When Guests Value $10 Over Their Dog: A B&B Owner’s Hot Car Horror Story
Running an eco-friendly B&B nestled in the scenic mountains of Europe sounds like a dream. Picture fresh air, rolling hills, cheerful hikers, wagging tails, and the occasional family of four seeking refuge from city chaos. But as any seasoned host will tell you, sometimes the reality bites—especially when the welfare of a four-legged guest is at stake.
Recently, one B&B owner shared on Reddit a jaw-dropping tale that left animal lovers everywhere clutching their pearls (and their pets). It’s a story about rules, responsibility, and what happens when guests decide that ten bucks is a price too high for their dog’s safety.
The Arrival: A Seemingly Normal Family… and a Surprise Dog
It was a sweltering Thursday, with temperatures soaring above 35°C (95°F). Our protagonist, u/Kwecks, and their partner Chris, were running their eco-B&B as usual, greeting a family of four and checking them into their cozy mountain apartment. Everything seemed peachy—until the husband casually inquired, “Are dogs allowed at the pool?”
Wait. Dog? What dog?
Turns out, the family had a Belgian Malinois tucked away in their van. The B&B’s policy is clear: dogs are welcome, but there’s a modest €10 nightly fee and a request for advance notice. The hosts even provide a doggy bed, bowls, and a blanket for the sofa. But instead of a grateful wag, the guest shrugged: “That’s okay, we brought all that. Never mind, he’ll just sleep in the car then.”
Cue alarm bells and a host’s worst nightmare. On the hottest days of the year, a car can become an oven—a tragic fact that’s made headlines worldwide. As u/Kwecks firmly told them, “I can’t allow that on my property. It’s dangerous for your dog to stay unsupervised in the car, it’s simply too hot right now.”
After some back and forth, the guest begrudgingly agreed to bring the dog in if it was “too hot.” But as anyone in hospitality knows, words are wind.
“It’s Only $10”—But At What Cost?
The real kicker? At checkout, Chris was told the dog slept in the car after all. Not only that, but the guests got out of paying the dog fee entirely—a detail that stung even more knowing the heart (and effort) the hosts put into welcoming pups.
The Reddit community exploded in outrage. The top comment by u/SkwrlTail captured the mood: “Arrrgh... People who leave dogs in hot cars should be publicly flogged.” Others took it a step further—“Tie them to the roof and leave them up there in a heatwave. They’ll beg for release,” suggested u/BethanyCullen, not mincing words.
Many were baffled that anyone would risk a beloved pet’s life to save just a few euros. As u/Physical-Policy1357 exclaimed, “You only charge $10 a night for a dog and provide a doggy bed, bowls and blanket for the couch?! What a steal and what cruel owners for making their dog sleep in the car in the heat for a meagre $10!” Even the OP chimed in: “We welcome dogs pretty much at cost... because we love them. More than the owners sometimes, apparently.”
Policies, Loopholes, and the Weakest Link
As the dust settled, the community put on its policy hats. “Change the policy to $10/night for having a dog on the property, which includes the parking lot,” suggested u/SpaceAngel2001, cleverly sidestepping the sneaky van loophole. Others went full “Pet Detective,” recommending hefty fines for undeclared dogs: “If one were to try to save the $10 and not inform you of the animal, then there will be a $100 fee applied,” said u/FewTelevision3921.
And let’s not forget the human factor. As u/RoyallyOakie insightfully pointed out, “Guests ALWAYS know the weakest link—always… If there’s a new employee who doesn’t know the rules, they’ll find them.” The OP admitted, “They got stupidly lucky that I forgot to add a note in the system regarding the whole thing, because right after their check-in, the next crisis arose (broken fridge. Fun times!).”
Compassion, Common Sense, and the Call for Change
Beyond the policies and outrage, the heart of this story is about compassion—or the lack thereof. “I cannot comprehend people who have pets and don't want to give them the absolute best life possible,” wrote u/elevenohnoes. Many echoed this, sharing personal stories of paying far more for pet-friendly stays or even breaking car windows to save distressed animals.
Some tried to rationalize—perhaps the guests didn’t understand the danger. But as u/Kwecks noted, “Dogs die in hot cars during European summers (which are way less hot than the desert), too. There’s not really an excuse not to know that—not in this day and age.”
So what’s the takeaway? For hosts, it’s a reminder to tighten policies and never underestimate the lengths some will go to save a buck. For guests, it’s a plea: if you travel with your furry friends, treat them like family—or at least like beings who feel heat and fear and pain.
Conclusion: Your Thoughts?
This story is a gut-punch for anyone who loves animals—and a stark lesson in the value of clear policies and constant vigilance. Have you ever encountered a similar situation, either as a guest or a host? What would you have done differently? Should fines be harsher, or are we fighting an uphill battle against common sense?
Share your thoughts, your stories, and, most importantly, give your pets an extra cuddle tonight. Because sometimes, it seems, it takes a village (and a Reddit thread) to keep them safe.
Original Reddit Post: 'The dog will stay in the car'