KC’s Favorite Dog Parks

National Dog Day is Aug. 26. Celebrate with a day at the park with your favorite four-legged friend!

DOG PARK ETIQUETTE:

At most dog parks, the off-leash dog area is for dogs and their handlers only, not for other park play.

• Bring dogs that are well trained to socialize appropriately with other dogs.

• Handlers are responsible for their dogs at all times and assume all risks related to using a dog park.

• City dog license rules will apply. This may include a rule that all dogs at the park must be spayed or neutered and healthy.

• Young children (typically under 5) may not be allowed in the off-leash area, and older children should be accompanied by an adult.

• Remember to scoop the poop and dispose of waste in trash cans.

GREAT LOCAL DOG PARKS:

KANSAS:

Heritage Park: The 30-acre grassy area in Heritage Park provides ample space for dogs to play. The area is fenced and includes shade-giving trees, a pond and a walking trail. Parking is accessible, as are the sidewalks, restrooms, drinking fountains and parts of the walking trail.

Leawoof: Dogs will love this play area in Leawood City Park. Separate areas for large and small dogs will keep your pet comfortable among friends of similar size.

Shawnee Mission Off-Leash Dog Park:

Shawnee Mission Park contains a 44-acre dog park with a paved trail leading to the lake. Dogs will enjoy going off leash to explore the expansive grassland and wooded areas.

Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park: This gorgeous park contains an off-leash area with seven acres of open space. Continuous care ensures that this park remains in topnotch condition for your pet.

MISSOURI:

Blue Springs Dog Park: Located in Gregory O. Grounds Park, this dog park contains separate areas for large and small dogs. Your pets can chase each other across the open space, run through the agility equipment and splash in the pond. Shady areas and water fountains are available, and a dog wash area is stationed at the exit.

Dogwood Park: This park’s paved trail and five acres of open space create a picturesque environment for dogs to play. An agility course provides additional entertainment. Restrooms, a drinking fountain and accessible parking are available.

Happy Tails Park: While dogs run through the agility course, children can enjoy the nearby playground, which contains equipment for both toddlers and older children. Additional amenities include a paved walking trail, a drinking fountain and accessible parking.

Tails & Trails Dog Park: Ample parking, fencing and seating make this park the perfect place for you and your pet. The park contains agility equipment, drinking fountains and three separate sections for dogs of different sizes.

Waggin Trail Dog Park: This beloved park in North Kansas City includes a walking trail, an agility course and three tunnel runs. Dogs of all sizes will enjoy the two separate play areas, and owners will appreciate the benches and accessible water fountains.

Wayside Waifs Bark Park: This five acres of fenced, off-leash park features agility equipment, lights, drinking water, trees and benches. A membership is required for entry.

Liberty Dog Park: Three fenced areas separate dogs by size in Stocksdale Park’s off-leash area. The park includes an agility course, a fire hydrant, a water spigot and benches.

Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park: This park’s fencing and double-gated entries provide top-notch security for your pet.

Larger dogs can chase each other across the main play area, and smaller dogs can play in a separate section just for them.

Swope Park Off-Leash Dog Park:

Among the many amenities in Swope Park is an off-leash area for dogs. The park contains separate areas for larger and smaller breeds.

I have a senior Chihuahua and she lost her dog companion in March of this year. Since then, she sits in front of me and stares at me most of the day. She and her companion used to play and do zoomies a couple of times a day, but now he is gone. I am disabled and limited with how much I can play with her. She does not like to go outside or on walks and has some medical issues. Every afternoon at the same time, she starts shaking and panting and just stares. Is there something that I can do to make her feel more comfortable and get over her grief?

- Lisa Vandiver

I am so sorry to both of you for your loss. This breaks my heart for you both. My first recommendation is to get her checked out by a veterinarian to see why she is shaking, just in case it is something medical. Here are some tips on helping depression in dogs:

1) Develop a new routine, like a new exercise plan or increasing play sessions

2) Increase her socialization with others, such as friends coming over or playing with other animals

3) Teach her a new trick, even if she is an old girl

4) Walks will give her enrichment

5) Give her a variety of new treats if her tummy can manage it

6) Puzzles feeders with treats for mental stimulation

7) Doggy day care might be fun for her

8) There are behavior medications to help if it gets worse.

