Yakima's Randall Dog Park Progress Report

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.

10/12/2024

Happy 5th birthday to fluffy!

10/06/2024

She still needs our help! pm me if you want to donate cash, so Go Fund Me doesn't take a percentage!

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

10/06/2024

Okay everyone that has offered to buy a camera please PM me. There's a specific one that I want to try. This is getting out of hand. They also stole two other signs from the small dog park.

10/03/2024

Okay, now who stole the toy box?

10/01/2024

Plan a Fall 🍂 🛣️ to Union Gap in time for these upcoming 🎃 events...

Central Washington State Fair: Now thru September 29 🎡🍭
Hop Country Craft Beer Trail: September & October 🍺🎃
Witchy Shoes Paint Night at Farmgirl Pickings – Sept 25 🎨🧙‍♀️
Hat Burning Workshop at Farmgirl Pickings – Sept 27 🧢🤠
Succulent Pumpkin Workshop at Farmgirl Pickings – Sept 28 🌿🎃
Union Gap Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: September 28 - October 31🌽🎃
Friday Night Cruises at Miner’s: October 4, 11, 18, 25 🚗🚙🍔🥤
Vintiques Unrun at the Central Washington Ag Museum: October 5 🚗🚙🚜
‘Huk This!’ Disc Golf Event at Fullbright Park: October 5-6 🥏🏆
Union Gap’s Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt: October 6-31 🐦‍⬛🗺️
Witches Night Out: October 10 🧙‍♀️🥂
Renaissance Fair at Escape the Maddness: October 11-12 🫅👸🧝🎪
Agri-Copia - An Agricultural Event: October 12-13 🌽🚜🐎
Crush & Harvest Celebration Weekend: October 12-13 🍇🍷
2 Mile Fun Run with Union Gap Police at Fullbright Park: October 12 👮‍♀️🍎🍩🏃
Sun City Half-Marathon & Barry James Memorial 5k: October 13 🌞 🏃
Madd Hatter’s Haunt: October 17-31 🪦🧛⚰️
The Majestic’s Haunted Movie Fest: October 18-19 🎞️🍿🫣
Spooktacular Malloween at the Valley Mall: October 19 🦹🛍️🎃
Madd Hatter’s Family Day: October 20 👹👻🍬
Skateland’s Halloween Themed Concert with M-Status: October 25
Escape Room Adventures at Escape The Maddness: Ongoing 🔒🗝️⌛
Vintage Loop Shopping: Gap Treasures, Granny’s Attic, Farmgirl Pickings, and That 70’s Shoppe: Ongoing 🛍️🕰️🖼️💍

Need a place to stay? 🛌 Book a room at one of our conveniently located hotels. 🏨
Best Western Ahtanum Inn- 509-248-9700
Holiday Inn Express - 509-902-8000
Super 8 by Wyndham - 509-248-8880
www.visituniongap.com

09/28/2024

Someone has decided to pry off this sign in the small dog section. I have a pretty good idea I know who is doing this. I just wish I had a camera to show it. If anybody is Handy could they please go and Hammer the sign down and screw it back in? I won't be able to get to it today and it is a hazard to the dogs. I would be greatly appreciative of it. Hope everyone has a good day!