just want to know what he’s done as Governor of Mass. Is the state worse or better off with him being Governor?"

Well – after claiming to balance the budget without raising taxes (he slashed public edducation and raised fees, which are taxes by another name) he actually left Deval Patrick a $1.5 billion deficit.

After running as a candidate who would accept the will of MA voters on abortion and same sex marriage, he turned on a dime as soon as he realized that in order to get the GOP nomination, he would have to be a social conservative.

He vetoed the MA Legislature's universal health care, and then when the veto was overridden and it turned out to be popular, took credit for it and is now using it as a campaign issue.

Finally, when he was head of the RNC, he basically left Massachusetts – the state he was elected to lead – and traveled around the country mocking it. He did return when a woman died tragically in an accident which had to do with a state highway project... he was back about a week, got his picture taken with a hard hat on, and then left again. (By then, he was bored being governor and wanted to play president.)

He's a self-obsessed, dishonest man, and he would be a terrible president.

btw, I hope about 70% do not own dogs, for the sake of dogs everywhere.

By: Shane, Houston, TX

Shane, Houston, TX — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 22:10:18 +0000

Those of you who are citing this incident- and PETA's reaction to it- as a compelling reason to cast a vote for Romney... if only someone would cage and strap you to a rooftop to wallow in your own excrement for a 12-hour drive, preferably to some foreign nation where your mental shortcomings can no longer be an embarrassment to this already faltering nation, then we might be alright.

By: Jack McClelland

Jack McClelland — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 21:53:32 +0000

The first time I heard this story, I thought for sure this man's Presidential ambitions just came chashing down. I mean, who would be so STUPID and CRUEL to strap your dog to the roof of your car. This is an easy one, this is just plain wrong and anyone with even an ounce of decency will see Romney for the idiot he is.

And then I read some of the comments here, and all I can say now is, may God have mercy on your souls, if you have one left. You people are as sick as Romney.

By: CMB Worcester, MA

CMB Worcester, MA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:08:08 +0000

this article makes me proud to say im voting for mitt! (and his dog)

By: Bobbygoode Sherman Oaks, CA

Bobbygoode Sherman Oaks, CA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 17:17:49 +0000

Trashing PETA as a "radical" organization is beside the point; what about Romney's idiotic response? Or idiotic action (putting doggie on the roof)... let's hope he didn't explode frogs with firecrackers like Bush. Obviously such things are very telling.

By: Narie, Champlin MN

Narie, Champlin MN — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 17:04:39 +0000

This has nothing to do with PETA. This has everything to do with common sense and compassion. It appears Mr. Romney has little of either. I personally wouldn't vote for someone who is cruel to animals, and I certainly wouldn't vote for someone with no common sense or compassion. He sounds like a man Ann Coulter would be fond of!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:01:46 +0000

Just my humble opinion, but that's a STUPID reason to vote for a candidate.

With kindest regards

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:42:11 +0000

Regardless of whether or not PETA is completely ethical in all their actions, or whether or not the dog liked going up on his car roof is irrelevant. Reading all the comments I have to say that i am offended that people would joke that since PETA has done, admittedly, unethical things that Romney has earned their vote. That's ridiculous. But the fact that he doesn't acknowledge that his actions may upset some people, and discredits them as silly, along with what the PETA org. in theory should stand for is wrong. God forbid people don't approve of his actions, however "petty" they may be, and he should apologize and recognize why they may indeed be upsetting. 'Divide and conquer' seems to be the method all conservatives have and are continuing to go on with, and in the end it won't work.

By: Mark Willis, Kensington, MD

Mark Willis, Kensington, MD — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:40:58 +0000

"The dog obviously enjoyed his perch and the ride." According to the politician defending his actions. The dog was not available for interview. The dog loved it so much that a "brown liquid" was oozing from the carrier. So they stopped and "hosed him off" and then started up the 60 mph wind torture again on the trapped, wet animal. Is it any surprise that the man is pro-torture (by his own enthusiastic admission during the GOP debates) and wants to double the size of Guantanamo? You people supporting him want a president who will continue the policies that have made people around the world so badly hate us and want to kill us. You people need to be committed. Really.

