Keep pets safe from hot cars in summer and see how far a day's drive can take you

As temps heat up, watch for pets in cars
Even with Seattle's mild summers, pet owners should be aware of leaving pets in the car as temperatures rise. To see just how hot a car can get in direct sun, check out mydogiscool.com, a program from the United Animal Nations. When it's 72 degrees, a car can reach an internal temperature of 116. Even in the shade, a car can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than outdoors, and cracking the window has almost no effect. If you see a pet that appears to be in distress, call the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS (7387).
--NWautos staff; Associated Press

Web site provides road-trip inspiration
If you're taking a week's vacation, driving the first and last days to and from your destination is often an acceptable trade-off to save on plane fare -- especially for families. For inspiration on trips within a 500-mile radius from home, check out freemaptools.com. Depending on traffic and highway speed, most people can easily cover 500 miles in a day's drive. With gas around $2 a gallon, driving 1,000 miles in a car that gets 25 mpg will cost under $100.
--Associated Press