Yakima's Randall Dog Park Progress Report

03/12/2025

GOOD INFORMATION! I can't tell you how many times I have seen dogs loose in a truck bed. It always scares me. I have seen one jump out and strangle himself. It was not pretty. Thank goodness, the owner saw it and unhooked quickly

every year, about 100,000 dogs die because they ride in the back of trucks. And that’s just the number of dogs that die—even more get badly hurt.
Truck beds don’t protect dogs from the weather. On hot days, the metal floor can get so hot it burns their paws or skin. If a dog is left in the sun without water or shade, it can get heatstroke very quickly.
Even though dogs might look happy with the wind in their faces, dirt, dust, and other stuff in the air can hurt their eyes, ears, and lungs.
Never tie your dog to the truck bed. If the dog falls or jumps out, it could get strangled by the leash. This can happen in an accident or even if the dog just tries to jump out.
If your dog has to ride in the back of a truck, put it in a crate. Make sure the crate is tied down tightly so it can’t move around or fall out. This will help protect your dog from the wind and weather.
Keep your pets safe!

03/05/2025

My sweet baby belle passed away this morning. She's going to be greatly missed. Rest in Peace my sweet angel

03/03/2025

02/19/2025

Deanna with Short Claws, Healthy Paws has a few openings tomorrow. If interested, please message/call her! We are lucky to have her starting back!

01/15/2025

I think this is how most of us feel

01/07/2025

Found drone at dog park. Must identify.

12/30/2024

Thank you DL Obrien for your thoughtfulness in getting me this puzzle. I absolutely love it and it was a wonderful surprise!

12/11/2024

Good information!

11/21/2024

11/15/2024

WHEN SECONDS COUNT

This post is not advocating that dogs meet every other dog, but about how to go about it, if and when it does happen, in a safer way.

The 3 second rule for dogs meeting each other is used as a guideline to help foster positive introductions, prevent either dog from feeling overwhelmed or trapped and prevent any potential reactivity and stress.

A short 3 second introduction is enough time to provide important information to both dogs.

Enough information for dogs to know – “are you a threat?”, “do I like you?”, “do I want to learn more about you?”, “do I really dislike you?”, “do I need you to go away?” etc. Both dogs may not feel the same way – one may not be happy to engage while the other may want to.

All interactions should ideally happen like this, not just initially. Just like us, dogs can have off days – things like pain, trigger stacking, lack of sleep or a host of other reasons can influence whether a dog wants to interact or not.

There are countless times I have witnessed meetings or introductions between dogs that have gone on just a few seconds too long and have not ended well. This can have long lasting effects on future behaviour when meeting other dogs.

Understanding body language is critically important. If we are going to share our lives with another species, protect them, advocate for them and help them feel safe, then we need to understand and respect their language.

The examples in this post of red and green flags are just a few general ones to look out for – there are many more and these will differ depending on the individual dog, context and circumstances.

Here are some resources and links to learn more about body language -
On Talking Terms With Dogs - Calming Signals, 2nd Edition by Turid Rugaas
https://www.dogwise.com/on-talking-terms-with-dogs-calming-signals-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOoqj8ruQJx5bCP7qWb03TqCyAGfmAvCj988UuWk_L1_UHbYcZsES

The Veterinary Behaviour Centre
https://www.heska.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TVBC-Canine-Dog-Body-Language-handout.pdf

Make sure those first 3 seconds count – they can make all the difference.

10/28/2024

We encourage getting your pets fixed. This is a great way to do it!

Happy Fall 🍂

Valley Spay and Neuter has a few spay & neuter appointments still available over November 4th-7th. We had opened 200+ appointments over these 4 days!

Book your pet’s appointment now using this link: https://clinichq.com/online/2204f57e-be2d-4568-9774-16298eda5d5e

IF there is no availability for your pet over November 4-7th, please email [email protected] to get put on the waiting list.
Include:
First and Last Name
Phone Number
Number of Dogs/Cats needing appointments

10/28/2024

OWNER FOUND

Still looking for the owner of this phone. It has a lock screen so this is all the information I have to go on. Have already tried Aubrey and the WTF page

10/28/2024

Short Claws, Healthy Paws

Hi again everyone. I'm doing more thysical therapy tomorrow to continue working on regaining strength and hopefully the feeling in my left hand. Half my hand is still totally numb from the injury to my ulnar nerve. The therapists at the hand clinic are working with me to do exercises to try to rebuild the grip strength and also control through range of motion. I wish this was moving faster. I'm doing my best to keep my spirits up, but this sure has been a devastating blow. Thanks for all your kindness in this tough time... ❤️Deanna

Please continue to keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery and if you are able to still donate to her, that would be awesome! You can meet up with me at the dog park if you want so go fund me doesn't take money out, but you can also do the go fund me at

Hey friends, Deanna Lally needs our help! As many of yo… Sue and Richard G Abel needs your support for Help Deanna Lally Recover; Broken-Bone Dog Bite

10/26/2024

This is a prime example as to why you make sure your dogs are up to date on shots and wormering. Someone brought their dog and it had tapeworms. I did clean this up, however it could have been your dog that either ate one, walked over it or even rolled in it. This person is obviously not bright. I do not know who the person or the dog is. Please be aware of what is around you. If you happen to come across something like this, please take a picture of it, the person/dog (if you know) and clean it up. The person that notified me tonight left it there so no one else could use the small side until I cleaned it up. Thank you!

10/22/2024

It was primrose's birthday. Happy 1st birthday!

10/16/2024

Just a reminder - - the water was supposed to be turned off yesterday. If it wasn't it will be soon. Please start bringing water jugs for the dogs. Thank you.