By: Shelley, Louisville, KY

Shelley, Louisville, KY — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:14:35 +0000

Are you robot-brains NUTS?! It has nothing to do with PETA and EVERYTHING to do with a disgusting and pathetic thing to do to a dog. FOR 12 FREAKING HOURS?! One might marginally shrug it off if he were just transporting the animal a few blocks to the vet or something, but 12 hours? What kind of SICKO travels with a LIVE ANIMAL of ANY kind strapped in a box on the roof of a car? This certainly DOES give some insight into his abilities for office if he thinks something like that is OKAY.

By: wordster

wordster — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 12:48:45 +0000

If the dog loved it so much, then why did he have a diarrhea attack all over the top of the car? Sounds like he wasn't having such a great time!

By: Diane, Pensacola, FL

Diane, Pensacola, FL — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 12:14:29 +0000

What an unbelievably stupid thing to do..
But what's even more unbelievable? To try to justify it instead of just saying "that was years ago and I'm older and smarter now".
Moron.

By: Jane Grant, Boston, Massachusetts

Jane Grant, Boston, Massachusetts — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 11:15:06 +0000

The pro-Romney posts here were probably written by his organization. Going after PETA changes the subject but not the crime. Romney should've been Governor of Utah, not Massachusetts. He's a flip flopper and a bad representative of the state of Massachusetts. What he did to his dog is basically what he did to all Massachusetts citizens – he gave everyone the finger. Mitt Romney is not to be trusted. Everyone is supposed to serve King Mitt...please...we WANT the Republican offerings to be Romney, Giuliani, etc. What a rogues gallery!

By: Chris, United Kingdom

Chris, United Kingdom — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 10:26:19 +0000

Is this a joke? Its not like he put his cat in a microwave...and the dog is fine? Hell how do we know the dog didnt quite enjoy the ride that way – better than stuck in a hot crampt car??

By: Danielle, Baton Rouge, La.

Danielle, Baton Rouge, La. — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:52:28 +0000

I would not say that this report is entirely irrelevant because I think this shows alot about his character. It doesn't matter when it took place. Why or how could someone treat their pet like luggage? Stuffing it into a carrier and then strapping it onto the roof of your vehicle for 12 hours!!! For any amount of time is just wrong....Let alone half a day! Does he not a conscience? If the dog enjoyed it so much why did he urinate and defecate all over himself? How can or why would someone be so neglectful? It sickens me to think that this could've happened more than once. Dogs like most animals feel fear and know when their life may be endanger. So no telling what that poor pooch went through being able to see, hear, and feel the pressure in the carrier going 50, 60 or even 70 mph. It must have been terrifying and not being able to do anything about it. If someone is unable to care properly for an animal....DO NOT GET ONE. How can someone not feel for this defenseless animal? It's just sad.

By: jim Tampa Florida

jim Tampa Florida — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:40:56 +0000

Let's keep a couple of things in perspective. Even though he's not my first choice for Prez, the fact that PETA went on some 25 year personal witch hunt against the guy and came up this says to me the man doesn't have that much to hide.

Romney is a self made multi millionaire and he did it by building a legit business and had a good record as governor.

I would bet the farm that the facts of the incident have been greatly exaggerated.

By: Chris, Carlsbad, CA

Chris, Carlsbad, CA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:30:34 +0000

The fact that this blog has nearly 300 posts and the other ones dealing with the war, election, and REAL ISSUES have on average something like 10 makes me really wonder where our collective heads are at...

By: Nancy O'Roark Austin, TX

Nancy O'Roark Austin, TX — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:27:49 +0000

I find it very difficult to believe that ANY dog would prefer riding on top of a car alone, versus inside the car with their family/owners.

By: Erin Kelley, Tappahannock Virginia

Erin Kelley, Tappahannock Virginia — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:01:07 +0000

Why would anyone admit to this? Did he want this to become the discussion about him over the next several months? Why didn't he just hold his dog up by the ears to pose for the camera? Oh wait, has that been done?

In today's climate, anyone who would admit to such an idiotic thing during the ramp-up to a presidential election shows a serious lack of judgement. For that reason alone, it is clear that this man is a moron who is unqualified to govern.