Does poodle need more care than child? U.S. woman says yes

A woman was arrested Tuesday after she chose to take her poodle with her when she drove her husband to work - but left her 15-month-old grandson unattended at home, police said.

Loretta McGill-White, 48, was charged with risk of injury to a minor.

McGill-White left the toddler unattended in a crib, police said. About 40 minutes after police and state child welfare officials arrived at her home, she returned and got out of her car holding the dog, authorities said, according to the AP.

“I think the officers were a little taken aback when she pulled into the driveway with a poodle on her lap,” police Capt. Jeffrey Blatter said. “It draws the question of what's more important.”

Police said she told them she left briefly to take her husband to work.

McGill-White took temporary custody of the child Monday after the boy's mother was arrested on drug charges. Police were checking on the youngster when they found him alone in the unlocked house.

State child welfare officials took custody of the toddler Tuesday.

If convicted, McGill-White faces between one and 10 years in prison. She was held on $10,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.