Strange circumstances for an Irish Setter.

They are beautiful dogs.  I never owned one, but, a good friend did.  They have a lot of energy.  As a matter of fact they could be called "High Energy Dogs."

Introducing Seamus Romney, 'Mr. Personality'  (click title to entry - thank you)

Posted by Scott Helman, Political Reporter July 10, 2007 06:10 PM

By Neil Swidey
Globe Staff


Seamus, Mitt Romney's now departed Irish setter, has attracted worldwide attention in the two weeks since the Globe recounted a roof-top ride he made from Boston to Canada back in 1983....

Dogs really have to fit their owners otherwise it could make for problems.

Right Breed for You?  (AKC post - click here) 
A rollicking breed, the Irish Setter is high-energy and requires regular exercise. His outgoing and stable personality make him a favorite with families. Their long, glossy red coat, although beautiful, must be groomed regularly to prevent snarls or mats.

A twelve hour ride for any dog in a crate without relief from its biological functions is a long time.  Even when dogs are shipped in these crates via airlines, they are exercised and kept warm and dry for their journey.

The children probably were a good fit for Seamus.  The problem enters when the dog is locked in a questionably legal sized kennel to be transported without any concern for its comfort.

Type/size of Kennel  (click here)

The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and, most importantly, must be large enough for the animal to freely sit and stand with its head erect, turn around, and lie down in a normal posture. To prevent accidental injury, no part of the animal's body can protrude through any openings in the kennel. For this reason, kennels made exclusively from wire are not accepted.

Super Size Kennels

Continental can transport dogs in "Giant" crates/kennels (700 series) whose dimensions do not exceed 48" L x 32" W x 35" H (121 cm X 68 cm X 89 cm). We can load these crates on most Boeing aircraft, but will need permission to alternately route any 700 kennels booked on smaller aircraft such as the 737-300 and 737-500. All bookings must be coordinated through the Live Animal Desk at 1.800.575.3335 or 281.553.5052....

To realize there was brown liquid coming down the side of the station wagon indicates there was not only feces in the kennel with the Setter, but, urine as well.  Urine burns the skin and can cause open sores if not cleaned soon after the exposure.  The long hair probably protected the Setter's skin for a while, but, once it was wet I am sure the dog was uncomfortable and feeling it more as time went by.

I guess years ago people got away with this stuff, however, today if there was a kennel on the roof of a car carrying an English Setter it would draw attention from police and animal control officials.

Romney is a real jerk.  Certifible.  The dog belonged in the car with the family.  The dog needed to be walked at least every two hours and given water as frequently.  Amazing.