Pets are better left at home during Art Fair and other summer events
![milldrumdogball.jpg](http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2012/07/milldrumdogball-thumb-325x339-117360.jpg)
flickr photo by milldrum
We live in an interesting time when it comes to pets, don't we?
Our thinking has evolved tremendously where the acceptance of pet dogs is concerned. They not only live inside our homes, but, in some cases, have activities outside of the home designed just for them, like agility classes.
It's great that we can include them if we would like when we attend public events — but should we all of the time?
Probably not.
That's why it surprises me to see so many dogs in attendance at summer events like the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair each year. It always seems to be the hottest week of the summer.
One can always see a handful of people that are having difficulty dealing with sweltering temperatures, not to mention the humidity.
Then there's the panting, uncomfortable and sometimes clearly physically and mentally distressed dogs being dragged along as the person at the other end of the leash browses and lingers at the crowded booths.
That's very troubling to me.
Thinking about a pet's comfort (which is what one should be doing as a caregiver), especially at the height of summer, is a constant challenge when you're away from home.
Most of our pets would probably love to go with us everywhere, to see what it is that we do when we're not with them, but not when the physical environment is unsuitable for them. Pets can't object to being lead around on a leash in 90-plus degree weather at an event geared toward humans.
“As the Ann Arbor Art Fair begins this week, we remind people to please leave your dogs at home,” says Deb Kern, HSHV marketing director.
“The temperatures are once again going to be over 90 degrees. The pads on your dog’s paws can and will burn on pavement in this type of weather. The Humane Society of Huron Valley receives dozens of calls each year during Art Fair about pets showing signs of heat exhaustion or dogs being left in an unattended car.”
The latter seems unthinkable, doesn't it?
I can attest to how quickly the temperature inside a vehicle can rise in just a few minutes while I make eight- to 10-minute pit stops in weather like this to ensure that my charges have enough fresh water, extra potty breaks and that the air conditioning is working.
Despite having a vehicle's windows cracked, temperatures can rise to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes.
“We hope community members will do the right thing and leave their animal companions at home in the air conditioning,” Kern adds.
"But, if anyone sees an animal that might be suffering, we hope they will call our 24-hour Animal Rescue Team at 734-661-3512.”
It's difficult to not anthropomorphize pets, but in their own best interest, one can't expect them to live completely immersed in the human world, to include them in every aspect of our lives. It's unfair and goes against their nature. They're dogs, not humans.
And, I'm all-too-aware of some of my fellow humans' disdain for dogs. The faint scowl or perhaps a fearful glance on their face says it all — and I respect that. Where does the idea come from that others would enjoy sharing their leisure time with dogs in a public setting like a summer festival, whether they love dogs or not?
In many respects, bringing pets along to summer events like the Art Fair is not a mindful, safe nor courteous thing to do.
Lorrie Shaw leads the pets section for AnnArbor.com. Connect with her on Google + or e-mail her directly.
Comments
Jeni
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
While I agree 100% with this article for the average pet owner, please also be aware that there are service dogs that need to go with their owners to various functions. Often they will not be in their vest during hot days. Also be aware that most people who have service dogs are VERY in tune with their needs so they shouldn't look distressed. Any dog that looks distressed should be reported or at the very least, the distress should be pointed out to the human and a solution given. Like, wow, your dog looks really hot, there is water down there in that booth if you want some or there is nice shady spot for a rest over there. I guess what I am saying is try not to jump to the automatic conclusion that the owner is an idiot. I have a Chihuahua service dog and often people treat me really badly because they don't believe it is a service dog and they also don't realize the trouble I go to in making sure her needs are not only met but exceeded. (A service dog will NEVER be left in a hot car...The people who do that ARE idiots.... and if you see that, act immediately!)
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
Jeni, I myself am not convinced that even a service dog ought to be subjected to attending an event like a busy, crowded art fair or festival when the temps are 90+ with high humidity. As mindful as a handler can be, other event goers may not be and yes, even service dogs do have their mental and physical limits. Those should be respected. After all, dogs do not get the choice to take that role in assisting a human in that way, and it's asking a lot of any animal to go that distance, so to speak. Because we have chosen to include them in so many capacities, each animal's well-being should always, for that reason far exceed the consideration of the needs of the human. If that can't be done, we might need to re-think things altogether.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
Years ago, when I was young and foolish, I took my dog to art fair. It was horrible, both for me and for her. It wasn't a particularly hot day and I thought it would be fun for both of us. It was really crowded though and people couldn't see her so she got her paws stepped on a couple of times. While I was looking at some art, a small child decided to feed her his onion rings which ended up making her quite sick. I was at the fair for just 15 minutes and had only gone a block! I left right away and have never once even considered taking any dog of mine back to art fair. I am usually one that advocates taking dogs anyplace that people go but there are some situations where dogs simply should not go, especially in the heat. For their own protection and comfort. With that said, before getting *too* judgmental if you see a dog at art fair, I will remind everyone that there are people who live downtown with dogs and those people need to take their dogs outside from time to time. You won't see those dogs in distress though because they'll be on their regular walking routes and will most likely have a nice cool apartment to retire to after their short walks.
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Woman in Ypsilanti, I am sure that your story helped some dog lover out there think twice about their idea of bringing their furry pal along. Thanks for sharing that.
Ben
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Well said, Lorrie!
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
Thanks, Ben! As always, glad to see your interaction. :)
mady
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 7 p.m.
Lorrie, totally agree!! People, please leave your pets at home on hot days!
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Glad to see your comment, mady. Your mindfulness is awesome. :)
Laura
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
Oh, I hope everyone with dogs heeds this advice. I confess that for years I have thought anyone who wishes to bring a dog to the Art Fair should be allowed to do so ONLY if they will walk bare foot and wear a fur coat as well.
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
I love your comment, Laura, and I agree: barefoot and a fur coat!
Just Be Nice
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Thank you for this very timely article. Hopefully your good advice will be heeded. I love dogs and am always dismayed to see them at the Art Fair. I really don't think they are enjoying the art!
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
Just Be Nice: There are so many events that are held during the summer months here in Michigan, and yikes, I can't think of one that a pet would really love. Dexter Daze is coming up -- that environment is just as bad for dogs.
jcj
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
Very well put Lorrie!
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
Thanks, jcj. I hope that you enjoyed yourself during Art Fair!
Arieswoman
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 10:37 a.m.
Leave the babies and strollers home too! I feel so sorry for small kids in strollers. It is too hot for dogs and kids.
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
That can be daunting for little ones just as it is for dogs, Arieswoman. Thanks for mentioning that.