Even if she does not like walking and prefers you to carry her around outside for walks, this is still enriching and will give her other things to do, smell, see, and focus on. I would encourage you to have friends, family, or neighbors come over to help provide socialization and play for your kiddo if you are unable to do it. - Ashley

Flores, CPDT-KA

My two-year-old Maltipoo does fine on neighborhood walks until he comes near another dog or a human walker goes by. Then he goes berserk. He pulls, lunges and snarls until they pass. We have tried putting him in the sit or down position when we see a dog approaching but he breaks from the position when the dog gets nearby. We do the same thing when a human approaches and sometimes it works. He stays in position and we reward him, but this doesn’t work 100%. Any suggestions? It is getting embarrassing to walk him with all the drama.

over the distance of others around, then I recommend doing this near a fenced yard with a dog behind it—that way you can manage how close you are away from the other dog. You can always recruit a friend to stay at a distance and move on your command if you need help. Keep moving during your walks and act like it’s no big deal when you come across another pet or human. If you stop and make a big deal, it will just get worse. Distracting your dog through training as much as you can to hold their focus is key while he learns the new routine. This is a lengthy topic and there are a lot of online resources for more suggestions. -

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

- Kevin Carril

This is a normal behavior that many dogs display, and it is called barrier frustration. There are numerous reasons animals become frustrated on leash during walks, such as fear, high arousal, or boredom. The first step is to desensitize your dog to the stimuli nearby by walking at a farther distance from whatever may trigger your pup and redirecting them away with treats or toys. Once you know how far you can get from another pet or person without him going berserk, work on training and rewarding him at that distance, then slowly get closer. Make sure his focus is on you and reward him for his good behavior. If you do not have control

I came to Great Plains SPCA after I was found lost and alone. I was pretty overwhelmed when I first arrived at the shelter, but I’ve now got a bunch of friends and am much more comfortable. I’m a big girl with big love to give. I’m smart too! I already know sit and down and it would be great if you to teach me more.

If you would like to know more about Connie, please contact our Adoptions Team

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

How To Prepare For Your Children To Have A Great Return To School

PARENTS: Summer has wound down, and now it’s back-to-school time. Preparing for the first days of the new year will yield benefits for both you and your children.

Tips to Reduce Anxiety

It’s perfectly normal for both children and parents to experience some anxiety before the start of a new or first school year. After all, what the new year will be like is unknown unless you have a crystal ball. Don’t borrow trouble by anticipating what could go wrong. And be sure not to voice your concerns to your children, which could add to any anxiety they may have. Instead, discuss any worries you may have with other adults. And certainly talk to your children about what excites them and what worries them about the new year while expressing empathy and encouragement.

All children are likely to have some anxiety about facing new teachers and classmates. The best antidote to this is preparation, which will make the first days of school much easier. Here are some things you need to do:

• Make sure your children are familiar with the environment of any new school, whether they are entering preschool, elementary, middle or high school. Quite often it is possible for children to visit schools and see where their classrooms, library, gym or lockers will be. This is most important for young children. However, just a drive by the school or walk around the outside of the building can be reassuring for older children.

• Perhaps the easiest way to reduce any anxiety your children may have about returning or entering school is to help them reconnect with friends. Having a buddy to talk over the upcoming year and even possibly go to school together the first day can be extremely helpful.

• Make sure plans are in place for how your children will get to school and where they will be after school—and that your children know what these plans are. Also, have contingency plans if afterschool plans cannot be followed on a given day.

Checklist of Other Things to Do

• Review how the children will handle homework— times, places and rules. (A contract can help.)

• Establish the number of activities your children will pursue. Have a realistic cap on the number.

• Establish a routine that gets the children out the door promptly and without too many reminders.

• Discuss with the school nurse or administration any medical conditions or allergies that they should know about.

• Read the school handbook if you have been given one, so you are aware of attendance, dress and behavior policies.

• Think long and hard about the need to establish any rules about the time spent on electronic devices.

• Discuss with the children whether they will be buying or taking lunch.

• The older your children are, the more they should be involved in establishing the routines that work for them.

Fivethings

Coffee Creamer

I like a splash of flavored creamer in my morning cup of coffee. In an effort to try to reduce both seed oils and ingredients I can’t pronounce, I set out to find an alternative to my usual brand. I came across Chobani creamers and like so many things about them! Not only do they contain a very few ingredients, but also have great flavors that taste yummy. One thing I dislike is the pour spout. I drip all over the container every single time—but that flaw alone hasn’t stopped me from enjoying! Check out my current favorite flavor, cookies and cream! Available at local retailers.

The Hiding Place

I’ve heard Corrie ten Boom quoted many times but had never known much about her, so I decided to get her book, The Hiding Place, from the library. Wow! It’s a fantastic and inspirational read. Taking place during WWII, it’s the story of what happened to her and her family during the war. Not only is what she—and so many others—endured just mindboggling, but her faith is so inspirational. To see how God worked in her life during this time is just incredible. I’m going to purchase the book so I can reread it. I highly recommend! Available through the library and local bookstores.

Jumble Word Game