This past weekend, I had the chance to check out the Des Moines Art Festival. It’s a free, three-day event held downtown that showcases visual art, live music, and interactive art activities. It is a popular event with an estimated 200,000 attendees each year, and something I’d wanted to experience for a while. I’m glad I finally made time for it.
But one thing ruined it for me: the people who brought their dogs. For the dogs in Des Moines on Saturday staying home was probably the safest option.
Now, that might sound surprising coming from someone who encourages dog owners to get out and do more with their dogs. But here’s the thing — it was 90 degrees at noon in downtown Des Moines. The vendors were set up on the asphalt and concrete street surrounding Western Gateway Park.
It was a typical June day in Iowa: hot and humid with the cloudless sky stretching from horizon to horizon. The heat was a frequent topic of conversation. The food trucks serving hot items had no lines, while those offering lemonade, shaved ice, and fruit smoothies were swamped.
Most festival-goers came prepared by wearing shorts, and light-colored clothing. Many wore sunhats and some carried portable fans or umbrellas to shelter from the sun.
And then, there were a few people who apparently thought it was a good idea to accessorize with a dog.
I generally try to give people the benefit of the doubt — most don’t know what they don’t know. But watching several individuals meander slowly from block to block while their dogs shifted and panted excessively beside them was hard to stomach.
I’m all for giving dogs lots of opportunity to explore and be with us. Providing adventures and off leash freedom for the dogs of Des Moines is one of my primary goals. But visiting an outdoor festival in mid summer isn’t a brief walk through the neighborhood. It’s an extended outing in a crowded space. At a festival there is minimal opportunity to escape from the heat and dogs can’t speak up for themselves when the effects become overwhelming.
For the dogs in Des Moines the temperature at ground level was 125 – 140 degrees on Saturday. 😟
Here’s a simple test: if you’re thinking of bringing your dog to an event like this, go outside barefoot in a fur coat and walk around on pavement in direct sun for 20 minutes. Then remember that you, unlike your dog, have the luxury of sweating to help regulate your body temperature.
Our dogs depend on us to make smart decisions on their behalf. That includes knowing when an outing is simply too much. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is leave them at home.
