The Yellow Dog Project is a worldwide initiative that promotes the safety of dogs. It recognizes that some canines need their personal space when out in public.
Whether they are recovering from surgery, or perhaps are a rescue, some dogs are not ready for human or pet contact. Dogs involved with the initiative wear a yellow ribbon, which lets people know to give them space.
“I heard about it two or three years ago through friends, then my customer brought in an information sheet about it,” said Pet Valu Powell River manager Lisa Lombardo.
Lombardo is a local champion for Yellow Dog. She became involved in the project as a result of seeing a need for her dog, Copper, a three-year-old rescue dog from California. A very friendly Staffordshire Mastiff, Lombardo said Copper was a stray and may have been used in dogfighting. As a result, he can be a little wary of other dogs.
“His big thing is he doesn’t like dogs running up to him,” said Lombardo, who has been promoting the project on social media to let people know about it, as well talking about it to customers.
While not an official representative for Yellow Dog, she said she is interested in possibly starting a local chapter in the future.
“I’d like to get some ribbons together and start selling them in stores, maybe get somebody local to make them,” said Lombardo. “It’s not about raising money, but just creating that awareness.”
Local resident Danielle Fortin is involved as well. She is the owner of two dogs: Dekker, a tiny Chihuahua cross and Mishka, who Fortin affectionately calls a big mutt.
Fortin said she had heard of the Yellow Dog Project while living in Vancouver. When she moved to Powell River, she heard about it again while shopping.
“I was at Pet Valu when Lisa mentioned it to me,” said Fortin. “She asked if I wanted to be a part of it.”
Fortin said she decided to become involved because her dogs needed their personal space, as well.
“My big guy had a couple bad experiences when younger,” she added, “and he has a scary bark.”
Lombardo said she has a few suggestions to pass along to dog owners and residents who come across other people walking with dogs.
“Pay attention to your surroundings, respect other dogs; if on a trail, look up ahead,” she said. “Ask the owner before you approach them. For example, before you approach, ask, ‘Is it okay to pat your dog,’ or, ‘Can my dog say hello to your dog?’”
Lombardo admitted it is bit of an issue in Powell River, a place that is largely rural, and where many people let their dogs off leash.
Danielle agreed. “Chances that people know about it here are slim,” she said. “I definitely do mention it to people.”
With more and more chapters opening every day, the Yellow Dog Project continues to spread the word about dog and people safety. To learn more, go to theyellowdogproject.com.
