Dog owner issues stark warning after her beloved pet was killed in heartbreaking freak accident

A dog owner has issued a stark warning after her beloved pet was killed in a freak accident.

Kristin Minassian shared the heartbreaking story - which took place almost two decades ago - but still haunts her to this day.

'Over 15 years ago, my husband and I were pulling out of a drive-thru where the person working the window wanted to give our dog a treat,' Kristin has since told Newsweek. 'We rolled the back window down for her to give Aussie a treat.' 

Kristin, who had been holding Aussie's leash from the front seat, explained that the Australian Shepherd liked to hang her head out of the back seat car window - and often did so with no problems. 

Tragically, that day, Kristin admitted the couple 'made a huge mistake.'

Kristin explained that Aussie was not secured with a seat belt and, after they had wound down the window so she could receive a treat, disaster struck.

The couple were distracted by their own food order and overlooked the danger because, as they drove away, Aussie jumped out of the window.

Kristin could not keep a hold of the leash and the pup fell onto the street.

Despite rushing her to a veterinarian right away, Aussie sadly passed away, with Kristin admitting she still finds it incredibly difficult. 

'It was over 15 years ago, and I am still heartbroken over it and feel so much guilt, the dog-lover admitted.

She continued: 'She was such a fun-loving little girl who loved to play ball and swim in the lake and fetch sticks.'

Kristin recently shared the tale to Instagram after seeing a dog hanging out of the window to Instagram, promoting her to post about it in order to warn other pet owners.

Users flooded her Instagram comments, many thanking Kristin for sharing her story. 

'Stop omg I feel like I was meant to see this, my dog is always hanging all the way out,' one user gushed. 'Thank you for sharing.'

'This happened to me last year,' another grieving dog owner shared. 'My puppy was a one-year-old, I thought it was safe, the window was only cracked open, but it was enough for her to fit through.'

They continued: 'I ran back down the street and picked her up and in a panic of guilt and shame I ran down the middle of a highway holding her. It was horrible. I will never forgive myself.'

'I thought I was just paranoid (I am) but my dog wears a seat belt and I still don't roll the window all the way down,' another person commented. 

'Dog seat belts are like 10 dollars on Amazon. Keep the doggos safe!' advised someone else.

According to the American Kennel Club, there are several ways to safely travel with a dog in the car.

It recommends to never let a dog roam unrestrained in the car, and if there is no way to contain your pooch lock the car windows and child lock the doors.

'Your dog could figure out how to, or could accidentally, press a button that could cause injury, especially if he sees another animal or dog outside,' the website reads.

'Additionally, he could be choked if he accidentally rolls the window up while he’s enjoying the breeze.'

The Kennel Club recommends transporting animals in a crate which have proper ventilation and to make sure they are placed in a safe place in the vehicle.