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.