NORMAL - People aren't the only creatures enjoying the Sugar Creek Arts Festival this weekend in Normal.

Among the crowds strolling along North Street and through the Illinois State University quad, a common sight is a canine companion, leashed and taking in the arts alongside art aficionados.

Here's a beagle, there's a terrier mix, and around the corner, a tiny Chihuahua.

Emily, a bichon-frise and dachshund mix who turns 8 this summer, got lots of "oohs" and "aahs" from people watching the tiny white cloud floating along the ground, little white curls of fur hiding her face. A pink nylon leash kept her close.

Owners Lisa and Bob Galloway said it seemed natural to bring her to the outdoor venue.

"Really, we bring her everywhere we can. Our children are grown, so Emily is like our little baby," Lisa Galloway said. "And just like your children, if you want them to learn how to behave in public, you have to take them there," she said.

At the corner of North and School streets, volunteers from the Humane Society of Central Illinois held a bake sale - featuring human treats and doggie treats. Near the table, a large bowl of water was kept filled. The steamy day brought plenty of thirsty dogs.

"I saw one big dog just put his whole chin in that bowl," said volunteer Nancy Freitag of Minier.

But dog owners and Humane Society volunteers agreed bringing a leashed pet to an outdoor festival isn't a decision to be taken lightly.

"You have to know your dog - if they are good with people or not. To some extent, it really depends on the breed," said Nick Tripoli of Normal.

His 3-year-old dog, Mason, was a gentle giant treated to plenty of petting from Sugar Creek visitors. The American yellow Labrador retriever liked being outside and in the crowd, said his owner.

"He likes the people more than anything else," Tripoli said.

Even some of the artists had dogs in mind.

Kirby and Cindy Pringle from Pesotum drew a steady crowd of dog lovers into their tent showcasing Dogtown Artwork pieces. The main models are the couple's boxers: Earl and Pearl.

A few ceramic artists offered their own work, too: bowls placed at the edge of the tent and filled with refreshing water for the critters walking in the heat.