In the comments, Marc mentioned how Sparky might appreciate doggie ice cream to help him handle the hot weather.  That reminded me of the Fatima dogs of Portugal.

These dogs are fine.  The Sanctuary of Fatima does not leave dead dogs in the square.

Shortly after I took this photo in 1991, both of these dogs got up and started wandering around a group of people buying ice cream. In the heat, they know that someone will drop a cone or drip.

When I was looking at that photo of the Fatima dogs, I wondered why the dogs lie on the hot asphalt, rather than seeking some shade.

Sparky looked at me like I’m a moron.

“Nobody cares about a dog sitting under a tree.  They lay there under a poster of Pope John Paul, looking like they are dead or suffering.  The ice cream stand is right over there.  Some kid comes over to ask if they are okay.  Kid bends over, melting ice cream falls on the floor, and the dogs spring to life.”

Come on, you can’t be that cynical.

“Are you kidding?  Watch.”

“Am I dead?  ‘Are you okay little puppy?’  Tell me you aren’t going to pet me or rub my belly.  If you were one of those fat, pasty British kids on holiday, I’d be eating your ice cream right now.”

Sparky was right, those British kids sure were fat and pasty.  I asked how he knew so much about Fatima dogs, but he wanted to talk about why we don’t eat more ice cream.