Dogs of art: Sidewalk Arts Festival brings thousands to downtown Sioux Falls - and their pets

Tex, 2-year-old Australian cattle dog

Thousand of people turned out for the Sidewalk Arts Festival in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday.

Besides art, crafts, food and entertainment, the event was very dog friendly. Pictured above is Tex. Owner Savannah Medenwald said she purchased Rex Specs goggles for Tex because his eyes are sensitive to light. Prior to getting goggles, she had to use drops in his eyes.

The goggles also protect him when he’s chasing flying discs, Medenwald said.

Rebel is a 3-year-old Golden Retriever owned by Tim Engberg

Lucy, a 3-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog

Above, a girl pets Packer, being transported via stroller by owner Amber Klungseth. Packer, 5-and-half, is part Bichon Frise, part Chihuahua.

Merlin, 2, is an Akbash Turkish Livestock Dog, said owner Dana Konzem. The breed was used to keep predators away from livestock. Konzem got Merlin from the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. He was not phased by all the people at the festival.

“He’s pretty lazy,” Konzem said.