On hot day, dog owners should have more sense

I attended the Hallowell Day parade today and was sad to see so many people that brought dogs to such an event on such a hot day. All the dogs were panting hard and all walking on the hot pavement. As I was watching the parade, I noticed that the Kennebec Valley Humane Shelter had a float. Augusta and the surrounding area is fortunate to have the great care that they give the animals, but where were the dogs? Were they on the float riding? No. One was lucky enough to be inside the cab, others were again, walking on the hot pavement, panting very hard and no water in sight for them to drink. The humane shelter should know better than to put an animal through such great stress. One can only hope that if this situation arises again, the animals would be able to ride on the float with needed water and cover to protect them from the extreme elements.