The dog days of summer haven’t officially begun yet, but on Saturday at Sweetland Amphitheatre, it sure felt like they were already underway.

Not only were temperatures teetering near the 90s, but the day was all about dogs — and not just any dogs. The LaGrange Police Department’s PAW Day showcased the four police dogs who work alongside law enforcement to bring wrongdoers to justice.

They showed off their obedience skills and also their ability to sniff out drugs.

After their performances, the dogs were taken to an area where people in the community could pose with them for photos.

The day was centered around the dogs, but it’s outreach and purpose was much larger than that.

It was another chance for the police department to get to know members of the community, which can only make LaGrange a better, safer city. It also helps tear down any boundaries or misnomers people feel when they talk to police officers.

The event was also very child friendly, and the majority of people who attended had children with them. That’s a great thing. It’s important for children to get to see police officers in a normal environment at an early age.

Events like this can’t happen enough in LaGrange and Troup County.