I don't have a link for it yet, but I've been emailed some new information from a trusted source about the cop whose K-9 died in the hot car last week, the cop who I called 100% asshole. Who's the asshole now, Lucas?

It seems that the Sgt. had worked an overtime shift and was on his way home, and was very tired. Just as he got there, he got word that his son had been involved in a car crash. It was apparently fairly serious, and the car was totaled, although his son's injuries were not too bad. He immediately went to the hospital with his wife. After all that, he and his wife did indeed go out to eat after sitting at the hospital for hours. I don't know what other "errands" he might have run before returning home, but it was 13 hours later, on a day that began with him being somewhat exhausted. The key here is HE WAS OFF DUTY, not on duty as I first thought and as such he was in his personal vehicle.

When he returned home, he realized that Bandit was not in his kennel, and then it occurred to him that he might still be in the car. Upon checking the car he found Bandit dead, and was extremely distraught. I might add that Sgt. Lovejoy is a decorated and exemplary officer having had several positions of responsibility in the Chandler PD before taking over as K9 supervisor.

It still sucks that the dog suffered and died, but mitigating circumstances DO matter to me, so I officially apologize for being such a bitch about Sgt. Lovejoy. And a huge thanks to the friend who sent me this info, who I don't have permission to name yet but he knows who he is.