Water Works Park. Photo: ARTURO FERNANDEZ/ THE REGISTERIt's been a stormy, rainy week for Des Moines dogs! We are running out of dry places to walk, run and play and safe places to swim! Here's a rundown on Des Moines flooding news affecting dogs, as of June 6 at 3PM:
1.
Raccoon River Dog Park & trail around the lake was CLOSED on Monday (actually just minutes after we returned from a bike ride around the lake, when it was still dry)
2.
Gray's Lake: Temporary reduced hours will be in effect at Gray's Lake Park until further notice. The park will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Portions of the park are now closed to public access.
Closures include portions of the trail, all of John R. Grubb Lane and the swimming area. Parking is available only at the southwest parking lot.
Park patrons may continue to use portions of the Gray's Lake Kruidenier Trail that are not closed and under water.
3.
ALL other trails: With the exceptions of the InterUrban and Trestle to Trestle Trails, until further notice all city of Des Moines recreational trails are closed due to flooding.
4.
Water Works of course is totally water logged.
We hit some bike trails by Saylorville Lake this morning and it was muddy but not flooded... my legs were caked with mud, dogs had fun. Our normal Saylorville swim spots though... totally underwater.
Dogs have been evacuated from the Des Moines shelter due to rising floodwaters. Keep this in mind if you're looking for a lost dog.If you are looking for a missing dog or have picked up a dog within the Des Moines City limits, go to the ARL Main location, 5452 N.E. 22nd St.
The situation will continue to be monitored to determine whether cats and other small pets need to be evacuated from the 14th Street shelter, according to the release.
Information: 262-9503.
FLOOD SAFETY: Keep this stuff in mind when you're out & about with your dog
Do Not Walk Through Flowing Water
Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most occur during flash floods. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water is not flowing.
Do Not Drive Through a Flooded Area
Most people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don't drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
Stay Away From Power Lines and Electrical Wires
Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
Watch for Animals, Especially Snakes
Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn items over and scare away small animals. My dogs and I have found that the flooding has brought out the creepy crawlies... yesterday my husky mix Takoda nearly lost her nose to a very large snapping turtle right next to a bike trail, and Vegas my German Shepherd almost stepped on a snake, causing it to hiss angrily and then slither off.
Look Before You Step
After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
Contaminated Water
Floodwaters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. It is very dangerous to allow your dog to swim in flood water, which often has a swift current or debris floating in it. If your dog (or you!) is in contact with flood water and is injured, clean all cuts and abrasions and treat with antiseptic. It’s particularly important to seek vet attention if your dog has deep or puncture wounds, or if any wounds develop redness or swelling.
Lakes, ponds, rivers and swimming pools that have been affected by flood waters, should not be used until the water has been tested and deemed safe for recreational activities.
Evacuating your Home
If you have to evacuate your home, take your pets with you. Do not assume they will be ok if they are left behind.
By downtown last night, this adorable beaver attracted a crowd while swimming up and down the flooded edge of the Raccoon River looking quite disoriented. According to Doug Harr of the DNR, as quoted in this article, people in Des Moines can expect to see more deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks and other wildlife in populated areas like housing developments as they move to higher ground. Animal Control in Des Moines has had several calls regarding snapping turtles that have wandered into roadways or yards, and many people have reported finding baby wildlife.
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